This Cherry Martini is a sweet, fruity twist on the dessert martini. With a homemade cherry syrup, a splash of lemon juice, and a smooth vodka (or gin) base, it’s a bold cocktail that looks as good as it tastes. Finish it with a couple of cocktail cherries for the perfect date night or happy hour drink.
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About this Cherry Martini recipe
A traditional martini is crisp and spirit-forward, but this version leans into the sweeter side with the vibrant flavor of cherries. The cherry syrup brings a gorgeous red color and just the right amount of sugar, balanced perfectly with a touch of lemon juice and triple sec.
You can make this martini with either vodka or gin, depending on your preference. Vodka makes it clean and smooth. Gin adds a more herbal, botanical note that plays nicely with the fruit. I’ve made both options many times, and both are truly delicious.
And if you love sweet, fruity martini recipes, be sure to also try my lemon drop martini and my strawberry martini!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Sweet + fruity: This is an approachable martini with bold cherry flavor!
- Beautiful presentation: A deep red cocktail topped with cocktail cherries is both playful and elegant.
- Great for entertaining: This cocktail is quick to shake up and easy to batch with extra cherry syrup.
Tools & glassware
Making this martini is simple and only requires a few tools. A cocktail shaker * and strainer are essential for mixing the drink and pouring it smoothly into the glass.
You’ll also want a jigger for measuring, plus a small saucepan if you’re making the cherry syrup from scratch.
For serving, a coupe glass * or martini glass shows off the beautiful red color. A cocktail pick makes it easy to skewer cherries for garnish, adding just the right finishing touch.
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Ingredients
You’ll need two sets of ingredients: one for the cherry syrup, and one for the martini itself.
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
For the cherry syrup:
- Fresh or frozen cherries: Both fresh and frozen cherries work equally well. Be sure they are pitted before you start making the syrup.
- Water & sugar: This simple combo is used to create the simple syrup!
For the cherry martini:
- Vodka (or gin): Vodka keeps the drink smooth and clean, while gin adds a layer of juniper and citrus that pairs nicely with the cherry flavor.
- Triple sec: This orange liqueur brightens the cocktail and balances the sweetness of the cherry syrup.
- Cherry syrup: The star ingredient, giving the martini its deep red color and rich cherry flavor. Homemade syrup is best, but store-bought works too.
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tart element that keeps the cocktail from being overly sweet.
- Cocktail cherries: A must for garnish! Luxardo cherries * are a decadent option, but maraschino cherries work for a classic look.
favorite cocktail cherries
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Best vodka
A good-quality vodka makes a big difference in a simple cocktail like this one. Look for a smooth, clean vodka — something you’d enjoy drinking. Brands like Tito’s, Absolut or Ketel One are solid and accessible choices.
If you prefer gin, choose one with light, citrusy botanicals rather than heavy, spiced options. That way, the cherry flavor still shines through.
Don’t miss Vodka 101 where you can learn more about which bottles to buy.
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Substitutions & variations
Make it stronger: Reduce the cherry syrup to ½ ounce if you want a less sweet, more spirit-forward drink.
Try flavored vodka: A citrus vodka adds a bright flavor, while vanilla vodka makes it taste like cherry pie.
Swap the citrus: Use lime juice instead of lemon for a sharper, more tart flavor profile similar to a cherry limeade.
Cherry syrup
You can use cherry syrup from a jar of cocktail cherries, or use a store-bought kind. But if you have fresh or dried cherries, it’s easy to make cherry syrup.
- Wash and dry the cherries, then pit them.
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and fruit to a boil. Lower the heat and bring to a simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Strain the hot liquid into a bowl or jar through a fine-mesh sieve * to remove the solids. The water should have reduced by half.
- While still warm, stir in sugar until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
- Store the remainder in a food-safe, airtight container, such as a mason jar, for up to two weeks.
Instructions
Making this cherry martini is super easy! Once you have cherry syrup, here’s what to do:
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add gin, triple sec, cherry syrup and lemon juice. Shake well.
Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with cocktail cherries on a cocktail pick.
Tips & tricks
- Chill your glass: Pop your coupe into the freezer for 10 minutes before serving for an extra frosty drink.
- Batch the syrup: Make extra cherry syrup and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It’s also delicious in sodas or spritzes.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste as you go! Add more lemon juice for extra tartness or more syrup for sweetness.
Food pairings
This Cherry Martini is the star of any cocktail party. Pair it with:
- A cheese or charcuterie board. Use salty and savory ingredients to balance the sweetness of the cocktail.
- Chocolate treats, like brownies or chocolate covered strawberries
- Fresh fruit or desserts like tarts and cheesecake
FAQ
Yes! Simply shake cherry syrup, lemon juice, and a splash of soda water for a refreshing mocktail.
You can, but homemade gives a it more fresh and natural flavor. Store-bought grenadine also works in a pinch, though it can be quite sweet.
Definitely. Multiply the ingredients (without the ice) in a pitcher and chill it ahead of time. When it’s time to serve, shake each portion with ice so every martini is frosty.
More cherry drink recipes
And don’t miss our guide to the best cocktail cherries for more garnish ideas!
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Cherry Martini
ingredients
Cherry Syrup
- 1 cup pitted cherries fresh or frozen
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sugar
Cherry Martini
- 1½ ounce gin or vodka
- ½ ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce cherry syrup
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 2 whole cocktail cherries for garnish
instructions
Cherry Syrup
- Wash and dry the cherries, then pit them.
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and fruit to a boil. Lower the heat and bring to a simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Strain the hot liquid into a bowl or jar through a fine-mesh sieve * to remove the solids. The water should have reduced by half.
- While still warm, stir in sugar until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
- Store in a food-safe, airtight container, such as a mason jar, for up to two weeks.
Cherry Martini
- In a cocktail shaker * filled with ice, add gin, triple sec, cherry syrup and lemon juice. Shake well.
- Strain into a coupe glass *. Garnish with cocktail cherries on a cocktail pick.
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