With prosecco, cherries, lemon, and a splash of cherry liqueur
Hey there!
This Cherry Lemon Sparkling Sangria is the kind of drink that feels like sunshine in a glass. It’s light, bubbly, a little tart, and just the right amount of sweet.
Perfect for summer cookouts, brunch with friends, or just a relaxing weekend on the patio. I first made this for a last-minute get-together and it disappeared fast.
Since then, it’s been my go-to party drink.
🍋 What You’ll Need:
- 1 bottle (750ml) prosecco, chilled
- 1/2 cup cherry liqueur (like Cherry Heering or Luxardo)
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 1–2 tbsp simple syrup (optional, to taste)
- 1/2 cup cold soda water or sparkling water (optional, for topping)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint (for garnish)
🌟 Why I Love This Recipe
This drink is a party starter, plain and simple. It’s:
- Fast and easy – takes just minutes to throw together
- Light and bubbly – thanks to prosecco and soda water
- Tart + sweet – cherry liqueur and lemon are a perfect pair
- Pretty to look at – those floating cherries and lemon slices are so photogenic
- Make-ahead friendly – mix the base ahead, add bubbles later
👩🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Sangria works because of maceration — letting fruit sit in alcohol and juice draws out flavor and natural sugars. The acid in lemon juice balances the sweetness of cherries and liqueur, while prosecco adds fizz that lifts everything up. Soda water keeps it refreshing without overpowering the drink.
🧠 Common Mistakes
- Using warm prosecco – always chill first so it doesn’t go flat
- Skipping the chill time – letting the cherries and lemon soak even for 15 mins brings out so much flavor
- Too much sweetener – taste first; cherry liqueur is already sweet
- Overmixing after adding prosecco – gentle stir only so bubbles don’t disappear
🛠 Tools You’ll Need:
- Pitcher or large glass jar
- Long spoon or stir stick
- Knife + cutting board
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Measuring cups
- Wine glasses or tumblers
🔁 Substitutions and Variations
- No cherry liqueur? Try raspberry liqueur or skip it and muddle extra cherries
- No prosecco? Use any dry sparkling wine or even sparkling cider for a mocktail
- Like it stronger? Add a splash of vodka or gin
- Make it fruity? Toss in berries, peach slices, or oranges
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix everything except prosecco and soda water ahead of time
- Store in fridge up to 24 hours
- Add bubbles and ice just before serving
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Pit and Prep Cherries + Slice Lemon
Pit 1 cup of fresh cherries and slice 1 lemon thinly. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large pitcher, combine the pitted cherries, lemon slices, 1/2 cup cherry liqueur, and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Stir gently. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
Step 3: Add Prosecco
Slowly pour in the entire bottle of chilled prosecco. Stir very gently just to mix.
Step 4: Taste and Sweeten If Needed
Taste the sangria. If it’s too tart, stir in 1–2 tbsp simple syrup, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Add Ice and Serve
Add ice cubes to each glass. Pour in the sangria, making sure each glass gets fruit. Top with soda water if desired. Garnish with a mint sprig.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftover sangria (without ice or soda water) in the fridge, covered
- Best enjoyed within 1–2 days
- Pro tip: top off with fresh prosecco if it’s gone flat
🍽 What to Serve With
- Charcuterie board with cheese and cured meats
- Grilled chicken or shrimp skewers
- Light summer salads (especially arugula + fruit)
- Lemon bars or shortbread for dessert
❓ FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yep! Just thaw and drain first.
Is it okay to skip the cherry liqueur?
Yes, just use a bit more lemon juice and sweeten to taste.
Can I make this a mocktail?
Absolutely. Use sparkling cider or lemon soda and skip the alcohol.
🍾 Wrap Up
If you’re looking for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink that looks just as good as it tastes, this Cherry Lemon Sparkling Sangria is it. It’s simple, beautiful, and just so fun to make. Give it a try, then drop a comment below – I’d love to hear how it turned out or answer any questions!
Cheers! 🥂
