Festive Cherry Cola Mocktail Recipe

When I’m in the mood for something fun to sip on—minus the alcohol—I usually go for a mocktail that’s easy but still feels a little special.

This festive cherry cola mocktail is sweet, fizzy, and honestly just looks great in the glass. It’s the kind of drink that works for parties, family get-togethers, or even just a low-key night at home.

I really like how the cherry flavor blends with the cola. It’s a nice balance and feels like a grown-up non-alcoholic cocktail, but still totally approachable.

If you’re bored of plain soda and want something a bit more exciting (without any booze), this is a solid option.

This cherry mocktail is also handy to have in your easy mocktail recipe stash.

With just a handful of ingredients and a few quick steps, you can whip up a drink that’s festive but not fussy.

Festive Cherry Cola Mocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this drink because it nails that sweet cherry flavor and light fizz. The mix of juices, soda, and a little citrus makes it refreshing for both kids and adults.

Equipment

• Rocks glass or a tall glass for serving
• Cocktail shaker or just a mason jar with a lid for mixing
• Bar spoon or, honestly, any spoon for stirring
• Measuring jigger or a small measuring cup
• Strainer if you use a shaker
• Ice cube tray for fresh ice
• Citrus juicer for squeezing lemon or lime juice
• Small bowl for garnishes like cherries or citrus slices

I find a shaker helps the juices mix well, but if you’re feeling lazy, just stir it all in the glass.

A rocks glass is my go-to since it holds just the right amount and doesn’t spill easily.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cola
• 2 tbsp tart cherry juice or sweet cherry juice
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or lime juice
• 1–2 tsp honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 2 tbsp orange juice (optional, for extra citrus)
• 1–2 oz sparkling water, club soda, or lemon-lime soda
• Ice cubes
• 1–2 luxardo cherries or fresh cherries for garnish

I usually go with tart cherry juice—it gives a deeper flavor—but sweet cherry juice is good if you want something lighter.

The garnish makes it look fancy with almost no effort.

Instructions

• Fill your rocks glass with ice cubes.
• Pour in the cola and cherry juice.
• Add the lemon juice and, if you want, the orange juice.
• Stir gently with a spoon to mix it up.
• Taste, then add honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup if you want it a bit sweeter.
• Top with sparkling water, club soda, or lemon-lime soda for that extra fizz.
• Finish with a luxardo cherry or fresh cherry on top.

I almost always stir instead of shaking—keeps the cola nice and fizzy.

If you do shake, just crack the lid open slowly so you don’t end up with a mess.

Notes

I like using a rocks glass because it just feels good in your hand—not too big, not too small.

If I want it lighter, I’ll add more sparkling water and cut back on the cola.

You can swap honey for maple syrup if you want a richer sweetness.

Sometimes I’ll toss in a little more lemon juice for a sharper kick.

Luxardo cherries are my favorite for garnish—they’re bold and sweet—but honestly, fresh cherries work just fine.

If I’m watching sugar, I’ll use unsweetened tart cherry juice and skip any extra sweetener.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip, the bright cherry flavor jumps out at me. It’s sweet, but not in a way that feels too heavy.

The cola brings in a light fizz, which honestly just makes everything more refreshing. That balance is pretty smooth.

Cherry gives it a fruity kick, and the cola keeps things familiar—easy to drink, you know? I really like how the flavors blend; neither one tries to steal the show.

There’s also this slight tartness from the cherry. It keeps the drink from falling flat and, honestly, makes me want another sip.

The texture? Light and bubbly. The carbonation just lifts the flavors and gives the whole thing a lively feel.

I can’t help but notice the color, too. That deep red tint looks pretty festive in the glass and really matches the flavor vibe.

If I toss in some ice, the drink stays crisp and chilled. The cold sharpens those cherry notes and the fizz pops even more.

For me, this mocktail feels fun and uncomplicated. It’s got enough flavor to feel special, but it’s still familiar and easy to enjoy.