Cherry Coke Margarita with Amaretto: The Ultimate Sweet & Tart Cocktail

If you are looking for a cocktail that perfectly bridges the gap between a nostalgic soda fountain treat and a sophisticated happy hour drink, the Cherry Coke Margarita with Amaretto is your new obsession. This drink is bold, fizzy, and dangerously delicious. It combines the earthy bite of tequila with the sweet, nutty aroma of Amaretto, all balanced by the tart freshness of lime and the classic effervescence of Cherry Coke.

While traditional margaritas are strictly lime, tequila, and triple sec, this variation plays with deeper flavor profiles. The Amaretto (an almond-flavored liqueur) adds a rich, velvety undertone that compliments the caramel notes in the cola. It is a fun twist on the Mexican “Batanga” (tequila and Coke) but elevated with the complexity of Italian liqueur and fresh fruit. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue, a game night, or just need a Friday night treat, this cocktail comes together in minutes and tastes like a professional mixologist made it.

Why This Recipe Works

There are plenty of mixed drinks out there, but here is why this specific combination is a winner:

• Flavor Balance: The acidity of the lime juice cuts through the sweetness of the cola and Amaretto, preventing the drink from becoming cloying.
• Texture: The fizz from the soda adds a refreshing sparkle that lifts the heavier liquor flavors.
• Versatility: It is easy to scale up for a pitcher or make a single glass for yourself.
• Visual Appeal: The deep mahogany color with bright red cherries makes for a stunning presentation.

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Ingredients Needed

To make this refreshing Cherry Coke Margarita, you will need the following simple ingredients:

The Alcohol Base:

• Tequila Blanco (Silver): 1.5 oz. Silver tequila is preferred here for its clean, crisp flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
• Amaretto Liqueur: 0.5 oz. This replaces the traditional Triple Sec or Cointreau, adding a nutty almond sweetness that pairs perfectly with cherries.

The Mixers & Garnish:

• Lime Juice: 1 oz, fresh squeezed. Do not use bottled lime juice; the fresh acidity is crucial for the margarita profile.
• Cherry Juice or Grenadine: 0.5 oz. Use the syrup from a jar of maraschino cherries or high-quality grenadine for extra color and fruitiness.
• Cherry Coke (or standard Coca-Cola): 3-4 oz, chilled. This is the topper that adds fizz and volume.
• Ice: Plenty of it, preferably crushed or small cubes.
• Fresh Cherries: For garnish. You can use maraschino cherries or fresh dark sweet cherries.
• Lime Wheel: Optional garnish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Glass

While not strictly necessary, a cold glass makes a better drink. If you have time, place your serving glass (a rocks glass or a tumbler works best) in the freezer for 5 minutes. If you enjoy a salt rim, run a lime wedge around the edge and dip it in coarse salt or sugar—though this drink is delicious without it.

2. Mix the Base

In a cocktail shaker or a mixing glass, combine the tequila, Amaretto, fresh lime juice, and cherry juice (or grenadine). If you do not have a shaker, a mason jar with a lid works perfectly.

3. Shake it Up

Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want the outside of the shaker to feel frosty. This chills the alcohol and dilutes it slightly to smooth out the “burn” of the tequila.

4. Build the Drink

Fill your serving glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken tequila mixture over the fresh ice. (Using fresh ice ensures your drink doesn’t water down too quickly).

5. Top and Garnish

Slowly pour the cold Cherry Coke over the mixture. Give it a very gentle stir with a spoon just to combine—don’t over-stir, or you will lose the carbonation. Top with fresh cherries and a lime wheel. Serve immediately.

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Tips for the Perfect Cocktail

Fresh is Best: Always use fresh limes. The bottled stuff often contains preservatives that give a metallic aftertaste.

Adjust Sweetness: If you find regular Cherry Coke too sweet, you can use Coke Zero or Diet Coke. Alternatively, add a splash of plain soda water to cut the sugar.

Chill Ingredients: Ensure your soda is ice cold before pouring. Pouring warm soda over ice melts the ice instantly and results in a watery drink.

Variations to Try

Once you have mastered the original, try these fun twists:

• Vanilla Twist: Use Vanilla Coke instead of Cherry Coke for a “creamsicle” style margarita.
• Spicy Cherry: Muddle a slice of jalapeño in the shaker with the lime juice before shaking for a spicy kick that contrasts the sweet cherry.
• The “Virgin” Mocktail: Skip the tequila and Amaretto. Use a splash of almond extract mixed with lime juice and cherry syrup, then top with the soda for a non-alcoholic treat.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Mixing tequila with cola is actually a very traditional way to drink tequila in Mexico, known as a “Batanga.” The Batanga was created in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, in the 1960s. This recipe takes that concept and fuses it with the American love for flavored sodas and the Italian influence of Amaretto. It is a true fusion cocktail that hits every part of the palate: salty, sweet, sour, and bitter.

Serve this Cherry Coke Margarita with Amaretto at your next gathering, and watch it become the most requested drink on the menu!