If you’re like me and love a great mocktail, this Tart Cherry Mocktail is about to become a new favorite. It’s refreshing, a little tart and a little sweet, and it feels like a treat without the booze.

You just stir together ½ cup of unsweetened tart cherry juice, 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, 2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup, a splash of vanilla and a tiny pinch of sea salt, pour it over ice, and top it with sparkling water. It takes 5 minutes.

It’s beautiful to serve, super quick to make and easy to customize with your favorite twists. It’s a great pick when you’re cutting back on alcohol, want a healthy happy hour option, or just want a feel-good sip in the evening.

Why You’ll Love This Tart Cherry Mocktail

• Ready in 5 minutes: No simple syrup, no blender, just stir and pour.
• Naturally sweetened: Just 2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup balance the tart cherries.
• Simple ingredients: Everything you need might already be in your pantry.
• Alcohol-free and refreshing: A mocktail you’ll feel good about sipping any time of day.

Tart Cherry Mocktail Ingredients

• Tart cherry juice (unsweetened)
• Fresh lime juice
• Honey or maple syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt
• Sparkling water and ice
• Optional garnish: fresh cherries and lime wheels

Full measurements are listed in the printable recipe card below.

Ingredient Notes

Tart Cherry Juice

Choose 100% unsweetened tart cherry juice (not from concentrate). Tart cherry juice is made from sour cherries, so it’s much more tart than regular cherry juice, and that’s what makes this drink taste so bright. Tart cherry juice is also naturally rich in antioxidants.

Fresh Lime Juice

Lime adds a bright, citrusy contrast to balance the tart cherries. Freshly squeezed is always best.

Honey or Maple Syrup

Just a touch to offset the tartness. Any natural sweetener works. Use maple syrup if you’re making it for little ones under 1, since babies shouldn’t have honey.

Vanilla Extract

Only 1/8 teaspoon, but it adds a subtle hint of warmth that brings out the cherry’s depth.

Sea Salt

Just a tiny pinch! It enhances all the flavors and softens the tartness.

Sparkling Water

Club soda or any plain sparkling water adds a little fizz.

How to Make a Tart Cherry Mocktail

1. Mix the ingredients: In a shaker or small glass, combine the tart cherry juice, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, vanilla and sea salt. Stir or shake until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
2. Serve it chilled: Pour it over ice or keep it straight up, depending on your vibe.
3. Add the sparkle: Top with club soda or sparkling water to add a little fizz.
4. Garnish: Add a lime wheel or fresh cherries for a pretty finish.

How to Make a Pitcher

Multiply the recipe by 4 or more and serve it in a pitcher over ice at your next brunch or gathering. For 4 drinks, stir together 2 cups of tart cherry juice, ¼ cup of lime juice, 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup, ½ teaspoon of vanilla and a pinch of sea salt. Pour it over ice and let everyone top their own glass with sparkling water so it stays fizzy.

Tips and Variations

• Cherry-Ginger: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger or a splash of ginger juice for a spicy kick.
• Coconut Cherry Cooler: Swap half the tart cherry juice with coconut water for a more tropical flavor.
• Berry Bliss: Muddle a few fresh raspberries or blackberries in the bottom of your glass before adding the liquid for a pretty hue.
• Citrus Twist: Use a mix of lime and orange juice for a more rounded citrus flavor with natural sweetness.
• Mint Cherry Refresher: Muddle a few fresh mint leaves into the base before mixing.
• Spiced Tart Cherry: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a cozy, warming variation that’s perfect for cooler months.

What to Serve with a Tart Cherry Mocktail

This drink is perfect for a mocktail hour with a few easy appetizers, like my Spicy Feta Dip with pita chips and veggies. It’s also pretty on a brunch table next to a pitcher of my Ginger Elderberry Mocktail.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Mix the base (everything except the ice and sparkling water) up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Stir it again before serving, since the honey can settle, then pour it over ice and top with sparkling water right before you drink it.

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Tart Cherry Mocktail FAQs

Is tart cherry juice the same as cherry juice?

They’re different. Tart cherry juice is made from sour cherries, like Montmorency cherries, and it’s much more tart. Regular cherry juice is usually made from sweet cherries. Look for unsweetened tart cherry juice for this recipe.

Is a tart cherry mocktail good for sleep?

Tart cherry juice is a popular evening drink, and tart cherries naturally contain a little melatonin. Think of this mocktail as a nice alcohol-free way to wind down at night, not as a sleep remedy.

Can kids drink this mocktail?

It’s a great kid-friendly drink, since it’s just juice, lime, a little sweetener and bubbles. Use maple syrup instead of honey for babies under 1.

Can I mix tart cherry juice with just sparkling water?

You can, but the lime, honey, vanilla and pinch of salt are what make it taste like a real mocktail instead of fizzy juice. They take about a minute to stir in.

Love a good alcohol-free drink? You can also skip the tequila in my Skinny Watermelon Margarita for a summery mocktail.

Did you make this mocktail? Leave a star rating and a comment below and tell me which variation you tried.