Smoky Cherry Rye Spritz
Tart cherry juice, rye whiskey, and sparkling water make a smoky, easy cocktail with a bright finish.
Prep: 5 · Cook: 5 · Total: 10 · Serves: 2 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (184 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
An original rye spritz that balances tart cherry, maple, citrus, and a little orange bitters.
Story
Theo likes a cocktail with a little roadside swagger, and this rye number rolls in dark, tart, and loaded with cherry flavor. The maple keeps the edges smooth while lemon and bubbles bring it back into bright territory. It is a two-glass pour that feels right for a porch, a grill, or a diner booth after the rush.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 3 ounces rye whiskey
- 3 ounces unsweetened tart cherry juice
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 4 ounces chilled sparkling water
- Ice
- 2 lemon twists, for serving
Instructions
- Fill two rocks glasses with ice and chill them while you mix the drink.
- Combine the rye, cherry juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, and bitters in a shaker.
- Shake hard with ice for 10 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture evenly into the prepared glasses.
- Top each glass with sparkling water and give it one gentle stir.
- Express a lemon twist over each drink and drop it in before serving.
Chef Tips
- Use a bold rye so the whiskey does not disappear behind the cherry.
- For a less sweet drink, start with 2 teaspoons maple syrup.
- Do not shake the sparkling water; add it after straining.
Cook's Notes
- Chill the glasses while you prep.
- Use unsweetened cherry juice for control.
- Stir gently after adding bubbles.