A mocktail that plays with the sweetness of ripe cherries and gets a bitter, effervescent note from tonic water. The lime syrup brings freshness without dominating as acidity – perfect for warm days or as an aperitif. No alcohol, but full of flavor: here the balance between fruit and bitterness matters, not the alcohol content.
And here’s what you need for the Cherry Tonic – alcohol-free
2 cl lime syrup
10 cl cherry nectar (minimum 50 % fruit content)
12 cl tonic water (bitter, not too sweet)
Garnish: 1 slice of lemon, 1 cocktail cherry
This is what matters
The trick is in the cherry nectar: use one with at least 50 % fruit content, otherwise the drink will taste like sugar water. If you chill the nectar in the freezer for 10 minutes before mixing, it will be colder than the ice and dilute less quickly. Add the tonic water only at the end – this way the effervescence lasts longer. Those who like it can rub a pinch of lemon zest over the drink to enhance the aroma.
Variations
- Cherry Gin & Tonic (alcoholic) — Replace the cherry nectar with 4 cl London Dry Gin and 6 cl cherry juice. Keep the tonic water the same, and add a juniper berry to the garnish.
- Berry Tonic — Replace the cherry nectar with 8 cl mixed berry juice (raspberry, blackberry) and round off with 1 cl elderflower syrup. Garnish: fresh berries on a skewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cherry juice instead of cherry nectar?
Yes, but the nectar has more body and sweetness. If you use juice, reduce the tonic water by 2 cl and add 1 cl more lime syrup to maintain the balance.
Why does my drink taste flat?
Probably the tonic water is too warm or the glass isn’t cold enough. Always use well-chilled tonic and rinse the glass with ice water beforehand. This way the effervescence lasts longer.
Can I make the lime syrup myself?
Of course: mix 1 part lime juice with 1 part sugar and briefly bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool and store in the fridge. Keeps for about one week.
