Midnight Swirl Cocktail – A Bold, Boozy Cherry

Contents show

1 Ingredients

1.1 Optional Garnish:

2 Instructions

2.1 1️⃣ Shake the Base

2.2 2️⃣ Strain & Pour

2.3 3️⃣ Add the Swirl

2.4 4️⃣ Garnish & Serve

3 Notes

4 Details

5 Equipment

6 Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

7 Helpful Tips

8 Conservation and Storage

9 Substitutions and Variations

10 Storage Instructions

11 Frequently Asked Questions

12 Conclusion

12.1 More Colorful Cocktails You’ll Love:

13 Midnight Swirl Cocktail

13.1 Description

13.2 Ingredients

13.3 Optional Garnish:

13.4 Instructions

13.5 1️⃣ Shake the Base

13.6 2️⃣ Strain & Pour

13.7 3️⃣ Add the Swirl

13.8 4️⃣ Garnish & Serve

13.9 Notes

13.10 Did you make this recipe?

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If you’re looking for a cocktail that tastes as stunning as it looks, this Midnight Swirl Cocktail is here to steal the show. With a base of vodka, cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, and cranberry, this drink is bold and juicy with just the right balance of sweetness and citrus. But the real magic? A final float of blue curaçao that cascades through the red cocktail like a midnight swirl, creating an eye-catching visual and a layer of flavor you’ll love.

Whether you’re mixing it up for date night, girl’s night, or just to treat yourself to something a little extra, this cocktail delivers drama—and deliciousness—in every sip.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz Vodka
• 1 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz Cranberry Juice
• ½ oz Blue Curacao
• 1 oz Cherry Liqueur (like Heering or a cherry brandy)
• Ice Cubes

Optional Garnish:

• Lime wheel or a maraschino cherry

this RECIPE

Instructions

1️⃣ Shake the Base

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:

• 1½ oz vodka
• 1 oz cherry liqueur
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz pineapple juice

Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until chilled and fully blended.

2️⃣ Strain & Pour

Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

3️⃣ Add the Swirl

Slowly pour ½ oz blue curaçao over the top of the cocktail.
It will create a beautiful blue swirl as it settles through the red base.

4️⃣ Garnish & Serve

Add a lime wheel to the rim or drop in a maraschino cherry for extra flair.
Serve immediately and enjoy the layered look and bright flavor!

Notes

• For an even more dramatic effect, use a clear glass to show off the color swirl.
• Want a layered look instead of a swirl? Pour blue curaçao over the back of a spoon to gently float it on top.
• You can also use grenadine instead of cherry liqueur for a less boozy, sweeter version.

Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Category: Cocktails / Vodka Drinks
Method: Shaken and layered
Cuisine: Modern / Fusion
Diet: Gluten-Free
Keywords: cherry vodka cocktail, blue curaçao drink, red and blue cocktail, pineapple cranberry vodka, layered cocktail

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Rocks glass
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Spoon (for layering)

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories: 210
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 5mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 0g
Alcohol Content: ~15–17% ABV

Helpful Tips

• Chill your glass for 10 minutes before serving to keep the swirl slow and dramatic.
• Use quality cherry liqueur for a richer depth of flavor—avoid artificial-tasting brands.
• Want a lighter version? Cut the vodka to 1 oz and top with a splash of club soda for fizz.
• Add edible glitter or shimmer dust for a cosmic, galaxy-inspired look!

Conservation and Storage

• This drink is best served immediately after pouring for visual effect and flavor.
• You can pre-mix the base (without blue curaçao) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice and pour curaçao just before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

• No cherry liqueur? Use grenadine + ½ oz triple sec for a similar sweet-tart profile.
• Swap vodka for rum or tequila to change the spirit base.
• Make it a mocktail: Skip alcohol, use cherry juice + cranberry + pineapple, and swirl in a little blue sports drink for color.

Storage Instructions

• Store the premixed base in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
• Do not add ice or blue curaçao until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the blue curaçao stay on top?
It depends on density. Pour it slowly over the back of a spoon to help it float before it swirls.

Is this drink sweet or tart?
It’s balanced—fruity and slightly tangy from the cranberry and citrus, with a sweet cherry finish.

Can I batch this for a party?
Yes! Mix the vodka, cherry liqueur, cranberry, and pineapple juices in a pitcher. Serve over ice, topping each glass with blue curaçao for the swirl effect.

Conclusion

The Midnight Swirl Cocktail is proof that cocktails can be a full sensory experience—visually stunning, fruity, and delicious with every layer. With juicy cherry, tangy citrus, and a stunning pop of blue, it’s a perfect sip for your next night in, party, or celebratory moment. Cheers to color, flavor, and fun!

More Colorful Cocktails You’ll Love:

• Galaxy Rum Swirl
• Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
• Sunset Tequila Smash

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