Tart Cherry Cocktail Recipe
This recipe guides you in crafting a vibrant Tart Cherry Cocktail, a delightful variation of a Cosmopolitan. It perfectly balances the tartness of cherry and lime with the sweetness of orange liqueur and the kick of vodka, shaken and served elegantly chilled.
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker With built-in strainer or separate fine mesh strainer
- 1 Jigger For accurate measurement of liquids
- 1 Citrus Juicer For fresh lime juice
- 1 Cocktail glass Coupe or Martini glass recommended
- 1 Bar Spoon Optional, for stirring or layering
Ingredients
Main
- 1/2 ounce tart cherry juice concentrate see note
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice from 1 lime
- 1 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
- 3 ounces vodka
- Lime slice or twist for garnish
Instructions
- Ensure all liquid ingredients are thoroughly chilled before beginning.
- Freshly squeeze 1/2 ounce of lime juice.
- Combine 1/2 ounce tart cherry juice concentrate, 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 ounce Cointreau (or triple sec), and 3 ounces vodka into a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the cocktail shaker generously with ice.
- Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, until the shaker feels frosty to the touch.
- Strain the cocktail directly into a chilled coupe or martini glass, discarding the ice.
- Garnish the rim or drop into the cocktail a fresh lime slice or a carefully twisted lime peel.
Notes
Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest and most balanced flavor; pre-bottled lime juice often contains preservatives that can dull the cocktail. Ensure all liquid ingredients are well-chilled before mixing to minimize ice dilution during shaking, which helps maintain the drink's integrity and strength. The tart cherry juice concentrate can vary in intensity, so taste and adjust the amount to balance sweetness and acidity to your preference. For an enhanced experience, serve in a pre-chilled coupe or martini glass.