Cherry Martini Cocktail Recipe

A cherry martini adds a bright, fruity twist to a classic cocktail. I just love how the smooth cherry flavor and crisp vodka come together—it’s both refreshing and a bit fancy without feeling stuffy.

You can whip up this cocktail at home with a few ingredients and basic tools.

That rich red color and gentle sweetness? It really makes the drink stand out, whether it’s just you on the couch or a couple of friends dropping by. The cherry martini doesn’t just look gorgeous—it’s clean, smooth, and finishes with a lovely cherry note.

Let me walk you through how I mix up the perfect cherry martini, what you’ll need, and what you can expect from that first sip.

Cherry Martini Cocktail Recipe

This drink balances sweet cherry with crisp vodka and just a little lemon. It looks beautiful in a chilled martini glass, and honestly, it’s pretty easy to make if you’ve got your setup ready.

Equipment

I grab a few simple tools to get everything mixed and served the right way.

• Cocktail shaker with a tight lid for mixing and chilling
• Martini glass to serve it cold and stylish
• Jigger or a small measuring cup for accurate pours
• Strainer to keep out ice and pulp
• Bar spoon for a gentle stir if you need it
• Citrus juicer for squeezing fresh lemon juice
• Small bowl for maraschino or fresh cherries

I like to chill my martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes first. That way, the drink stays cold and the flavors feel crisper.

Ingredients

I always reach for fresh, balanced flavors—good spirits and juices make a difference.

• 2 oz vodka or gin
• 1 oz cherry liqueur or cherry brandy
• 1 oz cherry juice or black cherry juice
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup or vanilla syrup
• Optional: ¼ oz amaretto for a nutty kick
• Ice cubes for shaking
• Maraschino cherry or fresh cherries for garnish

Fresh lemon juice brightens everything up, while the syrup keeps the tartness in check. I play with the syrup amount, adding more or less depending on my mood.

Instructions

Here’s how I usually make it.

• Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
• Pour in vodka, cherry liqueur, cherry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Shake it hard for about 15 seconds, or until the shaker feels frosty.
• Strain into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with a maraschino cherry or a skewer of fresh cherries.

If I’m feeling lighter, I’ll top it off with a splash of sparkling water. I always taste as I go and tweak the sweetness or tartness if something feels off.

Notes

Black cherry juice gives the drink a deeper color and a richer taste than regular cherry juice—at least in my experience. Sometimes, I blend vodka with a touch of gin for a smoother, softer finish.

Keeping everything cold before mixing helps keep the drink from getting watery. I try not to over-shake, since that can make things cloudy.

For a fun twist, I’ll freeze cherries and use them as ice cubes. They keep the drink cold and don’t water it down—plus, they look pretty great in the glass.

Tasting Notes

I notice the Cherry Martini shows off a bright ruby color—clean, inviting, honestly kind of hard to resist in the glass.

The first sip? It’s smooth, with that sweet cherry flavor up front, but there’s enough tartness to keep things refreshing.

The aroma brings fresh cherries to mind, and there’s a little almond from the liqueur that sneaks in.

Feels like something I’d want to serve at summer parties—guests usually want something cool, nothing too heavy.

I really like how the drink finishes crisp and just a bit dry, leaving a gentle fruit note lingering on my tongue.

It’s got this elegant cocktail vibe—simple to enjoy, but with a touch of sophistication that’s hard to fake.

When you chill it right, the texture stays silky and pleasant.

Honestly, using real cherry juice instead of syrup makes a difference; the flavor feels cleaner, more natural, and every sip tastes fresh and balanced.