Cherry Highball Recipe

Prepare glass and muddle cherries

Select a highball glass. Add the fresh cherries to the bottom of the glass and use a muddler (or the back of a spoon) to gently crush them until they release juice but are not completely pulverized—about 6–8 gentle presses.

Build the drink

Fill the glass about two-thirds full with cubed ice (about 1 cup). Pour in the reposado tequila (2 oz), cherry liqueur (1/2 oz), fresh lime juice (1/2 oz) and simple syrup (1/4 oz) directly over the ice and muddled cherries.

Top with soda

Stir gently with a bar spoon 4–6 rotations to combine the spirits, citrus, and muddled cherry without flattening the soda. Top with soda water (about 3 oz) poured slowly down the spoon or glass side to preserve carbonation.

Garnish and serve

Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim and, if desired, one of the muddled cherries skewered on a cocktail pick. Serve immediately with a straw or without, and note the balance: bright lime, warm tequila, and a subtle cherry sweetness.