A Red Russian Cocktail is made with equal parts cherry liqueur and vodka over ice. Serve it in a punch bowl for parties or in short glasses for individual cocktails.
Red Russian Cocktail
This bright, festive Red Russian Cocktail is a simple, crowd-pleasing drink perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want an easy, colorful cocktail. With just two main ingredients—cherry liqueur and vodka—this drink comes together in minutes and looks gorgeous in a punch bowl or in individual short glasses over ice.
As a host, you want recipes that let you spend time with guests instead of hiding in the kitchen. This Red Russian fits the bill: it can be mixed ahead in large batches or prepared per glass in seconds. The bright red hue makes it feel instantly festive—almost like holding the holidays in a glass.
To make a single cocktail, simply pour equal parts cherry liqueur and vodka over ice and stir. For parties, multiply the amounts and pour into a punch bowl with plenty of ice so guests can serve themselves. If you prefer different flavors, cherry liqueur can easily be swapped for strawberry schnapps, cranberry juice, or even tomato juice for a savory twist.
Since the recipe is so straightforward, offering a small garnish station elevates the presentation. Provide options such as Maraschino cherries, fresh raspberries, sliced strawberries, or orange wedges and include toothpicks or cocktail picks. Serve the Red Russian in glassware with gold or green accents for a more festive look.
This cocktail is an excellent choice for busy holiday days when you’re juggling decorating, cooking, and entertaining. It’s fast to prepare, easy to scale, and keeps you on the floor with your guests rather than stuck behind a bar cart.
More Delicious Cocktail Recipes:
- Christmas Punch
- Champagne Shirley Temple
- Spicy Margarita
- Apple Crumble Cocktail
- Cherry 7 and 7
- Lemon Drop Martini
Red Russian Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces cherry liqueur
- 2 ounces vodka
- Ice
- Fruit for garnish (maraschino cherries, raspberries, strawberries, or orange slices)
Instructions
- Fill a short glass with ice.
- Pour 2 ounces cherry liqueur and 2 ounces vodka over the ice.
- Stir gently to combine and garnish with fruit if desired.
Notes
Substitutions: Cherry liqueur can be replaced with strawberry schnapps, cranberry juice, or tomato juice depending on your preference.
Nutrition
Calories: 276 kcal | Carbohydrates: 13 g | Sugar: 13 g
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