This tart cherry mocktail recipe is bubbly, beautiful, and brunch-approved—no alcohol required.
If you’re looking for a mocktail that feels just as special as a cocktail—this sparkling tart cherry mocktail is it. It’s bright, lightly tart, perfectly balanced, and made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Whether you’re doing Dry January, hosting a reset brunch, or just want a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that still feels elevated, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Tart Cherry Mocktail
- Perfect for Dry January and alcohol-free entertaining
- Made with tart cherry juice, a popular ingredient for mocktails and wellness drinks
- Lightly sweetened and easy to adjust to your taste
- Great for brunch at home, baby showers, girls’ nights, or weeknight resets
If you love easy elevated drinks that feel restaurant-worthy but are simple to make, this one’s for you.
What Is Tart Cherry Juice?
Tart cherry juice is made from sour cherries (often Montmorency cherries) and has a deeper, more complex flavor than regular cherry juice. It’s naturally tart, slightly sweet, and pairs beautifully with citrus, herbs, and bubbles—making it ideal for mocktails.
It’s also a popular ingredient in non-alcoholic drinks, especially during Dry January, because it feels indulgent without being overly sweet.
Ingredients for a Tart Cherry Mocktail
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this refreshing mocktail:
- Tart cherry juice
- Fresh lemon juice
- Honey simple syrup (or maple syrup)
- Sparkling water or club soda
- Ice
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon wheel
- Frozen cherries
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprig
How to Make a Tart Cherry Lemon Mocktail
This mocktail comes together in just a few minutes—no shaker required.
- Fill a wine glass or tall glass with ice.
- Add 3 ounces tart cherry juice.
- Add ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste).
- Stir in ½ ounce honey simple syrup or maple syrup.
- Top with sparkling water and gently stir.
- Garnish and enjoy.
That’s it—easy, elegant, and so refreshing.
How to Adjust the Flavor
One of the best things about this tart cherry mocktail is how customizable it is.
- Too tart? Add a splash more simple syrup/maple syrup.
- Too sweet? Add extra lemon juice or more sparkling water.
- Want more depth? Use ginger sparkling water or add a rosemary garnish.
This flexibility makes it perfect for serving guests with different tastes.
Make It for Brunch or Hosting
This sparkling tart cherry lemon mocktail is ideal for:
Serve it in a coupe or wine glass so your non-drinkers still feel like they’re having something special.
Can I Turn This Into a Cocktail?
Absolutely. This mocktail easily converts into a cocktail.
- Add 1½–2 ounces bourbon or vodka before topping with sparkling water.
- Stir gently and serve over ice.
It becomes a cozy yet refreshing tart cherry cocktail—perfect for evenings or hosting.
Batch This Tart Cherry Mocktail Recipe for a Crowd
Hosting brunch? This recipe is easy to scale.
Combine tart cherry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher. Chill until ready to serve. Add sparkling water just before serving so it stays bubbly.
Tart Cherry Mocktail Recipe
This sparkling tart cherry lemon mocktail is an easy non-alcoholic drink perfect for Dry January, brunch, and hosting. Refreshing, lightly sweet, and alcohol-free.
Ingredients
- 3 oz tart cherry juice
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz honey simple syrup or maple syrup
- 3–4 oz sparkling water
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass or tall glass with ice.
- Add 3 ounces tart cherry juice.
- Add ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste).
- Stir in ½ ounce honey simple syrup/maple syrup
- Top with sparkling water and gently stir.
- Garnish and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This sparkling tart cherry lemon mocktail proves that non-alcoholic drinks don’t have to be boring. It’s refreshing, balanced, and perfect for brunch, Dry January, or anytime you want something festive without alcohol.
If you make this recipe, let me know how you served it—and don’t forget to save it for later on Pinterest.
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