Cherry Cosmo Recipe Easy and Refreshing Cocktail Guide

Updated On: October 13, 2025

Nothing says chic and refreshing quite like a Cherry Cosmo. This delightful twist on the classic cosmopolitan cocktail adds a burst of fruity cherry flavor, perfect for those who want a little extra flair in their glass.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply unwinding after a long day, the Cherry Cosmo is your go-to drink for sophistication and sweetness combined. The vibrant ruby-red color and the balance of tart, sweet, and citrusy notes make it a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to sip.

Grab your shaker and get ready to impress with this elegant cocktail recipe!

This blog post will guide you through the simple steps and ingredients necessary to craft the perfect Cherry Cosmo. We’ll also share tips, variations, and serving ideas to elevate your cocktail experience.

Plus, for those interested in other fantastic recipes to complement your drinks, you’ll find some great internal links at the end!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Cherry Cosmo is a fresh take on a beloved classic, combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweet depth of cherries. It’s super easy to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients that you might already have in your home bar.

This cocktail is perfect for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a fancy dinner party.

Additionally, it’s versatile—you can customize the sweetness or sourness to your taste. The vibrant color and fruity aroma make it an inviting choice that appeals to both cocktail connoisseurs and novices alike.

Plus, it’s a great conversation starter and looks stunning in any glassware!

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka (choose a smooth, quality brand for best results)
  • 1 oz triple sec (orange-flavored liqueur)
  • 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
  • 1 oz cherry juice (preferably tart cherry juice for balance)
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh cherries (for garnish)
  • Lime wheel or twist (optional garnish)

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker (essential for mixing and chilling)
  • Jigger or measuring tool (for precise measurements)
  • Strainer (to keep ice shards out of the glass)
  • Martini or coupe glass (chilled for serving)
  • Citrus juicer (optional but helpful for fresh lime juice)
  • Bar spoon (for stirring if needed)

Instructions

  1. Chill your glass: Place your martini or coupe glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes to get it nicely chilled.
  2. Prepare the ingredients: Squeeze fresh lime juice and measure out the vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and cherry juice.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice: Add enough ice to fill your cocktail shaker about halfway.
  4. Add the liquids: Pour in the vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, cherry juice, and lime juice over the ice.
  5. Shake well: Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This chills and dilutes the cocktail just enough.
  6. Strain and serve: Remove the glass from the freezer and strain the cocktail mixture into it, leaving the ice behind in the shaker.
  7. Garnish: Skewer a fresh cherry (or two) and place it in the glass. Add a lime wheel or twist if desired for an extra pop of citrus aroma.
  8. Enjoy: Sip and savor your beautifully balanced Cherry Cosmo!

Tips & Variations

“For a sweeter touch, add a splash of simple syrup or use sweetened cherry juice instead of tart. To make it a sparkling Cherry Cosmo, top off with a splash of prosecco or soda water.”

  • Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the cherry juice or add a teaspoon of simple syrup.
  • Cherry brandy option: Substitute the triple sec with cherry brandy for a stronger cherry flavor.
  • Frozen Cherry Cosmo: Blend all ingredients with ice cubes for a frozen cocktail twist perfect for warm days.
  • Non-alcoholic version: Omit the vodka and triple sec, add a little sparkling water, and increase the juices for a refreshing mocktail.
  • Garnish creativity: Try skewering maraschino cherries or even a sprig of fresh mint for a fragrant garnish.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 150-170 kcal
Carbohydrates 12-15 g
Sugar 10-13 g
Fat 0 g
Protein 0 g
Alcohol 15-20 g

Note: Nutrition values vary depending on brands and juice sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

The Cherry Cosmo is a versatile cocktail that pairs beautifully with a variety of appetizers and meals. Its bright and fruity flavor complements light and fresh dishes perfectly.

  • Serve alongside veg grilled sandwiches for a casual yet chic snack or lunch.
  • Pair with zesty Asian-inspired appetizers, like those featured in Black Bean Sauce Recipes, for a flavorful contrast.
  • For dinner, a light salad or seafood dish makes a great match, letting the cocktail’s fruitiness shine.
  • End the evening with a refreshing dessert such as the Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan, to keep the fruity theme going.

Conclusion

The Cherry Cosmo is an elegant and refreshing cocktail that’s surprisingly simple to make but impressive in taste and presentation. Its perfect balance of tart cranberry, sweet cherry, and bright lime juice creates a drink that is both inviting and sophisticated.

Whether you’re mixing one up for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this cocktail delivers satisfaction with every sip.

By following this recipe, you can easily craft a Cherry Cosmo that rivals those from high-end bars — right in your own home. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations and garnishes to make it your own.

For more delicious and easy recipes, check out Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide, and Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy.

Cheers to your next perfect Cherry Cosmo!

📖 Recipe Card: Cherry Cosmo Recipe

Description: A sweet and tart twist on the classic Cosmopolitan, featuring cherry vodka and fresh lime juice. Perfect for a refreshing cocktail hour or a festive gathering.

Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT5M

Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

  • 2 oz cherry vodka
  • 1 oz triple sec
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh cherries for garnish
  • Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add cherry vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
  4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Garnish with fresh cherries and a lime wheel.
  6. Serve immediately.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 15g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cherry Cosmo Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A sweet and tart twist on the classic Cosmopolitan, featuring cherry vodka and fresh lime juice. Perfect for a refreshing cocktail hour or a festive gathering.”, “prepTime”: “PT5M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT5M”, “recipeYield”: “1 serving”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 oz cherry vodka”, “1 oz triple sec”, “1 oz cranberry juice”, “0.5 oz fresh lime juice”, “0.5 oz simple syrup”, “Ice cubes”, “Fresh cherries for garnish”, “Lime wheel for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cherry vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Strain into a chilled martini glass.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh cherries and a lime wheel.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “0g”, “fatContent”: “0g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X