Looking for a refreshing drink without alcohol? This Cherry Vanilla Cooler Mocktail is perfect for spring gatherings or anytime you want something special to sip on. This easy-to-make mocktail combines sweet cherries and smooth vanilla for a delicious drink that takes just minutes to prepare.
The bright red color makes it eye-catching for parties, while the balanced flavors appeal to both adults and kids. You can make it with fresh cherries when in season or use frozen cherries year-round.
This recipe works well for baby showers, family celebrations, or just a weekend treat. Add a cherry garnish and colorful straw to make it extra festive without any extra work.
Cherry Vanilla Cooler Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Highball glasses (8-12 oz)
- Ice cube trays
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Cocktail shaker (optional)
- Straw
- Cherry pitter (optional but helpful)
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries pitted
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract optional
- Ice cubes
- Soda water or sparkling water
- Fresh cherries and mint leaves for garnish
Fresh cherries work best when in season (May-August), but frozen cherries are a great year-round alternative. The almond extract enhances the cherry flavor but can be omitted if you have nut allergies.
Instructions
- Pit the cherries if using fresh ones.
- Add cherries, vanilla yogurt, milk, honey, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the blender.
- Blend on high speed until smooth, about 30-45 seconds.
- Fill highball glasses halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour the cherry-vanilla mixture over the ice, filling the glass about 2/3 full.
- Top with soda water and gently stir.
- Garnish with a fresh cherry and mint leaf.
The mocktail can be prepared up to the blending stage and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Add ice and soda water just before serving for the best taste and fizz.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Cherry Vanilla Cooler offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Cherry takes center stage with its bright, fruit-forward profile, while vanilla adds a smooth, creamy undertone.
When first sipped, you’ll notice the immediate burst of cherry flavor. This initial taste is followed by the warm notes of vanilla that help round out the drink’s profile.
The carbonation provides a refreshing fizz that makes this mocktail light and enjoyable. The bubbles help carry the aroma to enhance the overall experience.
The drink’s color ranges from pale pink to deeper red, depending on the type of cherry juice used. Fresh garnishes add visual appeal and complementary aromas.
Temperature affects the taste dramatically. When properly chilled, the flavors become more pronounced without any single element overpowering the others.
This mocktail works well year-round but particularly shines during summer months when served over plenty of ice. The drink maintains its flavor balance even as the ice melts.
For those who prefer less sweetness, adjusting the ratio of cherry juice to soda water can create a more subtle flavor experience while maintaining the drink’s essential character.
Substitutes
Don’t have all the ingredients for a Cherry Vanilla Cooler? No problem. Here are some easy swaps that work well in this mocktail.
For the cherry juice, try cranberry, pomegranate, or mixed berry juice. Each brings a different flavor but maintains that lovely red color.
Milk Alternatives:
- Almond milk
- Oat milk
- Coconut milk
- Soy milk
If you don’t have vanilla extract, use a tablespoon of vanilla syrup or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more dessert-like drink.
No fresh cherries for garnish? Try using:
- Frozen cherries
- Strawberry slices
- Raspberries
- Citrus wheels
For a sugar-free version, replace the simple syrup with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. You can also try honey or maple syrup for different flavor notes.
Want to turn this into an adult beverage? Add 1 ounce of vodka, rum, or cherry liqueur per serving.
The recipe tastes best when chilled. If you don’t have time to refrigerate, simply add more ice to cool it quickly.
