Are you looking for a delicious and refreshing cocktail to impress your friends or simply enjoy a relaxing evening at home? Look no further! This Cherry Vodka Sour recipe is the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and subtly sophisticated. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cocktail enthusiasts, and requires minimal ingredients. This quick dinner drink is perfect for any occasion! Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this delightful and easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Vodka (a good quality vodka will enhance the flavor)
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice (about 1 large lemon)
- ¾ oz Cherry Syrup (recipe below)
- ½ oz Simple Syrup (recipe below)
- 2-3 Fresh Cherries (for garnish)
- Ice
Making the Cherry Syrup & Simple Syrup:
Cherry Syrup:
- 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Cherries, pitted
- ½ cup Water
- ½ cup Sugar
Instructions:
- Combine cherries, water, and sugar in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until cherries have softened and released their juices.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the cherries to extract all the juice. Discard the solids. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Simple Syrup:
- ½ cup Water
- ½ cup Sugar
Instructions:
- Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Instructions for the Cherry Vodka Sour:
- Chill your glass: Place your favorite cocktail glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before making the drink. This will keep your cocktail colder for longer.
- Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, lemon juice, cherry syrup, and simple syrup.
- Shake well: Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the shaker is well chilled.
- Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into your chilled glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with 2-3 fresh cherries and a lemon twist (optional).
Tips for the Best Cherry Vodka Sour:
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh cherries make a significant difference in the taste of your cocktail.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a little more simple syrup. If you prefer it tarter, add a touch more lemon juice.
- Muddle cherries (optional): For a more intense cherry flavor, gently muddle a few cherries before adding them to the shaker.
- Experiment with variations: Try adding a splash of club soda for a lighter version or a dash of bitters for a more complex flavor profile. A sprig of mint also adds a lovely aroma.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 200-250 (depending on the type of vodka and amount of syrup used). This is just an estimate, as nutritional content varies significantly by ingredient brand and amount.
Variations:
- Spicy Cherry Vodka Sour: Add a few slices of jalapeño to the shaker for a spicy kick.
- Raspberry Cherry Vodka Sour: Replace some of the cherry syrup with raspberry syrup for a fruity twist.
- Blood Orange Cherry Vodka Sour: Substitute blood orange juice for some of the lemon juice for a beautiful color and slightly different taste.
This Cherry Vodka Sour recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a sophisticated dinner party. Enjoy responsibly!