Cherry Pie Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, a slice of cherry pie just brings back cozy memories for me. Turning that flavor into a drink? Well, that’s even better. There’s something about the way sweet and tart cherry mingle with smooth spirits—it feels nostalgic, but still a little exciting. This Cherry Pie Cocktail recipe is my go-to when I want that classic dessert vibe in a glass, but with a refreshing twist.

You don’t need anything fancy here. I stick to simple, easy-to-find ingredients and quick steps, so it’s not a hassle to whip up. What really gets me is how this drink captures the comfort of cherry pie, but somehow stays light enough for any time.

Take a sip and you’ll get it—the balance of sweet and tart makes it tough to stop at just one glass. It’s got that fun, familiar twist and works just as well for sharing as it does for a solo treat.

Cherry Pie Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this drink because it’s basically cherry pie in a glass. Sweet cherry flavors meet a nutty hint of amaretto, and a little maple syrup smooths it all out. With the right tools and some easy steps, you can totally make it at home.

Equipment

My setup stays pretty simple. A few trusty tools help me mix and serve without any fuss.

• Cocktail shaker – I use this to chill and blend everything together.
• Jigger – Makes measuring the liquids a breeze.
• Strainer – Keeps ice and pulp out of my glass.
• Old fashioned glass – It just feels right for this drink.
• Bar spoon – I give it a gentle stir before serving.
• Ice cubes – I’m partial to big cubes—they melt slow and keep things nice and cold.

The right tools just make the process smoother and the drink turns out consistently good.

Ingredients

I go for ingredients that are rich but not cloying. Cherry and that almond-like amaretto play off each other so well.

• 1 ½ oz cherry liqueur
• 1 oz amaretto
• ½ oz maple syrup
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 oz vodka
• Ice cubes for shaking
• Maraschino cherries for garnish

Real maple syrup wins out for me—it gives a deeper, warmer sweetness than plain syrup. And maraschino cherries on top? They just finish it off, both in color and taste.

Instructions

I stick to a few easy steps to keep things balanced and smooth.

• Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
• Add the cherry liqueur, amaretto, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vodka.
• Shake hard for about 15–20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
• Strain everything into an old fashioned glass with fresh ice.
• Pop a couple maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick for garnish.

Sometimes I’ll chill the glass first—just for that extra cold sip. Shaking everything together really blends the flavors and gives the drink a light texture.

Notes

I like mine a little tart, so I’ll tweak the lemon juice if I’m in the mood. If I want it sweeter, a splash more maple syrup does the trick.

That combo of cherry liqueur and amaretto is what gives this cocktail its pie-like vibe. Vodka keeps it light and easy to drink.

I usually serve it after dinner as a dessert drink, but sometimes I’ll make it for a small gathering when I want something simple with a bit of flair.

Tasting Notes

The first sip hits me with a sweet note, but it doesn’t weigh me down. That cherry flavor jumps out, tasting more like real fruit than anything artificial.

It feels light and smooth on my tongue. I notice the tart cherry and just a whisper of vanilla, which keeps things from getting cloying.

When I take a breath, there’s this gentle aroma—almond and a bit of pie crust. It’s honestly comforting, almost like a cozy kitchen on a chilly day.

The finish? Pretty clean, with just a hint of tang left behind. I appreciate how the sweetness drifts away slowly, leaving a soft fruitiness that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Flavor highlights:

• Sweetness: mild to medium
• Tartness: noticeable but balanced
• Texture: smooth and light
• Aroma: cherry, almond, and vanilla

Each sip feels like a simple dessert drink—easygoing, not too rich, and honestly, kind of delightful.