34 Refreshing Cheerwine Cocktails to Spice Up Your Summer Gatherings

Edward Hickman

October 31, 2025

Eager to experiment with new drinks, I often find myself scouring the internet for inspiration. Among my discoveries is the delightful world of Cheerwine cocktails. Essentially, these refreshing concoctions combine the sweet, fruity flavor of Cheerwine with a variety of spirits and mixers. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the classic cherry soda or you’re just discovering its charm, there’s a Cheerwine cocktail out there to suit your taste. But what is Cheerwine, exactly?

Well, for those who are new to the scene, it’s a cherry-flavored soft drink that has been around since 1917 and has gained a cult following in the South. Its unique flavor profile has captivated fans who appreciate its distinctive taste. So, what makes Cheerwine such an excellent ingredient for cocktails? For one, its versatility allows it to pair well with a range of spirits, from vodka to bourbon. And secondly, its sweet, fruity flavor adds a fun twist to traditional cocktail recipes.

In this post, we’ll be exploring some of the most popular and creative Cheerwine cocktail recipes out there. Whether you’re looking for something simple and sweet or something more complex, we’ve got you covered. So, grab a can of Cheerwine and let’s get started on creating our own unique concoctions!

Holiday Cheerwine Cocktail

Holiday Cheerwine Cocktail

Creating a festive atmosphere with delicious drinks is an essential part of any holiday celebration. Combining the limited edition Holiday Cheerwine with pineapple juice and ginger ale creates a unique flavor profile that’s both tangy and refreshing. A shot of bourbon adds a rich, smooth depth to the drink, while a hint of lime juice provides a subtle yet zesty touch.

The finishing touches come in the form of a sweet and spicy rim coating made from sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sprinkles, which not only adds a pop of color but also an extra layer of flavor. To complete this visually appealing cocktail, garnishes such as cinnamon sticks, anise stars, and lime slices add a fragrant aroma and a festive feel that’s sure to delight your guests.

If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday drink recipe to impress your friends and family, the Holiday Cheerwine Cocktail is definitely worth trying.

Cheerwine Shandy Cocktail

Cheerwine Shandy Cocktail

Zestfully combine North Carolina’s iconic cherry soda, Cheerwine, with a crisp light beer such as a pilsner or ale, to craft the refreshing Cheerwine Shandy Cocktail. Perfect for sweltering summer days, this unique twist on the classic shandy cocktail is sure to quench your thirst and tantalize your taste buds.

Shandies have long been a popular drink, consisting of beer mixed with juice or soda, and the Cheerwine Shandy stands out from the crowd by pairing the sweet, cherry-red flavor of Cheerwine with the light, crisp taste of the beer, resulting in a delightful balance of sweetness and refreshment that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.

Cheerwine Shot on the Rocks

Cheerwine Shot on the Rocks

Laden with the rich flavor of Cheerwine soda, the Cheerwine Shot on the Rocks is an exceptional and tantalizing cocktail that is sure to satisfy those who crave its distinctive taste. This highball drink combines the smooth and fine finish of Blue Shark Vodka with the sweet cherry flavor of Cheerwine, expertly balanced by the subtle nutty undertones of Amaretto. The result is a perfectly crafted cocktail that is both refreshing and sophisticated, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Whether you’re in the mood for something new or just looking to mix things up, this drink is definitely worth trying, especially when served on the rocks in an Old Fashioned Glass.

Cheerwine Old-Fashioned Cocktail

Cheerwine Old-Fashioned Cocktail

Zestfully capturing the essence of summer’s end, the Cheerwine Old-Fashioned Cocktail is an innovative twist on the classic Old-Fashioned. Combining your preferred bourbon with North Carolina’s renowned black cherry soda, Cheerwine, this refreshing drink presents a delightful cherry-flavored spin. The incorporation of Cheerwine syrup not only introduces a distinctive sweetness but also expertly balances the citrusy zing provided by orange bitters.

This cocktail is an ideal choice for those who appreciate the flavor profiles of bourbon and cherries, and as an added bonus, fans of Cheerwine will be thrilled to explore other creative cocktail recipes featuring this unique ingredient.

Cheerwine Cocktail

Cheerwine Cocktail

Vibrant and refreshing, The Cheerwine Cocktail is a delightful summer drink that fuses the iconic cherry soda with a splash of vodka and lime juice. This cocktail is tailor-made for North Carolinians who adore the taste of Cheerwine and want to add a little kick to their beloved soft drink. The harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors makes this cocktail a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to delight anyone who loves a good cherry limeade.

Whether you’re a fan of beer or bourbon, there’s a Cheerwine cocktail recipe out there for every taste bud. So, if you’re looking for a unique and delicious way to enjoy Cheerwine, give this cocktail a try and raise a glass to the land of the longleaf pine, where southern charm meets refreshing flavors.

Cheerwine Sangria

Cheerwine Sangria

Navigating through a plethora of refreshing cocktails, one that stands out as a unique treat during the sweltering summer months is the Cheerwine Sangria. This revitalizing concoction masterfully blends the luscious sweetness of cherry-flavored Cheerwine with a rich and bold Spanish red wine, adding depth to its flavor profile. Furthermore, triple sec, dark rum, and Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur are expertly incorporated, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

Cheerwine Bourbon Slushies

Cheerwine Bourbon Slushies

Generally speaking, when it comes to refreshing summer cocktails, most people opt for classic combinations like mojitos and margaritas. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something truly unique, the Cheerwine Bourbon Slushie is an excellent choice. This innovative cocktail combines the iconic North Carolina soda, Cheerwine, with bourbon and ice to create a frozen treat that’s perfect for hot summer days.

The sweet cherry flavor of the Cheerwine beautifully complements the smoothness of the bourbon, resulting in a deliciously patriotic drink that’s sure to be a showstopper at your next gathering or holiday celebration.

Red Velvet Vodka Fizz

Red Velvet Vodka Fizz

Often overlooked in favor of sweeter cocktails, the Red Velvet Vodka Fizz stands out as a bold and captivating drink option. Made with vodka and Cheerwine, this cocktail boasts a slightly less sweet flavor profile compared to traditional Red Velvet Cake recipes, making it an ideal choice for those who crave a bit more complexity in their drinks.

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