A refreshing Cherry Limeade Vodka Smash combines sweet and tart flavors into a perfect summer drink.
This simple cocktail mixes fresh cherries, lime juice, and vodka with a splash of soda water to create a light and fruity drink. It takes just 5 minutes to make.
The bright red color and fizzy texture make this drink stand out at backyard parties and barbecues. Fresh muddled cherries add natural sweetness while lime brings a zesty kick that balances the smooth vodka.
This recipe works well for both small gatherings and large parties. It can be made by the glass or scaled up into a pitcher. The ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store during cherry season from May through August.
Cherry Limeade Vodka Smash Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Strainer
- Collins glass
- Ice bucket
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 4-5 fresh cherries pitted
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Cherry and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Add pitted cherries and simple syrup to the shaker. Muddle until cherries release their juice.
- Pour in vodka and fresh lime juice. Then, fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake the mixture for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top with club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a fresh cherry and lime wheel.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Cherry Limeade Vodka Smash hits the taste buds with a bright, zesty burst of lime. Fresh cherry flavors blend smoothly with the crisp vodka base.
Sweet and tart notes balance perfectly in this refreshing cocktail. The muddle mint adds a cool, garden-fresh element that lifts the drink’s flavor profile.
A light fizz from club soda brings a pleasant effervescence. The drink feels clean and light on the palate.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Fresh lime zest
- Sweet cherry
- Cool mint
- Light bubbles
- Smooth vodka
The finish is clean with lingering hints of cherry and lime. Ice dilution helps mellow the vodka’s bite while keeping the drink cool and refreshing.
The cocktail’s red-pink color and floating mint leaves make it visually appealing. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh cherries for the best presentation.
Substitute
Don’t have cherry vodka? Use plain vodka and add 1/2 ounce of cherry juice or syrup instead. This change keeps the drink’s sweet-tart taste intact.
Fresh limes work best, but bottled lime juice makes a good backup. Use 1 ounce of bottled juice to replace 2 fresh limes.
No Sprite or 7-Up on hand? Mix equal parts club soda and simple syrup. This mix creates that same fizzy sweetness needed for the drink.
Alternative Spirits:
- White rum
- Gin
- Tequila blanco
Want a non-alcoholic version? Skip the vodka and add extra lime-flavored soda. Kids and non-drinkers can enjoy this tasty drink too.
For a less sweet drink, replace the lemon-lime soda with sparkling water. Add a splash of simple syrup to balance the tartness.
