An easy Tart Cherry Mocktail made with frozen tart cherries, tart cherry concentrate, fresh lime juice, and sparkling cherry water.

Close-up view of the Tart Cherry Spritzer
chelsea

author’s note

One Sip and You’re Hooked!

With Valentine’s Day coming up, I figured a fun and tasty drink was in order to go along with my tradition of steak and creme brûlée. This tart cherry mocktail fits the bill! It’s festive, delicious, and totally kid-friendly.

I love sharing a special drink with my husband on Valentine’s Day, but it’s just as fun to make something for my boys.

Since I usually stick to milk and water for the kids, any colorful drink feels extra special to them. And these? They’re a hit! Even better, they’re low in sugar and packed with antioxidants.

signature

Ingredients

  • Frozen tart cherries: Make sure they are pitted and slightly thawed before using.
  • Tart cherry concentrate: A little concentrate goes far; taste before adding more.
  • Sparkling cherry water: Any berry sparkling water works; plain soda plus a dash of cherry extract is fine too.
  • Fresh lime juice: Roll the lime first to release more juice for this tart cherry mocktail.
View of  halved fresh limes

How To Make Tart Cherry Mocktail

  1. Load glasses: Divide thawed frozen tart cherries among four glasses.
  2. Add flavor base: Into each glass stir in tart cherry concentrate, sugar, fresh lime juice, and torn mint leaves.
  3. Muddle: Press everything together with the back of a wooden spoon until the cherries break up and the sugar dissolves.
  4. Ice & fizz: Fill cups to the brim with pebble or crushed ice, then pour in cherry sparkling water.
  5. Garnish & serve: Top with extra mint and a lime slice, then sip immediately.

Make-ahead tip: Keep cherries, concentrate, and lime juice chilled separately; assemble just before serving for the best bubbles.

Variations

  • Swap lime for lemon for extra brightness.
  • Splash in coconut water for a tropical edge.
  • Stir in a drop of vanilla for a cream-soda vibe.

More Fun Drink Ideas:

5 from 2 votes

Tart Cherry Mocktail Recipe

This Tart Cherry Mocktail is a refreshing, easy-to-make mocktail that’s perfect for any occasion! Made with frozen tart cherries, a splash of tart cherry concentrate, fresh lime juice, and bubbly cherry sparkling water, it’s a burst of tangy, fruity goodness.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 drinks

Equipment

  • 4 glasses

Ingredients

  • 1 cup frozen tart cherries thawed
  • 2 tablespoons 100% tart cherry concentrate
  • 8 teaspoons superfine sugar
  • 2 limes
  • 1 bunch Fresh mint
  • 3 cups wild cherry-flavored sparkling water
  • lime for garnish, optional
  • Pebble ice or crushed ice

Instructions 

  • Set out 4 glasses. Divide the cherries evenly among the glasses.
  • Add in 1/2 tablespoon tart cherry concentrate, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves into each glass.
  • Mash everything together with the back of a wooden spoon.
  • Fill up the glasses with pebble or crushed ice, then fill to the top with the cherry-flavored sparking water. (Divide the sparkling water evenly among the four glasses).
  • If desired, garnish with additional mint leaves and a sliced lime.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Keep all the components separate and assemble just before enjoying to keep everything fresh.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 107mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelseaโ€™s Messy Apron! Iโ€™m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. Iโ€™m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping byโ€”I hope you find something delicious to make!

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5 from 2 votes

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3 Comments

  1. carlos a says:

    5 stars
    I love cocktails and the fruity ones are my favorite, I can see this one on my hand this Saturday:)

  2. Shawnna Griffin says:

    5 stars
    Hey girl- this looks so tasty!

  3. Karen says:

    Love making cocktails with cherries! So festive for Valentine’s Day. Cheers!