This Cherry Pie Cocktail is a luscious blend of tart cherry juice, smooth vodka, and creamy RumChata, served over ice with a crushed graham cracker rim.
It tastes like a slice of cherry pie in a glass—sweet, creamy, and a little boozy.
Perfect for dessert lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party, girls’ night, or just want a playful drink after dinner, this indulgent cocktail is guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
Tastes like cherry pie in liquid form
Creamy and smooth with a touch of spice from RumChata
Beautiful presentation with a crushed graham cracker rim
Quick and easy to mix with only a handful of ingredients
Perfect for entertaining – visually stunning and crowd-pleasing
Dessert and drink in one – satisfy your sweet tooth with every sip
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Tart cherry juice – Provides a tangy, sweet base with deep color
Simple syrup – Balances tartness with subtle sweetness
Vodka – Neutral spirit that enhances the cherry and cream without overpowering
RumChata – A creamy liqueur made from rum, cream, cinnamon, and vanilla
Crushed graham crackers – For rimming the glass, adds that signature pie crust element
Maraschino or fresh cherry – Garnish for a perfect finishing touch
Pro Tips Before You Start
Chill your serving glasses for a frosty, elegant finish
Use clear or large ice cubes to slow dilution
Shake the cocktail well to evenly emulsify the cream and juice
Adjust the sweetness with more or less simple syrup to suit your taste
Try flavored vodkas (vanilla or cherry) for added dimension
Prep several glasses at once if serving a crowd
How to Make the Cherry Pie Cocktail
Step 1: Rim the Glass
Brush the rim of a rocks glass with liquid cane syrup (or simple syrup).
Dip into crushed graham crackers until evenly coated. Set aside.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, pour: 1.5 oz tart cherry juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, 1.5 oz vodka, 1.5 oz RumChata
Step 3: Shake It Up
Add a handful of ice to the shaker.
Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until chilled and creamy.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Strain the drink into your prepared glass over a large cube of ice.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Top with a cherry and serve immediately.
Sip slowly and savor the cherry pie flavor!
What to Serve With the Cherry Pie Cocktail
Pair this indulgent drink with sweet or savory snacks that complement its creamy and tart flavors:
Shortbread or sugar cookies – Their buttery crunch contrasts perfectly
Mini cheesecakes – A rich dessert match
Chocolate truffles – Bittersweet chocolate elevates the cocktail’s sweetness
Toasted nuts – A savory, salty balance to the sweetness
Fresh berries – Especially strawberries or raspberries
Variations / Substitutions
Make this cocktail your own with fun variations:
Swap vodka for bourbon for a richer, deeper flavor
Add a splash of Amaretto for almond notes
Use Baileys or Kahlua instead of RumChata for a different creamy twist
Use crushed cookies or coconut flakes instead of graham crackers for rimming
Go dairy-free with almond milk cream liqueur or a vegan RumChata alternative
Add a splash of lemon juice if you like a little citrus bite
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
This drink is best made fresh, as cream-based cocktails don’t store well
Prep the graham cracker rims on your glasses in advance
Measure and chill ingredients ahead of time for quick assembly
You can pre-mix the non-dairy ingredients and add RumChata just before serving
FAQs
Can I make this cocktail in a batch?
Yes—simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix in a pitcher.
Shake individual portions with ice before serving.
Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely! Combine tart cherry juice with almond or oat milk creamer and a touch of vanilla extract.
What if I don’t have RumChata?
You can substitute with Baileys, Kahlua Cream, or a DIY mix of cream and cinnamon.
Can I use a different juice?
Yes—pomegranate or cranberry juice are good alternatives but will change the flavor profile.
Is this a good holiday drink?
It’s perfect for the holidays!
The festive color and flavor make it great for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or New Year’s Eve.
What’s the best way to crush graham crackers?
Use a food processor, or place them in a zip bag and crush with a rolling pin for easy cleanup.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Pie Cocktail is a delightful blend of indulgence and elegance.
It brings nostalgic pie flavors to your cocktail glass with rich cherry, creamy vanilla, and a hint of spice.
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or entertaining friends, this drink is sure to impress with its bold flavor and beautiful presentation.
One sip, and you’ll be hooked on its pie-inspired charm!
Perfect for dessert lovers, holiday hosts, and cocktail fans who want something a little unexpected yet totally comforting.
