Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic12.5% ABV2 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 2 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
- 2.0 ozCherry-Flavored BrandyBase
- 2.0 ozJuice Of A LemonCitrus
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirGarnish
- Serve in old-fashioned glass filled with ice cubes and stir.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Add a twist of lemon peel.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritCognac is smooth and refined; armagnac is earthier and more rustic; calvados brings apple notes. Swapping within these still changes the flavour profile — cognac is the safest neutral choice.CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Cherry Sling?
- The Cherry Sling is a cocktail made with 2 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 12.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 196 calories.
- What does a Cherry Sling taste like?
- Cherry Sling has a flavour profile featuring Lemon, Citrus, Fruit, Oak. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Cherry Sling?
- Cherry Sling is versatile — it pairs well with light snacks, seafood and mild cheeses. The best match depends on the dominant flavour in the specific recipe.
- How strong is a Cherry Sling?
- The Cherry Sling has an ABV of approximately 12.5%. That's approximately 0.83 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 196 calories, 19.2g sugar, 27.7g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Cherry Sling typically served?
- Cherry Sling is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Cherry Sling?
- If you enjoy Cherry Sling, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Cherry Sling at home?
- Yes. The Cherry Sling uses 2 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Cherry Sling with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.