A drink that tastes like after-work: Cherry Brandy and fruity white wine combine into a smooth, fruity mix that is refreshed by soda water. No frills, just good taste – ideal for those who prefer it simple. The maraschino cherries are not just decoration but part of the experience: only eat them at the end, so the next sip tastes even better.
And this is what you need for the Prost
1 cl Cherry Brandy
8 cl fruity white wine (e.g. Müller-Thurgau or Riesling Kabinett)
1 scoop of finely crushed ice (approx. 30 g)
6–8 cl soda water (chilled)
2 maraschino cherries (with stems)
What matters
The trick is in the ice: finely crushed ice cools faster and melts more slowly than cubes because it has a larger surface area. If you don’t have crushed ice, you can wrap ice cubes in a kitchen towel and smash them with a hammer. It’s important that the ice is really cold – best to take it out of the freezer 10 minutes beforehand and store it in a bowl. The wine shouldn’t be too dry: a fruity wine with residual sugar harmonises better with the Cherry Brandy and prevents the drink from tasting sour. If you prefer it more sparkling, use Prosecco instead of soda water – then the Prost becomes a “wine spritz with a kick”.
Variations
- Prost Royal — Replace the soda water with 4 cl chilled Prosecco. The drink becomes more elegant and less sweet but retains its fruity note. Garnish: Express 1 lemon zest over the glass.
- Prost Herbal — Add 2 cl elderflower syrup to the shaker. The syrup enhances the floral note of the white wine and makes the drink more aromatic. Garnish: 1 fresh elderflower head (rinse briefly in cold water).
Frequently asked questions
Can I use dry white wine?
Yes, but then the drink will taste less harmonious. Dry wine emphasises the acidity and makes the Cherry Brandy dominant. If you only have dry wine, add 0.5 cl sugar syrup to restore the balance.
Why does the drink taste different after eating the maraschino cherries?
The cherries are preserved in liqueur and release their sweet, intense flavour when chewed. This briefly masks the acidity of the wine and makes the next sip milder. A little trick to keep the drink interesting for longer.
Can I prepare the drink in advance?
Yes, but without soda water and ice. Mix Cherry Brandy and wine in the shaker and refrigerate the mixture for a maximum of 2 hours. Only shake with ice and top up with soda water just before serving – otherwise the drink will lose its freshness.
