Classic Cherry Bomb - Cherry Liqueur & Lemon-Lime Soda Highball

The Classic Cherry Bomb pairs cherry liqueur with lemon-lime soda for a sweet, fizzy highball that takes almost no technique to build. The liqueur provides the fruit and alcohol, while the soda supplies citrus, dilution, and carbonation. It is unapologetically sweet, so cold ingredients and plenty of ice are key.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Cherry liqueur - supplies concentrated cherry flavor, sweetness, and alcohol.
• Lemon-lime soda - adds citrus sweetness, carbonation, and length.

A drier cherry brandy can be used for a less candy-like version, but the finished balance will change.

Equipment

• Highball glass
• Jigger
• Bar spoon
• Ice

Why It Works

The drink relies on dilution and fizz to keep the cherry liqueur from becoming too dense. A full glass of ice chills the mixture quickly, while the soda opens the concentrated fruit flavor into a longer, easier-drinking serve.

Substitutions & Variations

• Add a small squeeze of lemon for more acidity.
• Add a half-ounce of vodka for a stronger, drier variation.
• Use a drier cherry brandy in place of a sweeter cherry liqueur.
• Replace some soda with club soda to reduce sweetness.
• Garnish with a cherry or thin lemon wheel.

Helpful Tips

• Use very cold soda for better carbonation.
• Fill the glass fully with fresh ice before building.
• Add the soda last and stir only once or twice.
• Taste the cherry liqueur before adjusting sweetness because brands vary widely.
• For batching, combine the alcoholic portion ahead and add soda to each glass when serving.