When it comes to cocktails, you can’t go wrong with a classic whiskey sour. That drink has earned its place as a bar staple for good reason—it’s refreshing, balanced, and simple. But sometimes, it’s fun to shake things up with a fresh twist that brings bold new flavors to the glass. That’s where the Cherry Vodka Sour comes in.

Cherry Vodka Sour | Heath Riles BBQ

This cocktail takes the familiar sweet-tart base of a sour and reimagines it with juicy cherry, fiery Cherry Apple Habanero Glaze, and crisp vodka. The combination is unexpected, yet it works beautifully. Tart cherry juice delivers a punch of fruitiness, the habanero glaze sneaks in a little heat, vodka keeps things smooth and clean, and lemon juice brightens every sip. The result? A drink that’s vibrant, refreshing, and just a little bit spicy—perfect for sipping on a summer evening, enjoying by the grill, or mixing up for friends at your next get-together.

Best of all, this cocktail comes together in minutes with only a handful of ingredients. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to mix the perfect Cherry Vodka Sour:

Tart Cherry Juice (1 ounce): Brings that deep, fruity backbone with a tangy edge that makes the cocktail shine.

Cherry Apple Habanero Glaze (½ ounce): Adds a little kick of heat to balance the sweet and sour. It’s a unique twist that makes this drink pop.

Vodka (2 ounces): The base spirit—smooth, clean, and neutral. Tito’s is my go-to, but use your favorite brand.

Fresh-Squeezed Lemon Juice (1 ounce): Bright, zesty, and essential for that classic sour flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Combine the Ingredients

Start by adding 1 ounce of tart cherry juice, ½ ounce of Cherry Apple Habanero Glaze, 2 ounces of vodka, and 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.

2. Shake It Up

Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and give it a vigorous shake for 15–20 seconds. You want the cocktail ice-cold and lightly aerated so the flavors really come alive.

3. Pour & Garnish

Strain the drink into a rocks glass over fresh ice using a strainer. Garnish with a cherry and a lemon wedge (or wheel) to tie the flavors together and give it that picture-perfect finish.

Tasting Notes

What makes this cocktail special is the way it balances so many flavor notes without ever feeling heavy or overwhelming. The tart cherry juice provides a fruity base that’s slightly sour and rich in color. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and zing, keeping the drink lively and refreshing. Vodka offers the clean backbone—it doesn’t overshadow the other flavors but instead lets them shine.

The star of the show is the Cherry Apple Habanero Glaze. It adds just the right amount of sweetness with a subtle fiery edge that sneaks in on the finish. It’s not overpowering, but it makes each sip interesting and addictive. The result is a drink that’s equal parts sweet, sour, spicy, and smooth.

Be warned: this one goes down a little too easily. It’s the kind of cocktail you’ll want to sip again and again, especially when paired with good food.

Serving Suggestions

The Cherry Vodka Sour is versatile and fits a range of occasions, but it really shines when paired with bold BBQ dishes that echo its cherry-habanero kick:

• Cherry-Apple Habanero Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are smoked to perfection, then glazed with a sticky, sweet, and spicy cherry-apple habanero sauce. The fruity heat in the ribs ties perfectly into the cocktail’s tart cherry base, while the smokiness balances the bright citrusy notes.
• Spicy Cherry-Apple Pork Belly Burnt Ends: Tender, caramelized cubes of pork belly sauced with Cherry Apple Habanero Glaze deliver a sweet-spicy bite that pairs beautifully with the refreshing sour. The cocktail cuts through the richness, making it an ideal companion for these decadent BBQ morsels.

These aren’t just casual suggestions—they’re the perfect pairing. The cocktail refreshes your palate after each smoky, saucy bite, and the ribs or burnt ends amplify the drink’s cherry-habanero character. It’s a match made in BBQ heaven.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Batching: You can multiply the recipe and mix a pitcher ahead of time. Just wait to add ice and shake until serving, so the drink doesn’t dilute. This makes it an excellent option for parties and BBQ gatherings.
• Storage: Keep pre-mixed cocktail (without ice) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake again before pouring.
• Garnish Prep: Slice lemons and pit cherries ahead of time for quick assembly during parties.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new go-to cocktail, the Cherry Vodka Sour deserves a spot on your list. It’s fast, easy, and loaded with bold flavor. The tart cherry and lemon keep it refreshing, while the vodka smooths everything out. That splash of Cherry Apple Habanero Glaze adds just enough heat to make it memorable.

This drink is perfect on its own, but it becomes unforgettable when paired with smoked ribs or pork belly burnt ends. Whether you’re hosting friends, firing up the grill, or just unwinding at the end of the day, this cocktail brings a little something extra to the table.

Next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, sour, and a little spicy, give this cocktail a try—you might just find it’s your new favorite.

Equipment & Tools

Cocktail shaker, Jigger, Citrus juicer, Rocks glass, Strainer