Did you know that there’s a holiday dedicated to cherries? That’s right! National Cherry Day is a day set aside for celebrating the delicious cherry; and, the holiday is conveniently positioned at the height of cherry season! What better way to celebrate cherries than during cherry season for the most amazing cherry desserts and cherry cocktails? Let’s dive right in, learn more about cherries, and mix up ten cherry cocktails together!

What Is National Cherry Day?

National Cherry Day, unsurprisingly, is a celebration observed in several countries to honor cherries and raise awareness about their significance. Although the specific date may vary depending on the country or region, National Cherry Day is typically recognized during the cherry harvest season, which usually falls in the summer months.

When Is National Cherry Day?

In the United States, National Cherry Day falls on July 16th. This is slightly confusing, because the date was picked based on Great Britain’s peak cherry season, and peak cherry season is around June here. However, since National Cherry Day was established by the UK as 

How to Celebrate National Cherry Day:

Obviously, we’re partial to celebrating with mixed drinks and spirits! However, there are so many other ways you can celebrate National Cherry Day. Here are just a few ideas to help you brainstorm:

1. Enjoy a Cherry Feast: Prepare a delicious cherry-themed meal or dessert using fresh cherries. You can make cherry pie, cherry cobbler, cherry jam, cherry-infused cocktails, or simply enjoy a bowl of fresh cherries!
2. Visit a Cherry Orchard or Farm: Take a trip to a local cherry orchard or farm where you can pick your own cherries. It’s a fun and interactive way to experience the cherry harvest season and enjoy the fresh fruit directly from the source.
3. Make Cherry Crafts: Get creative and make cherry-themed crafts. You can paint or draw pictures of cherries, create cherry-themed decorations, or even make cherry blossom-inspired artwork. This is an especially fun activity for children.
4. Support Local Cherry Products: Look for local cherry products such as cherry preserves, cherry wine, or cherry-infused honey. By purchasing these items, you can support local businesses and enjoy the flavors of cherries in various forms.
5. Share Cherry Recipes: Share your favorite cherry recipes with friends, family, or on social media. You can exchange recipes, provide cooking tips, or inspire others to try new cherry dishes. It’s a wonderful way to spread the joy of cherries and culinary creativity.

10 Delicious Cherry Cocktails to Mix Up for National Cherry Day:

As we said, we’re partial to celebrating holidays with mixed drinks! We know you don’t need an excuse to enjoy one of these delicious cherry cocktails, but if you were looking for some new ideas, you’ve come to the right place! Here are several cherry cocktails for your super-fun cherry celebration! 

#1: The Cherry Margarita

If margaritas are your cup of tea, this fresh cherry margarita is right up your alley. It’ll require a few more steps than our other cherry cocktails, but the effort is well worth it. 

First, muddle 6 fresh, pitted cherries with an ounce of lime juice. Then, add 2 oz tequila, 1 oz cherry liqueur, 1 oz simple syrup, and ice. Shake this all for about 15-30 seconds. Rim your margarita glass with lime and salt, then add ice to your glass. Strain your cocktail into the glass, garnish with a slice of lime or fresh cherries, then enjoy!

#2: The Cherry Lime Tequila Cocktail

Another quick cocktail, the cherry lime tequila cocktail is a tart, sweet, tangy cocktail you can enjoy all summer long. To mix this one up, fill a glass with ice, then pour the juice of 1/2 a lime, 2 oz cherry juice, and 1 oz tequila into the glass. Finish with about 2-4 oz lemon-lime soda, garnish with cherries and lime, and enjoy!

#3: The Cherry Old-Fashioned

As expected, this drink is very similar to a traditional old-fashioned; so, if you like that cocktail, this is the cherry cocktail for you. To mix one up for yourself, start by muddling 6 fresh, pitted cherries, the juice of ½ a lime, a dash of orange bitters, and 1-2 tbsp honey in a cocktail shaker. Next, add 2 oz bourbon and shake well. 

Strain into a cocktail glass that has been filled with ice, and then top with sparkling water if you like a little fizz. Garnish with a sprig of mint or some fresh cherries, and enjoy!

#4: The Cherry & Lime Bourbon Smash

If you’re looking for a three-ingredient cocktail that will knock your socks off, go no further. This delicious cocktail stars bourbon, a full-flavored spirit that takes this drink to a special place.

To mix up a cherry & lime bourbon smash for National Cherry Day, start by combining 1 oz bourbon, 4 oz cherry soda, and ½ oz lime juice in a mixing glass and stir. Pour into a serving glass with ice, then garnish with fresh cherries or a wedge of lime! Enjoy!

#5: The Bourbon Bomb

For a classic, warming, bourbon cocktail, we recommend the bourbon bomb. To make yourself one, first muddle the wedges of ½ a lemon and 5 pitted cherries. Next, add 2 ½ oz bourbon and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Stir the mixture together, then add ice and shake for about 15-30 seconds. Pour or strain into a glass filled with ice, depending on what kind of texture you like, then enjoy!

#6: The Cherry Lime Vodka Soda

If you like a cocktail with a little less “oomph” from spirits, this cocktail is for you. The boozy flavor is definitely there, but it’s muted. Drink this one responsibly! It will sneak up on you!

To mix up a pitcher of cherry lime vodka soda, you’ll first need to combine ½ c lime juice, ½ c vodka, and ⅓ c fresh cherry simple syrup in a pitcher. Stir well and chill for about an hour. Just before serving, add in about 2 c lime seltzer water. Pour into glasses filled with crushed ice, and garnish with lime, cherries, and/or fresh mint. Enjoy!

#7: The Cherry Moscow Mule

If you’re already a fan of the traditional Moscow mule, you’ll love this cherry cocktail recipe. To make yourself one of these, start by muddling the juice of ½ a lime with 6 pitted, fresh cherries in a copper mug. Add 2 oz vodka and ice to fill your mug, then top with about 4-6 oz ginger beer. Garnish with a sprig of mint and/or a lime wedge and enjoy!

#8: The Cherry Poke Cake Cocktail

Have you ever had a poke cake? They’re super-moist and incredibly delicious. Now, picture that flavor all rolled into a delicious cocktail. We don’t know how they did it, but it’s fantastic. 

To make one for yourself, first fill a highball glass with ice. Into that glass, add 2 oz “cake-flavored vodka” (Pinnacle makes a good one), ½ oz fresh lime juice, 3-4 oz lemon lime soda, and 1 oz maraschino cherry juice. Stir gently to combine, then garnish with a few maraschino cherries. Enjoy!

#9: The Cherry Lemonade

If you’re looking for a super-simple cocktail that takes no time at all to whip up, try this one out. First, add a cup of lemonade, 1 ½ tablespoons maraschino cherry syrup, and an ounce of vodka into a cup filled with ice. Top with maraschino cherries, and enjoy! Yes, it’s that simple!

#10: The Chocolate-Covered Cherry Martini

For all of the chocolate lovers out there, this one is certainly for you. We just celebrated World Chocolate Day on July 7th, so why not combine these two delectable ingredients into one delicious cocktail? To make this sweet cocktail, you’ll first need to combine 3 oz cherry vodka, 3 oz creme de cocoa, 3 oz heavy cream, and 1 oz grenadine in a cocktail shaker. 

Shake the ingredients well to combine, but not so vigorously that you start to whip the cream. Drizzle chocolate syrup down the sides of a martini glass, then pour the mixture into your glass. Garnish with cherries or some shaved chocolate, then enjoy!

How to Make the Best Cherry Cocktails for National Cherry Day:

Celebrate National Cherry Day in style by indulging in delicious cherry cocktails. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a drink at home, here are four tips to help you create the best cherry cocktails that will delight your taste buds:

1. Opt for fresh, ripe cherries to infuse your cocktails with vibrant flavors. Look for cherries that are firm, plump, and have a deep color. Fresh cherries not only provide a burst of natural sweetness but also add a beautiful garnish to your drink.
2. Explore the different cherry varieties available, such as sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier, or tart cherries like Montmorency. Each variety has its own unique taste profile, so don’t be afraid to mix and match to find the perfect combination for your cocktail recipe.
3. Extract maximum cherry flavor by infusing your spirits with cherries. Create a cherry-infused vodka or bourbon by macerating pitted cherries in the alcohol of your choice. This infusion process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and aromatic base for your cocktails.
4. Achieve a harmonious balance of flavors by blending the sweetness of cherries with a hint of tartness. Consider incorporating citrus juices, such as lemon or lime, to add a zesty twist. Additionally, sweetening agents like simple syrup or agave nectar can help fine-tune the sweetness level according to your preferences.

Distillery Nearby: Find Local Spirits for Your National Cherry Day Cherry Cocktails

Remember, only the best cocktails use local spirits! If you’re ready to dabble in local spirits, we have just the resource you need to find cocktail ingredients easily. Check out our distillery directory today to find local brands that make craft spirits for your next super-delicious cocktails!

From all of us at Distillery Nearby,

Happy National Cherry Day!