A refreshing and alcohol-free cherry vanilla punch brings sweet flavors to any party or gathering. This easy-to-make mocktail recipe combines tart cherry juice, creamy vanilla, and fizzy soda for a drink that takes just 5 minutes to prepare.
The bright red color makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day, winter holidays, or summer barbecues.
Kids and adults alike enjoy this bubbly beverage that looks as good as it tastes.
This recipe serves 6-8 people and can be doubled for larger groups. The ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores, and the punch can be made ahead of time.
Cherry Vanilla Punch Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large punch bowl or drink dispenser (2-gallon capacity)
- Long-handled spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ice bucket
- Ladle: For serving.
- 8-10 serving glasses
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Blender (optional for fresh cherries)
Ingredients
- 4 cups cherry juice
- 2 cups vanilla bean syrup
- 4 cups lemon-lime soda
- 2 cups club soda
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups frozen cherries
- 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cherries for garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Pour cherry juice and vanilla bean syrup into the punch bowl.
- Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Float frozen cherries and the split vanilla bean in the mixture.
- Add both sodas right before serving to keep the fizz fresh.
- Fill the punch bowl with ice cubes.
- Stir gently with a long-handled spoon.
- Garnish each glass with fresh cherries and lemon slices.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
This mocktail offers a bright and cheerful blend of sweet and tart flavors. The cherry juice adds a rich, fruity base while the vanilla brings warm, smooth notes.
The combination creates a light and refreshing drink that’s not too sweet.
Each sip starts with a burst of cherry that gently fades into subtle vanilla undertones.
The fizzy texture from the sparkling water adds a pleasant tingle. Ice cubes keep the drink perfectly chilled and help blend the flavors together.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Sweet cherry
- Warm vanilla
- Light bubbles
- Clean finish
The punch has a pretty pink color that looks great in clear glasses. The aroma mixes sweet cherry with hints of creamy vanilla, making it inviting before the first taste.
Garnishes like fresh cherries and mint leaves add extra layers of scent and flavor. They make each sip more interesting while keeping the drink balanced.
The taste stays consistent from start to finish, with no single flavor overpowering the others.
Substitute
Several ingredients can replace items in the Cherry Vanilla Punch Mocktail recipe. These swaps work well when the original items aren’t available.
The fresh cherries can be replaced with frozen cherries. Maraschino cherries also work in a pinch, though they add extra sweetness.
For vanilla extract, try these options:
- Vanilla bean paste (use 1/2 teaspoon)
- Vanilla bean pod (split and scraped)
- Vanilla syrup (use 1 tablespoon)
Club soda alternatives include:
- Sparkling water
- Tonic water
- Ginger ale (reduces sweetness needed)
The cherry juice options are:
- Tart cherry juice
- Black cherry juice
- Cherry-cranberry juice blend
Lime juice should be fresh, but bottled works too. In place of lime, try lemon juice or a splash of orange juice.
Sugar-free simple syrup works for those watching sugar intake. Honey or agave nectar make good natural sweeteners.
Pro tip: When using frozen cherries, let them thaw before muddling to release more flavor.
