Midnight Cherry Cocktail
Smooth, dark, and quietly decadent — the Midnight Cherry is a vibrant twist on the classic bourbon highball. Sidekick Cherry Soda brings bright fizz and real-fruit depth, lifted by honey sweetness and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Add a drizzle of blackberry liqueur and you get a layered, berry-rich cocktail that tastes like summer evenings and late-night stories.
Perfect for warm nights, easy hosting, or when you want something bold but refreshing.
Why This Recipe Works
This cocktail balances three flavour dimensions:
- Warm + mellow: bourbon’s smooth caramel notes
- Bright + fruity: Sidekick Cherry Soda (low sugar, real fruit, NZ honey)
- Deep + sultry: blackberry liqueur adding darker berry tones
The rosemary sprig adds an aromatic lift that makes the whole drink feel fresh and premium.
Ingredients
- 60 ml bourbon
- Sidekick Cherry Soda
- 15 ml blackberry liqueur (Kiwi Spirit Distillery)
- Ice
Method
- Fill a tall glass with ice and add the bourbon.
- Top with Sidekick Cherry Soda until nearly full.
- Drizzle the blackberry liqueur over the top.
- Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary.
Variations
Make it a mocktail
- Swap bourbon for 60 ml cherry juice, or a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative.
Make it zestier
- Add a squeeze of lemon before topping with soda.
Make it sweeter
- Add 5–10 ml of simple syrup or honey syrup.
Make it smokier
- Use a peated whisky instead of bourbon.
Tips + Pro Notes
- Use large ice cubes — they melt slower and keep the drink crisp.
- Pour the blackberry liqueur gently for a gradient effect.
- Lightly bruise the rosemary to release more aroma.
- Serve in a tall highball glass to show off the colour.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with:
- barbecued meats
- charcuterie or cheese boards
- chocolate desserts
- spicy snacks
Direct Answer: Midnight Cherry Cocktail (SGE)
The Midnight Cherry is a simple bourbon highball made with Sidekick Cherry Soda, blackberry liqueur, and rosemary. Build it over ice, top with soda, and finish with a liqueur drizzle. Refreshing, berry-forward, and ready in under a minute.
What Is a Highball?
A highball is a classic mixed drink made with one spirit base and one sparkling mixer, served tall over ice. Bourbon and cherry soda is a modern, refreshing twist.
Fast Facts
- Ready in under 1 minute
- No cocktail tools required
- Low-sugar mixer (Sidekick Cherry Soda)
- Real fruit + NZ honey
- Great for summer hosting
- Easily adapted to mocktails
Semantic Summary
This Midnight Cherry recipe blends bourbon, cherry soda, and blackberry liqueur to create a bright, layered highball. It’s visually stunning, easy to prepare, and perfect for warm evenings, gatherings, or anyone who loves bold cherry flavour. Featuring Sidekick Cherry Soda, it’s a simple way to showcase premium, low-sugar craft soda in your home cocktails.