The Cherry Pop Cocktail is a delightful variation of the classic Gin Fizz, incorporating the sweet and tart flavors of cherries into this effervescent and refreshing drink. Perfect for summer evenings, this cocktail combines gin, fresh lemon juice, cherry syrup, and soda water, creating a beautifully layered drink that’s both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce cherry syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- Soda water, to top up
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cherries and a lemon twist, for garnish
For the Cherry Syrup (if making homemade):
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Directions:
- Prepare the Cherry Syrup (if making homemade): In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool. Once cooled, strain the syrup to remove the cherry solids. Store the syrup in a clean bottle or jar in the refrigerator.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a shaker, combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and cherry syrup over ice.
- Shake: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, or until well chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
- Top with Soda Water: Gently top up the glass with soda water, adjusting the amount to your taste preference. The soda water adds fizz and dilutes the drink to a perfect sipping strength.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cherries and a twist of lemon. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant mix of flavors.
Tips:
- For an extra touch of elegance, you can rim the glass with sugar or a mix of sugar and finely crushed dried cherries before adding the ingredients.
- Adjust the sweetness of the cocktail by modifying the amount of cherry syrup according to your taste.
- If fresh cherries are out of season, frozen cherries make an excellent substitute for the homemade syrup.
Nutrition Facts (approximation, without homemade syrup):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g (varies depending on the sweetness of the syrup)
- Protein: 0g
Prep and Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (not including syrup preparation)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 1
The Cherry Pop Cocktail is a fun and fruity take on the traditional Gin Fizz, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a sophisticated yet playful drink. With its combination of gin’s botanicals, the tartness of lemon, the sweetness of cherry, and the fizz of soda water, it’s a cocktail that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
