Spiced Cherry Sparkling Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always loved cocktails that feel easy but still have a little magic to them. This spiced cherry sparkling cocktail? It totally nails that vibe.

You get a refreshing sip with sweet cherry, a cozy hit of spice, and a crisp, bubbly finish. It’s really simple to whip up, and honestly, it looks kind of gorgeous in the glass.

The cherries bring this rich, juicy flavor, and the spices just warm everything up in the nicest way. With the sparkling water, it stays light—perfect for when you want something festive but not too filling.

Let’s get into how you actually make it, what you’ll need, and what to expect when you take that first sip.

Spiced Cherry Sparkling Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this drink because the mix of cherry sweetness, spiced rum warmth, and fizzy sparkle just works. It’s not heavy, and it feels right for any season, really.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I grab this to blend the rum, syrup, and juice together.
• Muddler – Helps me get more flavor out of the cherries.
• Fine mesh strainer – I don’t love pulp, so this keeps things smooth.
• Measuring jigger – For getting the right balance every time.
• Tall glass – Highball or Collins is my go-to for the bubbles.
• Bar spoon – I use this to stir gently so I don’t kill the fizz.
• Ice cubes – Fresh ice just tastes better, trust me.

Having the right tools makes the whole thing way easier, and your drink ends up looking a lot more polished.

Ingredients

• 2 oz spiced rum – That’s where the warmth and depth come from.
• 1 oz cherry syrup – Sweet, fruity—I lean toward homemade or a really good store-bought one.
• 1 oz fresh lime juice – Cuts the sweetness and keeps things bright.
• 3 oz sparkling water – Adds fizz without covering up the other flavors.
• 2 fresh cherries – I muddle one, then use the other for garnish.
• Ice cubes – Enough to fill up your glass.

Sometimes I swap the sparkling water for cherry cola if I want it a bit sweeter and richer. It turns into more of a cherry soda cocktail, which is fun in its own way.

Instructions

• Fill your shaker with ice.
• Pour in the spiced rum, cherry syrup, and lime juice.
• Shake for about 10–12 seconds until it’s nice and cold.
• Muddle one cherry at the bottom of your serving glass.
• Strain the mix from the shaker into the glass over fresh ice.
• Top it off with sparkling water or cherry cola.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon so you keep those bubbles.
• Drop the second cherry on top for garnish.

I always serve it right away—nobody wants flat bubbles or dull flavors.

Notes

I try to keep things balanced. Too much syrup, and it’s cloying; too much lime, and the cherry gets lost.

If I want it lighter, I’ll just pour in more sparkling water. For a stronger kick, I’ll sneak in another half ounce of spiced rum.

This recipe’s really for one, but you can scale it up for a small pitcher if you want. Just stir instead of shaking so you don’t lose all that carbonation.

Tasting Notes

First sip—boom, that bright cherry flavor jumps out. It’s sweet, but not in a syrupy way, mostly because the bubbles keep things lively.

There’s this gentle wave of spice in the background. I catch a little cinnamon, maybe some clove, and they give it a kind of cozy warmth without taking over.

Honestly, the sparkling water really does a nice job here. It keeps everything crisp and light, so you never feel like it’s too much after a few sips.

The finish is smooth, with just a bit of tang sneaking in. That combo of sweet cherry and spice hangs around pleasantly, but doesn’t overstay its welcome.

I’d say this cocktail’s great for just hanging out or even bringing to a get-together. It’s got that festive vibe, but it’s not trying too hard, you know?