Cherry Vanilla Punch is a delightful cocktail that combines sweet and tart flavors. This drink mixes cherry juice, vanilla vodka, and citrus soda for a refreshing taste. The Cherry Vanilla Punch is easy to make and perfect for parties or relaxing at home.
The recipe calls for simple ingredients that blend well together.
Cherry juice adds a fruity base, while vanilla vodka gives a smooth, sweet kick. Lemon-lime soda tops it off with a fizzy touch.
This cocktail works great for many occasions. It’s a hit at summer gatherings and holiday parties alike. The pretty pink color makes it look fancy in a glass. People who try it often ask for the recipe.
Cherry Vanilla Punch Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large punch bowl
- Long-handled spoon for stirring
- Ladle: For serving.
- Ice bucket
- Glasses for serving
Ingredients
For a batch that serves 8-10 people:
- 2 cups cherry juice
- 1 cup vanilla vodka
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- 1 liter cherry-flavored seltzer water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cherries and lemon slices for garnish
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup.
Instructions
- Chill all ingredients before starting.
- In the punch bowl, mix cherry juice, vanilla vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Stir well to combine all liquids.
- Just before serving, add the cherry seltzer and stir gently.
- Add a large block of ice or ice cubes to keep the punch cold.
- Float lemon slices and fresh cherries on top for garnish.
- Serve in glasses over ice, using a ladle.
Stir the punch gently before each serving to mix settled ingredients.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Cherry Vanilla Punch Cocktail offers a delightful mix of flavors. Its bright pink color catches the eye right away.
The first sip reveals a sweet cherry taste. Vanilla notes come through next, adding a smooth, creamy quality. A hint of citrus provides balance and freshness.
The drink has a light, bubbly texture from the soda water. This makes it refreshing and easy to drink. The alcohol gives a gentle warmth without being too strong.
Sweetness is the main flavor, but it’s not overpowering.
The vanilla softens the cherry, creating a well-rounded taste. A slight tartness from the lemon juice cuts through the sweetness.
This cocktail works well for many occasions. It’s fun for parties but also nice for a relaxing evening at home. The flavors remind some people of cherry vanilla ice cream in drink form.
Substitute
Cherry Vanilla Punch can be tweaked with different ingredients. For a non-alcoholic version, leave out the vodka and use extra soda water. Swap cherry juice for cranberry juice to change the flavor profile.
If you don’t have vanilla vodka, use regular vodka and add a splash of vanilla extract. For a tropical twist, try coconut rum instead of vodka.
Fresh cherries can be replaced with frozen ones. In a pinch, maraschino cherries work too. No grenadine? Mix equal parts pomegranate juice and sugar as a substitute.
These swaps let you enjoy the cocktail even if you’re missing an ingredient or two. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to experiment with different combinations.