Roasted cherry gin sodas are a light, refreshing summer cocktail. Roasted cherries are tossed with maple syrup and vanilla, then muddled with lemon juice and gin (or vodka) and finished with tonic or soda water. The result is fruity, bright, and perfect for warm afternoons.
Gin Sodas
Summer calls for simple, flavorful drinks. These cherry gin sodas use roasted cherries to amplify cherry flavor — roast ahead and keep them refrigerated so assembling drinks is quick when guests arrive. Muddle roasted cherries with lemon juice, add gin or vodka, then top with tonic or soda water for an easy, elegant cocktail.
They make a lovely pairing with cherry desserts or light summer bites and can be adjusted to taste: use more or less maple syrup, switch to soda water for a less bitter finish, or substitute vanilla extract if you don’t have a whole bean.
How to Make Cherry Gin Sodas
Start by roasting the cherries to concentrate their sweetness and develop a deeper, caramelized flavor. Halve and pit the cherries, toss with maple syrup and vanilla, and roast until soft and bubbling. Once cooled, they’re ready to use in drinks.
To build each drink, muddle a spoonful of roasted cherries in a glass with a splash of lemon juice to release juices and brighten the flavor. Add 1 ounce of gin (or vodka), fill the glass with ice, and top with about 3 tablespoons of tonic or soda water. Stir gently and garnish as you like.
Eden’s Helpful Recipe Tips
- Swap gin for vodka or light rum if you prefer.
- Choose soda water for a neutral finish or tonic for a slightly bitter, more complex drink.
- A cherry pitter speeds preparation and keeps the process clean.
These are perfect for sipping in the garden or serving at casual summer gatherings.
More Refreshing Summer Cocktails
- Gin and Jam Spritz
- Lemon Spritz
- Raspberry Margarita
- Gin Basil Smash
If you make this easy summer cocktail, please leave a comment and review — I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.
Roasted Cherry Gin Sodas Recipe
Ingredients
Roasted Cherries
- 1 cup cherries, pitted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 whole vanilla bean, seeds scraped
Cherry Gin Sodas
- 1 1/2 tbsp roasted cherries, about 4 halves per glass
- 1 ounce gin, or vodka
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 3 tbsp tonic water, or soda water
Instructions
Roasted Cherries
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
- Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into a bowl.
- Add the vanilla bean pod, cherries, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Toss to coat.
- Spread cherries on the baking sheet and roast 5–10 minutes until soft and bubbling. Remove and set aside to cool.
Cherry Gin Sodas Recipe
- Muddle about 1 1/2 tbsp roasted cherries in each glass with 1/2 ounce lemon juice.
- Add 1 ounce gin (or vodka) and fill the glass with ice.
- Top each glass with roughly 3 tablespoons tonic or soda water, stir gently, and garnish if desired.
Notes
- Add extra maple syrup or a splash of simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Use tonic for a slightly bitter finish or soda water for a cleaner, lighter taste.
- If you don’t have a vanilla bean, vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste are good substitutes.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 26g
,
Protein: 1g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
