Thank you so much for being here. Honestly, it means the world. If you’re searching for a cocktail shot that’s more than just a drink—something with personality, flair, and a little sass—you’re going to love this. The Pop My Cherry Shot is one of my favorite go-to party starters. It’s sweet and citrusy, dressed in vibrant sunset colors, and topped off with a sparkling sugar rim that makes it look like a celebration in a glass.

What is a Pop My Cherry Shot?

The Pop My Cherry Shot is a cherry-orange layered shot that combines the fruity boldness of cherry vodka, the citrus sparkle of triple sec, and the smooth sweetness of orange juice. At the base, a splash of grenadine adds a dramatic red hue and candy-like flavor, while the sugar rim and strawberry garnish make the whole thing pop—literally and figuratively.

It’s a shot, but it can also be a mini cocktail depending on your pour. You can easily scale it up or down, make it as strong or sweet as you’d like, or turn it into a signature party cocktail. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me just start by saying: if you love fruity drinks that look as good as they taste, you’re going to fall head over heels for this one. Here’s why this recipe is a total hit:

Party-Perfect: It’s a stunner on any tray, especially when served in layered rounds at a gathering. The bold red and orange hues are showstoppers.
Easy to Make: No complicated techniques here. With a shaker and a spoon, you’re good to go.
Photogenic and Instagram-Worthy: The layering effect makes it ideal for those “cheers” boomerangs and cocktail photos.
Customizable: You can adjust the strength, sweetness, or even convert it into a mocktail.

This shot is a conversation starter. The kind of drink that makes someone across the room ask, “What is that?”

What Does the Pop My Cherry Shot Taste Like?

Imagine the flavor of a cherry Jolly Rancher meeting a smooth, citrusy screwdriver—and you’re close. The cherry vodka is front and center, bringing that punchy, juicy sweetness. Orange juice and triple sec lighten it up with fresh brightness, and the grenadine at the bottom offers a nostalgic, candy-like finish. Add a sugared rim and a ripe strawberry on top, and every sip (or shot) is layered with sweetness, citrus, and just a little sparkle.

This is one of those drinks that goes down way easier than it should. It’s sweet but not cloying, fruity without being fake, and playful in every sense of the word.

Ingredients

This recipe makes two standard shots or one small cocktail.

1 ounce cherry vodka
½ ounce triple sec
1½ ounces orange juice (pulp-free is best for layering)
½ ounce grenadine or cherry syrup
Ice
Granulated sugar, for rimming the glass
Fresh strawberries, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

Cocktail shaker
Citrus wedge (for rimming)
Shot glasses or a small cocktail glass
Bar spoon (or teaspoon, if that’s what you have on hand)
Small plate (for the sugar rim)
Ice cube tray

Nothing fancy required. If you don’t have a shaker, use a jar with a lid. The goal is to chill and combine the ingredients smoothly.

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

If you’re like me and love playing around with cocktail variations, here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:

No cherry vodka? You can sub in plain vodka and add a dash of cherry syrup or maraschino juice.
Want it less sweet? Swap grenadine for a splash of cranberry juice to cut the sugar and still keep that gorgeous red hue.
Mocktail version: Skip the vodka and triple sec, and use cherry juice and sparkling orange soda for a fun, fruity non-alcoholic version.
Turn it into a frozen slush: Blend all ingredients with ice and pour into glasses for a summer slushie vibe.
Make it bubbly: Add a splash of prosecco or club soda on top for some effervescence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rim the Glass

Start by rimming your shot or cocktail glass with sugar. Rub a citrus wedge around the edge of the glass and dip it into a shallow plate of granulated sugar. This adds sparkle and just a hint of sweet crunch with every sip.

Shake the Base

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the cherry vodka, triple sec, and orange juice. Shake it just long enough to chill—about 10 seconds is perfect.

Layer and Pour

To get that dreamy layered look:

Pour the grenadine or cherry syrup directly into the bottom of your prepared glass. Since it’s denser, it will stay at the bottom.
Slowly pour the shaken mixture over the back of a spoon so that it layers gently over the grenadine. This helps keep the colors separated.

Garnish

Finish it all off with a whole strawberry or a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick. It’s a small touch that adds a burst of juicy flavor and a pop of color.

What to Serve With This Shot

The Pop My Cherry Shot works best when paired with light, complementary party snacks. Here are a few ideas:

Fruit skewers: Especially strawberries, pineapple, and melon.
Mini cheesecakes: The creamy texture balances the fruitiness of the shot.
Spicy appetizers: Think jalapeño poppers or spicy shrimp. The sweet-citrus shot provides a perfect cooling contrast.
Chocolate truffles: Cherry and chocolate are always a win together.

Tips for Making the Best Shot

Use pulp-free orange juice. It makes a smoother pour and cleaner layers.
Chill everything. Cold ingredients layer better and keep the drink crisp.
Pour slowly. Especially when layering—the back-of-the-spoon trick is your best friend here.
Use a vibrant grenadine or cherry syrup. The brighter the red, the more dramatic the visual.

How to Store and Prep Ahead

While this drink is best served fresh, you can make parts of it ahead of time:

Pre-mix the vodka, triple sec, and orange juice and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Pre-rim your glasses and keep them upside down in the fridge until ready to use.
Only layer the grenadine and garnish when ready to serve—this ensures the visual effect is at its best.

General Information

Alcohol Content: Moderate (~15–18% ABV depending on ingredients)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Prep Time: Under 5 minutes
Yield: Two shots or one small cocktail

This recipe is ideal for parties, happy hours, or just adding a bit of flair to your Friday night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a large batch?

Yes! Just multiply the ingredients to serve 6–8 people and serve over ice in a pitcher or punch bowl. Note: you won’t get the layered effect, but you will get a delicious cherry-orange cocktail. Add garnishes and sugar-rimmed glasses for extra flair.

What’s the best cherry vodka to use?

I’ve had great success with Pinnacle Cherry and Absolut Cherrys, but any flavored vodka will work. If you’re using plain vodka, just add a splash of maraschino syrup or cherry juice to keep the cherry flavor in focus.

Can I make it without alcohol?

Absolutely. Use cherry juice in place of cherry vodka, orange soda or fresh OJ in place of the triple sec and orange juice, and finish with a splash of grenadine. Still delicious and still gorgeous.

Does it taste really strong?

It’s stronger than juice, but it’s surprisingly smooth and sweet. The orange juice and grenadine balance out the alcohol beautifully, making this a dangerously easy drink to sip (or shoot).

Related Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more vibrant, party-ready cocktail ideas? These are all bold, fruity, and perfect companions to the Pop My Cherry Shot:

Grateful Dead Cocktail Recipe: A vivid, punchy mix of five spirits with a wild purple hue.
Beach Bucket Cocktail Recipe: Packed with tropical flavors and made for summer gatherings.
Coco Melon Cocktail Recipe: Coconut, melon liqueur, and lime make this a refreshing, exotic sipper.

Each of these recipes brings something unique to the party table, but they all share the same goal: to make your night unforgettable.

Conclusion

If you’re after a drink that delivers on flavor, color, and pure fun, the Pop My Cherry Shot is a must-make. It’s easy, impressive, and downright delicious. I love it as a signature party shot, but honestly, it’s just as enjoyable on a quiet evening with a good playlist and some fairy lights.

So go ahead—mix, pour, sip, and smile. You’ve got this.

Share Your Creation

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see how it turned out! Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram. Let’s keep spreading the joy of sweet, bold, and beautiful cocktails.

Nutritional Information (Per Shot – Approximate)

Calories: 110
Sugar: 9g
Carbs: 11g
Alcohol: ~0.75 oz
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g

Pop My Cherry Shot Recipe: Sweet, Bold, and Unforgettable

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

The Pop My Cherry Shot is a bold and sweet cherry-orange layered drink that brings the fun to any party. With its vibrant colors, sparkling sugar rim, and juicy strawberry garnish, it’s equal parts delicious and eye-catching. Quick to make and even easier to enjoy, this flirty shot is a total crowd-pleaser—perfect for birthdays, girls’ nights, or anytime you want a cocktail that turns heads!

Ingredients

Scale

1 oz cherry vodka
½ oz triple sec
1½ oz orange juice (pulp-free for best layering)
½ oz grenadine or cherry syrup
Ice (enough to fill a shaker)
Granulated sugar (for rimming the glass)
Fresh strawberries (for garnish)

Citrus wedge (lemon or orange, for moistening the rim)

Instructions

Rim the Glass: Run a citrus wedge around the rim of your shot glass or small cocktail glass. Dip the rim into granulated sugar until evenly coated.
Shake the Base: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine cherry vodka, triple sec, and orange juice. Shake well for about 10 seconds to chill.
Pour the Grenadine: Add grenadine (or cherry syrup) to the bottom of the glass. It will naturally settle at the base.
Layer the Mix: Using the back of a spoon, slowly pour the shaken mixture over the grenadine to create that beautiful layered look.

Garnish and Serve: Top with a whole strawberry or a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For perfect layering, make sure to pour slowly over the back of a spoon and use chilled, pulp-free orange juice.
Don’t have cherry vodka? Sub with regular vodka and add a splash of maraschino cherry juice.
Want it less sweet? Swap the grenadine with a splash of cranberry juice.
Make it a mocktail by skipping the alcohol and using cherry juice and orange soda instead.
This recipe makes 2 shots or 1 small cocktail, but it scales up easily for a crowd—just skip the layering if batch mixing.

Keep your glasses pre-rimmed in the fridge for easy assembly during parties!