Modern: Cherry Spark

Name: Modern: Cherry Spark
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 pitted fresh sour cherries, preferably Montmorency; 7 pitted fresh sour cherries, preferably Montmorency; 2 small fresh rosemary sprigs; ½ ounce cherry liqueur, such as Heering; ½ ounce cherry liqueur, such as Heering; 2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon, preferably from Michigan; 2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon, preferably from Michigan; 2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon, preferably from Michigan; 2 dashes Angostura bitters; 2 ounces Vernors Ginger Soda or ginger beer; 2 ounces Vernors Ginger Soda or ginger beer; 1 orange peel, made with a vegetable peeler

Preparation info

Makes
1
Drink

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Spirits of '76

By Kim Laidlaw

Published 2026

About

Michigan’s bright, tart Montmorency cherries shine alongside local rye or bourbon in this lively, layered cocktail. A splash of Vernors—the state’s iconic ginger soda—adds crisp sweetness, while fresh rosemary and herbal bitters evoke the woodsy freshness of Michigan’s orchards and fields.

Ingredients

7 pitted fresh sour cherries, preferably Montmorency
2 small fresh rosemary sprigs
½ ounce

Americas
United States
Michigan
Drinks
Vegan

Method

In a cocktail shaker, muddle together 6 of the pitted sour cherries, 1 of the rosemary sprigs, and the cherry liqueur. Fill the shaker with ice and add the rye whiskey and bitters. Cover and shake vigorously until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with the ginger soda.

Light a match, then twist and squeeze the orange peel over the flame. Rub the peel along the rim of the g