There’s something magical about a cocktail that captures sunshine in a glass—and this Cherry Citrus Sunset is exactly that. I’m genuinely so grateful you’re here because this little drink is one of those unexpected gems I just had to share. It’s got the tang of orange juice, the subtle zing of triple sec, and that bold cherry vodka twist that takes everything up a notch!
Whether you’re lounging on the patio, prepping for a girls’ night in, or just need something vibrant to brighten your day—this is your drink. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
A vibrant and fruity cocktail bursting with citrusy brightness and a hint of cherry, perfect for summer evenings or brunches with a twist. The Cherry Citrus Sunset is light, refreshing, and visually stunning—especially with a strawberry garnish!
Ingredients
- 1 oz Triple Sec
- 3 oz Orange Juice (freshly squeezed if possible!)
- 1 oz Cherry Vodka
- Ice (optional, but highly recommended)
- Fresh Strawberry (for garnish—trust me, it adds flair!)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add triple sec, orange juice, and cherry vodka.
- Shake well until chilled (about 15 seconds).
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or pour over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry on the rim.
- Serve immediately—and watch the sunset glow in your glass ✨
Notes
- Fresh orange juice makes all the difference!
- Want to make it a mocktail? Swap the alcohol with orange-flavored sparkling water and a dash of cherry juice.
- This one’s a crowd-pleaser—easily double or triple the recipe for a pitcher version.
Helpful Tips
- Want a sweeter twist? Add a splash of grenadine for that beautiful ombré effect.
- Chill your glass in the freezer 10 minutes before serving—chef’s kiss!
- Pair this with light appetizers like shrimp skewers, fruit skewers, or even a citrusy salad.
Conservation and Storage
While this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, you can make a batch (minus the ice) and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake with fresh ice before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- No cherry vodka? Use regular vodka + ½ oz cherry syrup.
- Want it less sweet? Use unsweetened fresh OJ and skip any added syrups.
- Fancy it fizzy? Add a splash of club soda on top!
Storage Instructions
Store pre-mixed (no ice) in a sealed container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 1 day. Shake again before serving. Don’t add ice until ready to serve or it’ll water it down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Just swap the cherry vodka and triple sec with cherry juice and orange-flavored sparkling water.
What’s the best orange juice for this recipe?
Fresh-squeezed wins every time, but a high-quality no-pulp carton works just fine too.
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want and shake or stir in a pitcher with ice right before serving.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a drink that’s easy, elegant, and anything but boring—this Cherry Citrus Sunset Cocktail is it. I love how it brings summer vibes in every sip, and I know your friends will be asking for the recipe!
So, next time you’re planning a sunset hang or cozying up with a good book, shake this beauty up—you won’t regret it.
💬 Tried this recipe? Leave a review below and tag me on Pinterest with your gorgeous drink pics! I love seeing your creations!
More Refreshing Recipes You Might Love:
- Peach Bellini Mocktail
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade
- Pineapple Coconut Fizz
- Limoncello Spritz
Details
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Yield: 1 cocktail
Category: Drinks / Cocktails
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: cherry vodka cocktail, orange juice cocktail, fruity summer drink, easy party drink, refreshing vodka drink
Video URL: (Optional, not available yet)
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or shot glass
- Chilled cocktail glass
- Knife and cutting board (for the garnish)
Nutrition (Approximate)
Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Cherry Citrus Sunset Cocktail
Description
A vibrant and fruity cocktail bursting with citrusy brightness and a hint of cherry, perfect for summer evenings or brunches with a twist. The Cherry Citrus Sunset is light, refreshing, and visually stunning—especially with a strawberry garnish!
Ingredients
-
1 oz Triple Sec
-
3 oz Orange Juice (freshly squeezed if possible!)
-
1 oz Cherry Vodka
-
Ice (optional, but highly recommended)
-
Fresh Strawberry (for garnish—trust me, it adds flair!)
Instructions
-
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
-
Add triple sec, orange juice, and cherry vodka.
-
Shake well until chilled (about 15 seconds).
-
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or pour over fresh ice.
-
Garnish with a fresh strawberry on the rim.
-
Serve immediately—and watch the sunset glow in your glass ✨
Notes
Fresh orange juice makes all the difference!
Want to make it a mocktail? Swap the alcohol with orange-flavored sparkling water and a dash of cherry juice.
This one’s a crowd-pleaser—easily double or triple the recipe for a pitcher version.