The subject of this post is intended for readers 21 years of age and older.
Cherry season is perhaps my favorite fruit season of them all. It's so pronounced and, unlike apples or bananas, you really cannot get them year round. Outside of the season, I long for them and add cherry recipes to my ever-growing list of ideas in my iPhone notes. During the season (June to August), I snack on them almost every day and love working with them in the kitchen. So when I received a big box full of fresh cherries to my doorstep courtesy of Northwest Cherry Growers last week, I got to work on all of the cherry recipes on my list. This cherry elderflower smash is the first one of those recipes. If you get sick of cherries over the next few weeks, I apologize, but I want to make sure to share all the goodness while they're still in season! Next week, I'll be back with a dessert recipe. Now, let's get into this drink.
This is a bright and uniquely-flavored cocktail you'll definitely want in your repertoire. I wanted to make a drink in which the fresh cherry flavor comes through without the whole thing being overly sweet. Of course, St. Germain was a must (you can use any kind of elderflower liqueur but it is the best, in my opinion) and I chose vodka to add a boozy kick without complicating the taste. Muddled fresh mint leaves, a squeeze of lime juice, and soda round it all out. This recipe is for one serving but you can easily whip this up by the pitcher for a group. If you enjoy this cocktail, I recommend you also check out my Turnt Tequila Mimosas made with St. Germain, my Summer Fruit Rosé or my Cranberry Apple Spice Mules made with Tito's Vodka. In the meantime, check out the step-by-step pictures below followed by a printable recipe card.
Stay tuned for a new cherry recipe each week through the end of the season. If you have any requests, let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
Add mint leaves and cherries to a glass.
Crush/muddle with the end of a wooden spoon (or whatever kind of spoon you have).
Add St. Germain and vodka to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well then strain into glass with cherries and mint.
Add a squeeze of lime juice then top up with lemon lime soda.

Cherry Elderflower Smash
Ingredients
- 6 pitted cherries fresh or frozen
- 6 mint leaves
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces elderflower liqueur like St. Germain
- lemon lime soda
- squeeze of lime juice
- ice
Instructions
- Add cherries and mint leaves to a glass and crush/muddle with end of a wooden spoon.
- Add ice, vodka, and elderflower liqueur to a cocktail shaker and shake. Strain into glass then add a squeeze of lime juice. Top up with soda to finish.

Lena says
Elderflower liqueur is seriously my favorite and the fact that it is mixed with mint and cherries here is just perfection! I have all these ingredients at home right now, I know what my weekend sipping pleasure will be this weekend! ?
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Oh wow, I love Tito's and St. Germain! This is right up my alley, thanks for sharing
loveyoumoretoo says
OH my word. This sounds so good. I love your step by step photos. So adorable!
Francesca says
How perfect is this for a summer party!! Love the colour too! Definitely trying this soon!
Marta Rivera says
Now THIS is a drink I can get down with! Thanks for sharing your recipe with us!
Clarissa says
This sounds DIVINE and I have everything at home already! #hellyea
Felicia @ The Starving Chef says
Wow I barely ever drink and this really makes me wanna break out my fancy glasses to try this... O.O
Sarah Kranz says
This looks like a great drink, definitely one to try!
Whitney S. says
Oooh!! This sounds super refreshing!! I know that I would just love this!