Cherry Vodka Collins Cocktail Recipe

A Cherry Vodka Collins is one of those easy twists on the classic Collins cocktail, but with a pop of cherry flavor that really brightens things up. It blends vodka, fresh lemon juice, cherry syrup, and soda water for a crisp, fruity drink that’s honestly pretty easy to throw together at home.

You can make it as a cocktail, or if you’re not into booze, just turn it into a mocktail—it’s flexible like that.

Personally, I’m a fan because it’s refreshing without being too sugary. It works for hanging out with friends or just unwinding solo after a long day.

The cherry’s sweetness balances out the tartness from the lemon, and the soda water keeps everything light and fizzy.

If you’ve ever made a Tom Collins, this will feel pretty familiar, but the cherry twist gives it a little something extra. You only need a few ingredients and nothing fancy in terms of equipment.

It comes together fast—honestly, you’ll probably spend more time pitting cherries than mixing.

Cherry Vodka Collins Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to the Cherry Vodka Collins because it’s just so easy to mix and hits that sweet-tart spot. It’s got vodka, fresh lemon juice, cherries, and soda water, making it a light cocktail that’s perfect for warmer days or laid-back get-togethers.

Equipment

I usually grab a few basic tools before I start mixing. Having the right stuff nearby just makes everything go smoother, especially when you’re eyeballing measurements.

• Collins glass or highball glass
• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger for measuring
• Muddler for crushing cherries
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Strainer for pouring from the shaker
• Ice cubes or crushed ice
• Small knife and cutting board for slicing lemon

I like using a Collins glass because it fits the drink and the ice without feeling cramped. The muddler really helps get all the cherry flavor out—don’t skip it if you can help it.

Ingredients

Fresh ingredients really do make a difference. Cherries add natural sweetness, and the lemon juice gives you that clean, tart edge.

• 2 oz vodka
• 4–5 fresh cherries, pitted
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup or agave syrup
• Club soda or sparkling water to top
• Ice cubes or crushed ice
• Lemon slice for garnish
• Extra fresh cherries for garnish
• Optional: a dash of bitters or flavored syrup for variation

If I’m out of fresh cherries, frozen ones work in a pinch. I try to avoid those super-sweet jarred cherries unless I cut back on the syrup.

Instructions

I like to get everything ready before I start, just so I’m not scrambling mid-mix.

• Toss the fresh cherries into the shaker and muddle them until they’re juicy.
• Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Fill the shaker with ice cubes and give it a good shake—about 10 seconds does the trick.
• Strain the mix into a Collins glass packed with fresh ice.
• Top it off with club soda or sparkling water.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with a lemon slice and a couple of cherries.

Don’t overdo the shaking—just enough to chill it, not so much that it gets watery.

Notes

Sometimes I swap simple syrup for agave syrup if I want something a little lighter. Using soda water instead of club soda makes it a bit less salty, which I prefer.

If I’m after a softer cherry vibe, I’ll muddle fewer cherries and maybe add a splash of cherry-flavored syrup. For more citrus, I’ll throw in some lime juice or mix lemon and lime together.

Serve it right away so the bubbles stay fresh and the ice doesn’t water everything down.

Tasting Notes

So, the first sip—yeah, it hits with this light cherry flavor that’s sweet, but honestly, not too much. The cherry just kind of melds with the vodka; neither one is shouting for attention.

Sweetness? It feels pretty balanced to me. It’s not syrupy, which I appreciate, and I think the sugar level actually lets the fruit shine through.

There’s still that fresh citrus from the lemon juice hanging out in the background. I like that.

The finish is crisp and honestly pretty refreshing. There’s this slight tartness from the lemon that keeps things from getting cloying.

Here’s how I’d sum up the main flavors:

• Sweetness: Mild to medium
• Cherry Flavor: Fresh, fruity, and clear
• Citrus Notes: Bright and just a bit tangy
• Alcohol Presence: Noticeable but smooth

Texture-wise, it’s light, and the fizz from the soda water adds a nice touch. The bubbles really lift the flavors, making it super easy to sip.

If you serve it over ice, the cold seems to sharpen the cherry and citrus notes. I have to say, it keeps every sip feeling pretty refreshing all the way through.