Cherry Lemon Burst Mocktail Recipe
This refreshing mocktail combines tart cherries with zesty lemon for a bright, fruity drink perfect for any occasion. The recipe is simple to follow and uses easy-to-find ingredients.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Ice cube tray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Highball glasses
- Cocktail stirrer or long spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Jigger (optional but helpful for precise measurements)
Ingredients
- 10 fresh cherries pitted (or 1/4 cup frozen cherries, thawed)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 medium lemons
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Mint leaves for garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Cherry for garnish
Optional add-ins:
- 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
- A few drops of cherry or lemon bitters
- 1-2 tablespoons tart cherry juice for deeper flavor
The quality of cherries matters in this recipe.
Instructions
Prepare the cherries:
- Wash and pit 10 cherries. Reserve one cherry for garnish.
Muddle the fruit:
- Place the pitted cherries in a cocktail shaker or mason jar. Add 5-6 mint leaves. Gently muddle to release the cherry juice and mint oils without completely crushing the cherries.
Add remaining ingredients:
- Pour in the lemon juice, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker.
Shake well:
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well combined and chilled.
Strain and serve:
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
Garnish:
- Add a lemon slice, fresh mint leaves, and the reserved cherry on top.
This recipe makes one serving. For a pitcher, multiply all ingredients by the number of servings needed.
Notes
This mocktail can be adapted in several ways.
For a spicier version, add a slice of jalapeño during the muddling step. To make it kid-friendly, reduce the lemon juice to 2 tablespoons and increase the sweetener slightly.
The cherry-lemon base mixture (without sparkling water) can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizziness.
For special occasions, freeze cherries in ice cubes to add visual appeal.
You can also rim the glass with sugar mixed with a pinch of lemon zest for extra flavor.
The mocktail contains about 120 calories per serving when made with maple syrup. For fewer calories, use a sugar-free sweetener instead.