A million years ago I got my first real job as a carhop at my local Sonic Drive-In. It was my first of many, many years of creating fun drinks for people to enjoy. The classic and all-time favorite soda of mine was the Cherry Limeade. Sonic just had that secret recipe that really blended the flavors just right. Of course, there was also the perfection of Sonic ice. When Wild Roots Vodka sent a beautiful bottle of their Dark Sweet Cherry Infused Vodka my mind instantly went to creating a tasty, adult-only Cherry Limeade. I didn’t have the perfect Sonic ice to set it apart, but I did have the perfect blend of cherry and lime that made for a refreshing Summer beverage.

Sonic’s—likely not-so-secret—recipe for their Cherry limeades combined freshly squeezed limes, cherry syrup, maraschino cherries and Sprite to make the sweet and sour beverage. You could really do the same with this vodka, some limes, and Sprite. However, and perhaps this is my age showing, I’ve come to enjoy drinks with just a tad less sweetness than I have had in the past. I prefer to not use Sprite in favor of lime flavored soda water.

While it is called “Dark Sweet Cherry Infused” vodka I didn’t find the liquor quite as sweet as I expected. (Perfect for me!) But, if you do prefer a sweeter drink then perhaps sub the soda water for a lemon-lime soda or add a little bit more maraschino cherry juice than called for in the recipe below.

More uses for Cherry Vodka:

In playing around testing different drinks with the Wild Roots Dark Sweet Cherry Vodka I also tested it out in some cola and made a fabulous adult Cherry Cola. Check out the Wild Roots website for more Cherry Vodka recipe ideas. (Click the plus sign next to description of the Cherry Vodka on the site.)

Dark Cherry Limeade Cocktail

This drink recipe serves one. However, you could absolutely make a pitcher of this to serve in bulk by multiplying ingredients by the number of drinks needed. If you are making ahead, then mix everything but the soda water together and chill until needed. Add the soda water right before serving.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 oz White Rum (not a flavored variety)
1/2 oz of Dark Sweet Cherry Vodka
1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 oz Maraschino Cherry Juice (May substitute grenadine to taste if you’d prefer)
Maraschino Cherries and Lime Slices for Garnish

Directions:

Note: Build this drink over ice. If you can get nugget ice then definitely go for that! I liked building my drink where the cherry was on the bottom because it looked so pretty as the color seeped to the top. Before drinking you’ll want to give it a stir with your straw.