If you happen to live somewhere where Door County Cherry Juice is available, you probably already make a version of this Door County Cherry Spritzer. It’s a no brainer to make for summer parties since it’s delicious and an easy sipper that you can adjust to suit your individual sweetness, booziness, and sparkliness preferences. It also makes a great Door County Cherry Spritzer cocktail for teetotalers and kids alike. I keep this one on the tame side and let guests amp it up if they like because it goes down easy and I try to help friends stay out of trouble, but you don’t have to be so kind. I also have a few modifications for you if you can’t find sweetened Cherry juice, etc. Everyone agreed that my Door County Cherry Spritzer was a great way to get our Midsommar’s Eve Party started, even the staunch beer drinkers. And that’s saying something when there’s plenty of New Glarus Spotted Cow around to tempt people. It goes well with salty hors d’oeuvres in particular because of the sweet and tart elements, so don’t be afraid to pair this Door County Cherry Spritzer with all sorts of cheese, pretzels, and even things like smoked fish dips.
- 3 parts Door County Cherry juice (sweetened)
- 2 parts club soda or seltzer water (use sprite if you can only find unsweetened tart cherry juice)
- 2 parts vodka
- ice
- lime wedges or fresh herbs for garnish
- The ratio is the same whether you're making one for yourself or an entire pitcher. Just pour the ingredients in a glass or a pitcher, give it a stir, and add ice to keep it cold. Feel free to garnish with lime wedges or fresh herbs (my dad grew me lime basil that was awesome!)
This looks refreshing, perfect summer drink!
Thanks!
I’ll take my cherries any way! This cocktail sounds fantastic!
I’m so with you on that. I just bought the market out of sour cherries and I have a busy afternoon of pitting ahead of me. Yay.
Loving the color of this cocktail! I’m not a huge fan of vodka but I think tequila will sub quite nicely.
Absolutely, but add a little salt and some lime and head more towards a margarita.
I love Door County!! Wish I still lived in WI; I’d be picking some of this up and making one of these asap!!
You can make it with the tart cherry juice at Trader Joe’s and add some sugar. It’s worth the effort.
this sounds fabulous! I love the idea of making a base drink, and having vodka on standby to add… that way everyone can enjoy it, spiked or not! yum.
Me too. It keeps things simple and doesn’t make anyone feel excluded.
I just moved from Chicago in December. We went to Door County a lot and I am a huge cherry lover. Cherries from there are one of a kind. I wish we got it here in Ohio…this drink looks heavenly!!
So good. And a trip to Trader Joe’s will remedy everything!