When I’m craving something refreshing but want to skip the booze, I always end up making a cherry mojito mocktail.
This easy mocktail recipe brings all that zesty lime and minty goodness you’d expect from a classic mojito, but with a sweet twist from dark cherries—and zero alcohol.
It’s honestly a great pick for anyone, no matter the occasion, and it’s nice knowing everyone can join in.
There’s something about the natural sweetness of dark cherries that just works with fresh mint and lime.
If you’re hunting for a fun, fruity non-alcoholic drink to shake up at home, this one’s up there on my list.
Dark Cherry Mojito Mocktail Recipe
I get a lot of joy out of making this sparkling cherry mocktail, especially when cherries are in season.
There’s just something about the combo of juicy cherries, mint, and a splash of lime juice that makes it so bright and lively.
Equipment
- Muddler: I use this to mash up cherries and mint so they really release their flavors.
- Mixing Glass or Jar: A sturdy glass is fine, but honestly, I often reach for a mason jar.
- Cocktail Spoon or Stirrer: For mixing everything up.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: Just to keep things from getting too wild.
- Fine Mesh Strainer (optional): I’ll use this if I don’t want cherry bits floating around.
- Highball Glass: Perfect for pouring the finished mocktail over ice.
Ingredients
- Fresh Dark Cherries (or frozen): About 1/2 cup, pitted and halved. Juicy, ripe ones are the best.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: 8-10 leaves, gently bruised to wake up the flavor.
- Lime Juice: 1 to 2 tablespoons, and I always go for fresh if I can.
- Simple Syrup or Agave Syrup: 1-2 tablespoons, but I’ll adjust depending on my mood.
- Sparkling Water or Club Soda: About 3/4 cup for that bubbly lift.
- Ice Cubes: Just enough to fill up the glass.
- Extra Mint Sprigs and Cherries: For garnish—makes it look extra fresh.
Instructions
- Toss the pitted cherries and mint leaves into your glass.
- Grab your muddler and gently mash them together until the juices and mint oils come out.
- Pour in the lime juice and simple syrup (or agave).
- Add a bunch of ice cubes.
- Top it all with sparkling water or club soda.
- Stir it up with a cocktail spoon until it looks well mixed.
- If you’re not into pulp, strain the drink into a clean glass.
- Finish with a sprig of mint and a couple of whole cherries.
Notes
I always reach for fresh cherries when I can, but thawed frozen cherries totally work too.
If dark cherries are out of season, sweet red cherries do the trick. Adjust the syrup for sweetness—sometimes I want it tart, sometimes not.
For a crowd, I just scale up the ingredients and use a big pitcher.
Try not to go overboard muddling the mint; that can make things bitter and nobody wants that. Club soda or sparkling water—either’s fine, I just use what’s in the fridge.
Some days, I’ll squeeze in extra lime if I want more tang, or up the syrup for a sweeter vibe.
And honestly, floating mint leaves and a bright cherry on top just look so good.
Dark Cherry Mojito Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail spoon or stirrer
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
Ingredients
- cup fresh or frozen dark cherries pitted and halved
- 8 –10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 –2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 –2 tablespoons simple syrup or agave syrup adjust to taste
- 3/4 cup sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes enough to fill the glass
- Extra mint sprig for garnish
- Whole cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Gently muddle them together until the juices are released and mint is fragrant.
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the cherry-mint mixture over the ice.
- Top off with sparkling water or club soda.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Optional: Strain into a clean glass if you prefer a pulp-free drink.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a couple of whole cherries.
- Serve immediately and enjoy chilled.
Tasting Notes
First sip? The juicy dark cherries hit right away.
There’s a rich, almost deep flavor—sweet but with just enough tartness to keep things interesting.
The lime juice pops in, bringing a zesty, fresh kick that keeps the drink from feeling too sugary.
That cherry-lime balance is what makes this mocktail so dang refreshing.
Every sip, the mint leaves show up, adding a cool, crisp note.
It’s got that classic mojito vibe, but the dark cherry twist makes it feel a bit new.
The fizz from the sparkling water just lifts everything, making the whole drink feel lighter.
Sometimes I’ll toss in more lime or cherry if I’m feeling bold.
If you’re a mint fan, just add a few extra leaves for a bigger punch.
Cherry mojito mocktails have this clear, fruity taste—they’re never too syrupy or heavy.
They’re perfect for hot days, or honestly, any time I want something a little more special than plain juice.
