Cherry Martini Cocktail
A bright, fruity martini that balances cherry liqueur and cherry juice with crisp vodka (or gin) and fresh lemon for a clean, elegant sip.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Martini glass
- Jigger
- Strainer
- Bar spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Small bowl for cherries
- Ice
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka or gin
- 1 oz cherry liqueur or cherry brandy
- 1 oz cherry juice or black cherry juice
- 0.5 oz lemon juice fresh
- 0.5 oz simple syrup or vanilla syrup
- 0.25 oz amaretto optional
- ice for shaking
- maraschino cherry or fresh cherries; for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass in the freezer.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add vodka (or gin), cherry liqueur, cherry juice, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add amaretto if using.
- Shake firmly for about 15 seconds until the shaker feels frosty.
- Strain into the chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry or a skewer of fresh cherries and serve immediately.
Notes
Black cherry juice gives a deeper color and richer flavor than regular cherry juice. Keep all ingredients and the glass well-chilled to avoid dilution. For a lighter take, top the cocktail with a small splash of sparkling water. Frozen cherries make great ‘ice cubes’ that won’t water down the drink.