The Best Cherry Daiquiri: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Cocktail
There’s nothing quite like sipping on an icy-cold daiquiri on a warm afternoon—or during a cozy night in when you’re craving a sweet escape. This isn’t just any cocktail; The Best Daiquiri recipe is a vibrant, fruit-forward take on the traditional daiquiri, bursting with the bold flavor of cherries, a splash of lime, and the smooth kick of white rum. The result? A grown-up slushie that’s equal parts elegant and fun, perfect for entertaining or indulging solo.
Made with frozen sweet cherries, fresh lime juice, and cherry juice ice cubes, this daiquiri delivers a rich, full-bodied cherry flavor that’s far more sophisticated than any syrupy bar version you’ve tried before. And if you really want to elevate things, there’s an optional twist at the end—vanilla ice cream—to turn this classic into a luxurious cherry float.
Who This Daiquiri Is For
This daiquiri is ideal for:
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Cocktail lovers looking to shake up their usual drink routine
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Summer hosts planning backyard BBQs or pool parties
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Holiday entertainers seeking a colorful signature drink
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Cherry fans who love fruity, balanced beverages
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Anyone craving a quick and easy frozen cocktail that doesn’t skimp on flavor
Because it’s made in a blender and doesn’t require any fancy tools, this is a cocktail anyone can pull off at home—no bartending experience required.
Why You’ll Love This Daiquiri
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Deep Cherry Flavor: Using frozen cherries and cherry juice ice cubes ensures rich cherry taste in every sip.
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Bright and Balanced: The lime juice adds the perfect hit of acidity to balance the sweetness.
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Customizable Sweetness: You control the sugar—add as much or as little as you like.
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Two Drinks in One: Want something extra? Add vanilla ice cream for a creamy cherry float.
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No Syrups Needed: No simple syrup or store-bought mixes required—just real fruit and juice.
Ingredients
To make The Best Daiquiri, gather the following:
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1½ cups cherry juice, divided (choose a sweet cherry juice, not tart)
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¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
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¾ cup white rum
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2 cups frozen sweet cherries
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Sugar, to taste
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Ice, if desired
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Vanilla ice cream, if desired
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
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Blender (high-speed recommended for a smooth, slushy consistency)
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Ice cube tray (for freezing the cherry juice)
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Citrus juicer or reamer (to get the most out of your limes)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Cocktail glasses (stemmed daiquiri glasses or wide coupe glasses look stunning)
Optional but helpful:
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Fine mesh strainer (if you prefer a smoother drink without cherry skins)
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Ice cream scoop (for float version)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Freeze the Cherry Juice
Pour 1 cup of cherry juice into an ice cube tray. You’ll get around 12 ice cubes depending on tray size. Freeze until completely solid—this is what will give your daiquiri that thick, icy texture without watering it down.
Step 2: Blend Your Daiquiri
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Add the remaining ½ cup cherry juice, lime juice, rum, frozen cherries, and cherry juice ice cubes to a blender.
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Blend until completely smooth and slushy. If it’s too thin, toss in a few regular ice cubes and blend again.
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Taste the mixture. If you’d like it sweeter, blend in 1–2 teaspoons of granulated sugar.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Immediately pour the daiquiri into your glasses. For an indulgent float, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve with a straw and a spoon for the full effect.
Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions
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Rum Options: White rum keeps things bright and clean, but dark rum adds richness and depth.
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Fruit Swaps: Try frozen raspberries or blackberries in place of cherries for a fun twist.
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Citrus Variations: Lime juice is classic, but lemon or orange can work in a pinch.
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Sweetener Alternatives: Use honey, agave, or maple syrup instead of sugar for natural sweetness.
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Make It Booze-Free: Replace the rum with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a mocktail.
How to Store Leftovers
While this drink is best enjoyed immediately, you can store leftovers in the freezer for up to 3 days. The texture will change slightly, but it can be revived with a quick blitz in the blender.
Storage Tips:
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Freezer: Store in a sealed container. Let thaw slightly before blending again.
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Fridge: Only if you’re planning to re-blend and refreeze—otherwise, it will melt too quickly.
Perfect Pairings
Snacks:
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Fresh fruit skewers (pineapple, grapes, melon)
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Charcuterie boards with brie, prosciutto, and honey
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Dark chocolate truffles or chocolate-covered cherries
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Spicy shrimp skewers or jerk chicken wings
Other Drinks:
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Coconut water (refreshing between sips)
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Iced mint green tea
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Sparkling water with lime to cleanse the palate
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is always better—it adds brightness and acidity that bottled versions can’t match. But in a pinch, bottled will do.
What type of rum is best for daiquiris?
White rum is traditional and lets the cherry shine. Avoid spiced or flavored rums, which can overpower the fruity flavors.
Can I use sweetened cherry juice?
You can, but be careful with added sugar. Start with no extra sugar and adjust to taste after blending.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can blend and freeze the mixture in advance, then give it a quick whirl before serving. Add ice cream at the last moment.
Is this vegan?
Yes—just skip the ice cream or use a vegan vanilla ice cream alternative.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re lounging poolside, toasting the weekend with friends, or just winding down after a long day, The Best Daiquiri is the vibrant, fruity cocktail you’ll keep coming back to. It’s fresh, bold, and endlessly customizable—plus, it takes less than 10 minutes to blend up something truly special. And don’t forget that float version—your summer dessert game will never be the same.
Loved this Recipe?
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