Instructions for Making a Cherry Sea Breeze Cocktail

Muddle the Cherries:

• In a cocktail shaker, place a handful of fresh cherries (about 8 cherries, pitted).
• Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to press and crush the cherries, releasing their rich juices and flavors. This step is crucial for infusing the drink with a deep cherry essence.

Mix the Ingredients:

• Pour in 2 ounces of vodka, 2 ounces of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and 2 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice into the shaker with the muddled cherries.
• Fill the shaker with ice cubes to ensure the drink gets well-chilled and slightly diluted for the perfect balance of flavors.

Shake Well:

• Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker tightly.
• Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This not only mixes the ingredients thoroughly but also chills the cocktail, making it refreshing and crisp.

Pour into Glass:

• Choose your serving glass. For a more elegant presentation, strain the mixture into a martini glass. If you prefer a more casual and relaxed vibe, strain the cocktail over ice in a highball glass.
• The straining process helps remove the cherry pulp and ice shards, ensuring a smooth drink.

Garnish:

• Add a final touch of flair by garnishing the cocktail with a dried slice of orange, or skewered cherries. This adds a visual appeal making the drink look as delightful as it tastes.

Sweet Cherry Varieties for Summer and Their Use in Cocktails

Bing Cherries:

• Description: Dark red, heart-shaped, and very sweet with a juicy texture.
• Use in Cocktails: Bing cherries can be muddled to release their sweet juice, adding a rich cherry flavor to cocktails. They work well in drinks like Cherry Mojitos, Cherry Old Fashioneds, or any cocktail that benefits from a sweet, fruity note.

Rainier Cherries:

• Description: Yellow with a red blush, exceptionally sweet, and delicate in flavor.
• Use in Cocktails: Rainier cherries add a bright, sweet flavor and a visually appealing color contrast. They are great for garnishing cocktails like a Rainier Cherry Collins or for adding a sweet twist to a Cherry Lemonade.

How They Enhance Cocktails:

• Muddling: Muddling sweet cherries releases their juices and natural sugars, adding a fresh and rich cherry flavor to the cocktail.
• Garnishing: Whole cherries make attractive garnishes, adding visual appeal and a burst of flavor when eaten.
• Infusing: Cherries can be infused into spirits to create cherry-flavored vodkas, rums, or whiskeys, adding a subtle fruitiness to the base spirit.
• Blending: Blended cherries can be used to create cherry purees, which add body and sweetness to frozen or blended cocktails.
• Making Simple Syrup: Simply pit some cherries and muddle them, and add them to a batch of equal parts water and sugar and simmer for 5 minutes. Allow to cool, then strain into a bottle. Add a few drops of vodka to help it last longer in the fridge.

Using fresh, sweet cherries in cocktails brings out the best of their natural flavors and enhances the overall drinking experience, making them a perfect ingredient for summer beverages.

Can I make a Mocktail Version of this Recipe?

Absolutely! For those who prefer non-alcoholic options or have dietary restrictions, simply replace the vodka with club soda. The beauty of cocktails is in their versatility and the ability to tailor them to personal preferences. Next time you’re planning a gathering or just want to unwind after a long day, try mixing up a Cherry Grapefruit Sea Breeze mocktail. This refreshing drink brings a taste of summer to any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual get-together with friends. Enjoy responsibly and savor every sip of this delicious mocktail!