Cherry Bomb Drink Recipe

The Cherry Bomb is more than just a simple shot dropped into a glass of energy drink. 

This vibrant concoction has a surprisingly dynamic history, with variations that range from simple, high-energy shooters to sophisticated, bubbly cocktails. 

Whether you’re a home mixologist looking to impress your friends or a seasoned bartender seeking fresh inspiration, the Cherry Bomb offers a world of flavor to explore.

Cherry Bomb Variations: From Simple Shots to Craft Cocktails

The beauty of the Cherry Bomb lies in its adaptability. Here are four popular variations you can make at home, each offering a unique flavor experience.

1. The Classic Energy Bomb Shot

This is the version that likely comes to mind first: a potent, high-energy shot perfect for getting the party started.

• Best for: Those looking for a quick, energetic boost.
• Flavor profile: Sweet cherry balanced by the distinct, tangy flavor of an energy drink.

2. The Tart & Refreshing Rum Cooler

Drawing inspiration from classic rum drinks, this version is more of a long drink, perfect for sipping on a warm day.

• Best for: Fans of mojitos and other refreshing rum cocktails.
• Flavor profile: A sweet and sour mix of cherry, lime, and rum.

3. The Sophisticated Cachaça Cocktail

This elegant variation, highlighted by Liquor.com, swaps the high-octane energy drink for bubbly club soda and introduces the grassy notes of cachaça.

• Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate balanced, complex flavors.
• Flavor profile: Grassy cachaça, sweet cherry liqueur, and tart lime create a dry, effervescent drink.

4. The Rich Bourbon & Fresh Cherry Smash

This recipe, found on WhatToMunch, uses fresh muddled cherries and the warm notes of bourbon for a craft cocktail experience.

• Best for: Sipping when fresh cherries are in season.
• Flavor profile: A rich blend of sweet cherry, zesty lemon, and smooth bourbon.

Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to start mixing? Here’s everything you need for each variation.

Recipe 1: Classic Energy Bomb Shot

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz cherry vodka or cherry schnapps (like Dr. McGillicuddy’s)
• 4-6 oz Red Bull or other energy drink, chilled
• Splash of grenadine (optional, for color and extra sweetness)
• 1 maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a shot glass with cherry vodka or schnapps.
2. Pour the chilled energy drink into a pint glass. If using, add a splash of grenadine.
3. Garnish the shot with a maraschino cherry.
4. To serve, drop the shot glass into the pint glass and drink immediately while it fizzes.

Recipe 2: Tart & Refreshing Rum Cooler

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz white rum
• 1 oz grenadine
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 4-6 oz lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up), chilled
• Lime wedge and maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour the rum, grenadine, and lime juice over the ice.
3. Top with lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge and a maraschino cherry.

Recipe 3: Sophisticated Cachaça Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz cachaça
• 1 oz cherry liqueur (like Cherry Heering or Luxardo Maraschino)
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• Club soda, chilled, to top
• Lime wheel and a quality cocktail cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add cachaça, cherry liqueur, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake until well-chilled (about 15 seconds).
3. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Top with club soda.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a cherry.

Recipe 4: Rich Bourbon & Fresh Cherry Smash

Ingredients:

• 5-6 fresh sweet cherries, pitted
• 2-3 lemon wedges
• 2.5 oz bourbon
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Fresh cherries for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, add the lemon wedges and pitted cherries.
2. Muddle firmly to release the lemon juice and crush the cherries.
3. Add the bourbon, maple syrup, and a handful of ice to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
5. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with a large ice cube or fresh ice.
6. Garnish with a couple of fresh cherries.

Ingredient Substitutions and Non-Alcoholic Versions

Don’t have all the ingredients? No problem. Here are some easy swaps and a guide to making a delicious non-alcoholic Cherry Bomb.

Original Ingredient	Substitution	Notes
Cherry Vodka/Schnapps	Cherry liqueur, regular vodka with grenadine, or cherry-flavored syrup (for non-alcoholic).	Adjust sweetness as needed when using different liqueurs or syrups.
Red Bull	Other energy drinks, lemon-lime soda, sparkling cranberry juice, or ginger ale.	Each mixer will create a different flavor profile.
Rum/Cachaça/Bourbon	Any base spirit can be experimented with. For a non-alcoholic version, use a non-alcoholic spirit or omit.	Consider the flavor profile you want to achieve.
Grenadine	Maraschino cherry juice, raspberry syrup, or pomegranate molasses diluted with water.	Grenadine is traditionally made from pomegranate.
Fresh Cherries	Thawed frozen cherries or a high-quality cherry purée.	Fresh is best, but these work in a pinch for the Bourbon Smash.

Make it a “Sober Bomb”

Want all the flavor without the alcohol? It’s easy to make a non-alcoholic version.

• Combine 1 oz of cherry syrup (like Torani) with 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice.
• Top with 4-6 oz of your favorite fizzy mixer: lemon-lime soda, sparkling water, or even a non-alcoholic energy drink.
• Serve over ice with a cherry garnish for a refreshing and festive mocktail.

Nutritional Snapshot

Curious about what you’re drinking? Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of each Cherry Bomb variation. Note that these values can vary based on the specific brands and quantities used.

Drink Variation	Calories (kcal)	Carbohydrates (g)	Sugar (g)
Classic Energy Bomb	140-180	18-25	16-24
Rum Cooler	180-220	20-28	18-26
Cachaça Cocktail	160-200	12-18	10-16
Bourbon Smash	220-260	15-22	12-20

Time to Mix Your Own

Now it’s your turn to get behind the bar. Try one of these recipes or use them as a starting point for your own creation. Did you invent a new variation? We’d love to hear about it! Share your experience and photos on social media and tag us.