Cherry Gin and Tonic

By
Molly Watson
Molly Watson
An award-winning food writer and cookbook author, Molly Watson has created more than 1,000 recipes focused on local, seasonal ingredients.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/23/21
Cherry gin and tonic with lime

 Charles Wollertz / Getty Images

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 10 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Yield: 2 cocktails
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
137 Calories
0g Fat
22g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 137
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 24mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 8%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 21g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 4mg 18%
Calcium 6mg 0%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 70mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Nothing is more refreshing than a classic gin and tonic when the weather turns hot, but have you ever considered adding fruit to your gin and tonic? It may not be your first move, and maybe cherries aren't your first choice, even if fruit were on your mind. But think of it this way: cherries just happen to be in season at the same time as the gin and tonic feels exceptionally refreshing. Why not combine two summer classics?

Something about the sweetness of the muddled cherries and the bitter tang of the tonic works together perfectly. This drink is perfect for any summer cocktail hour, and although you may have seen this drink offered in bars and restaurants, made with cherry syrup, it is best with fresh cherries. You can, however, make this cocktail with defrosted and well drained frozen cherries—or any fresh cherry variety you can find.

Ingredients

  • 6 ripe sweet cherries

  • 1/4 cup gin

  • 2 teaspoons lime juice, or to taste

  • Tonic water, to taste

  • Sliced lime, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Pit cherries and put them in a cocktail shaker or large glass. Use a muddler or large wooden spoon to muddle or gently crush them.

  2. Add the gin and lime juice, cover, and shake vigorously for a minute.

  3. Fill two glasses with ice and strain the cherry-gin mixture in equal measures over the ice.

  4. Add tonic to fill the glass or to taste and garnish with a lime.

Tip

  • If you find that you really enjoy this drink, you can make up a batch of muddled cherries ahead of time and keep them refrigerated in an airtight container. They'll come in handy for this drink, and for other uses, too, such as drizzling over vanilla or chocolate ice cream, or swirling into plain yogurt.
  • You might be wondering what the best type of gin would be for this drink. It's great with any gin but if you'd like to hone in on the flavor experience, it might taste great to you with a gin that's not juniper heavy. Look for Aviation or Hendrick's, which are good choices that are lighter on the juniper.

Variation

  • You can easily substitute other fruits instead of cherries if you don't like them or are allergic to them. Any other kind of berry, such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and/or strawberries, would work much in the same way as cherries in this recipe.
  • If gin's not your thing, pour vodka if you prefer that for a fruity twist on the vodka tonic.

How Strong Is a Cherry Gin and Tonic?

The cherry gin and tonic is an easy to drink cocktail. Its alcohol content falls right in line around 12 percent ABV (24 proof) if you pour about 4 ounces of tonic. Less tonic water will make it a much stronger drink.

Helpful Links

If you're new to the world of cocktails and in particular, blending them to get them just right, check out some of these links.