Mix up the perfect cherry whiskey sour recipe with bourbon, cherry juice, citrus, and homemade cherry syrup. Sweet, tart, smooth, and ready in minutes!

If you’ve spent any time on this blog, you already know I have a passion for cocktails that look fancy but don’t require a bartending license to make.

And this cherry whiskey sour recipe is exactly that kind of drink.

A classic whiskey sour is made with whiskey, citrus, and a sweetener. It’s one of those trademark cocktails that has stood the test of time for good reason. The balance of sweet and tart flavors is hard to beat. But I couldn’t resist giving this trademark drink my own cherry-inspired twist.

Instead of relying entirely on simple syrup, this version uses both cherry juice and a quick cherry simple syrup made from the juice in a jar of maraschino cherries. The result is a gorgeous red sour cocktail that’s smooth, bright, and packed with cherry flavor.

I especially love serving this cherry whiskey sour during happy hour with friends. It’s easy to make, looks impressive in the glass, and tastes like something you’d order at a craft cocktail bar.

The bourbon brings warmth and depth, while the juice adds sweetness without making the drink taste like candy.

Some recipes use fresh cherries, while others stick closely to a classic whiskey sour with only lemon and sugar. This recipe lands somewhere in the middle. You still get those familiar whiskey sour flavors, but the cherry element makes it feel a little more special.

The optional egg white foam is worth trying at least once. Adding the foam creates that silky layer on top that cocktail enthusiasts love. If raw egg isn’t your thing, simply leave it out. The drink is delicious either way.

Bottle of Traverse City whiskey, cherry cocktail, and lime

And because we’re making cherry simple syrup, you’ll probably have some leftover. That’s not a problem around here.

Drizzle it over ice cream, stir it into seltzer, or use it to sweeten iced tea. Trust me—you’ll find plenty of uses for it.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just winding down after a long day, this cherry whiskey sour recipe is an easy way to make happy hour feel a little more exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Whiskey Sour

Easy to make with simple ingredients
Uses cherry juice and homemade simple syrup for bold cherry flavor
Ready in just a few minutes
Optional egg foam for a classic cocktail finish
Perfect for happy hour, parties, or relaxing weekends
Easily customized with extra citrus or a splash of seltzer

cherry juice cocktail with egg white foam

How to Make Cherry Simple Syrup

You’ll only need a few ingredients.

Combine 1/2 cup cherry juice from the jar, 1/2 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Let cool before using.

This simple syrup keeps well in the refrigerator and can be used in cocktails, mocktails, seltzer drinks, coffee, or over ice cream. If you’re lucky enough to have fresh cherries available, feel free to add a few while the syrup simmers for even more flavor.

Variations and Tips

For a lighter drink, top your drink with seltzer after shaking. The bubbles make it incredibly refreshing.

Want even more citrus? Add a little orange juice or serve with an extra orange slice.

If you enjoy stronger cherry flavors, increase the juice slightly and reduce the simple syrup.

Get the printable recipe for this cocktail below: