About the Recipe
This drink is a fizzy mood-lifter with cherry cola nostalgia and a grown-up twist. It’s sweet but not sugary, playful but not childish — and yes, it looks adorable. I made this for a night where we watched 10 Things I Hate About You and paused every few minutes to quote lines and giggle.
Ingredients
2 oz cherry juice (or cherry cola)
1 oz bourbon (or black tea concentrate for mocktail)
½ oz lime juice
½ oz maple syrup or grenadine
Soda water to top
Ice
Instructions
Step 1
Stir juice, lime, syrup, and bourbon in a glass with ice.
Step 2
Top with soda water and stir again.
Step 3
Add a cherry or two for fun.
Tips
Zero-proof: Use cherry cola + black tea or just go all soda.
Bourbon swap: Spiced rum, amaretto, or even coffee liqueur.
Pair with: 90s/00s rom-coms, karaoke moments, or nostalgic playlists.
Make it extra: Add a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream — float style.
Serving Tips
Glass: Vintage soda glass or tall tumbler
Garnish: Maraschino cherry or lime wheel
Vibe: Hair up, face masks on, hearts open