Sour Cherry Gin Slings are the perfect combination of sweet, sour and boozy! Get the recipe below.
A gin lovers dream...
I first shared this recipe after my 22nd birthday when I was just starting to get into gin. Quite a few years down the line and I am most definitely still a gin girl! Though these days it's more likely to be a gin and tonic in the pub than in a fancy cocktail. Having said that, every once in a while I like to try something different and will have a clear out of the drinks cupboard. This recipe doesn't require too many ingredients meaning it's perfect for throwing together at short notice.
Gin can be a bit of an acquired taste, as can the tonic it is often served with, but the sweetness of the cherry cordial and zing of the lime juice compliment the botanicals really well. This drink is bright, fun and possibly slips down a little too easily.
Cherry and lime
Now I need to hold my hands up for a second and admit that I don't actually know the official difference between sour and regular cherries... I can tell you about all different types of craft gin but not so much about the red fruit that's essential for this cocktail!
So on that basis I give you free reign to choose any cherry cordial or syrup you can find. And you know what? If all you've got is grenadine then that's fine too. I always thought grenadine was made by cherries but apparently not... Never mind! It tastes like them so still works well in this cocktail!
Cherry cordial isn't intended to be drunk straight (nor is grenadine for that matter) and as this isn't a long cocktail it really needs something to cut through the sweetness. The juice of one whole lime in every glass does sound like a lot but trust me this recipe needs it!
A lime wheel and shiny red cherry makes the perfect garnish to finish it off. If you ask me this is the best way to make the most of fresh cherries when they are in season!
The recipe!
Sour Cherry Gin Slings
Ingredients
- 50 millilitres gin
- 25 millilitres Cointreau
- 1 lime juice only
- 50 ml sour cherry cordial see note 1
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- ice
- sparkling water
- 1 lime wheel for garnish
- 1 cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Place the gin, Cointreau, lime juice, cherry cordial, Angoustora bitters and ice into a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well for 2-3 minutes until well combined and the ice has begun to melt.
- Pour over more ice and top up with a splash of sparkling water.
- Serve with lime wheels and fresh cherries.
Notes
Nutrition
Not had enough gin?
Me either! You may like one of these other gin cocktails. Enjoy!
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As always, Supper in the Suburbs encourages you to drinks responsibly.
Dannii says
I know it's only Monday, but I could really do with a cocktail right about now. The colour of this amazing and I have never had gin and cherry Together.
Emma Walton says
It's seriously vivid isn't it!!! My OH commented that he thought it looked radioactive when I first poured him one hahaha! Cherry and gin ia a magically combination 🙂 you must try it!
Emily Coates says
This sounds deeeelicious. Cherry! And gin! Looks so refreshing x
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says
These sound seriously delicious. I think I need to go and buy a tray of cherries for jam anyway and will save some for this cocktail.
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
I love this recipe! Truly! How fun. I love both cherries and gin! I am going to make this as soon as I get home from vacation!
Emma Walton says
Clearly this cocktail was made for you Elaine! Enjoy the rest of your holiday!
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says
I can't find sour cherries here.. Maybe I can find them frozen. BUT we've got loads of sweet Bing cherries right now!!! This sounds yummmm!!! (Btw grenadine is made from pomegranate!)
Emma Walton says
Hi Sarah! I suspect lots of cherry syrups are made with regular cherries rather than sour so it's the lime in this that gives it it's sour edge! I discovered grenadine was made from pomegranate a little while ago but it just tastes SO much like cherries it works fab in this drink if you can't get your hand on cherry cordial. Enjoy!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
What a pretty looking beverage. I am not a gin fan...but I would sub in some vodka or rum and give this a try. When I was a kid my aunt had a fruit orchard, and we would pick sour cherries every summer.
Emma Walton says
Oh wow lucky you! My parents bought a cherry tree when I was small but learnt the hard way they'd bought the non-fruit bearing kind!!! Oops! Definitely try it with vodka I bet that tastes delicious.
Denise Wright says
Oh yes please!!
Edyta @ Innocent Delight says
I love sour cherries and I love gin. This is my kind of summer drink. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Emma Walton says
Sounds like this was made for you Edyta! Cheers!
Jenn - Peas and Crayons says
such a gorgeous vibrant cocktail! I'd love a glass (or three!) of this!
Emma Walton says
Girl after my own heart 😛
Jagruti says
Such a beautiful and vibrant pictures and colours of the drink..oh I love cherries!
Tracy | Baking Mischief says
These look so perfect for a hot summer evening! I don't usually make a lot of gin-based drinks but I would totally make an exception for these cuties!
Deanna says
LOVE that this is cherry!! I love cherry in a cocktail!!! I got try this!!
Diana says
I always enjoy experimenting with different cocktails, so will have to try your recipe. I bought some cherries today and already have 2 bottles of gin to experiment with 😉
Emma Walton says
It was clearly meant to be :-p
Ginny McMeans says
I didn't know there was a sour cherry cordial. That sounds wonderful and then Cointreau? Wow! That really does sound like a delicious and refreshing drink.
Emma Walton says
The Cointreau really makes it 😉