Seasonal, ripe cherries are known for their rich, fruity sweetness. Balanced by subtle notes of acidity, these succulent flavor bombs are perfect ingredients for summer mocktails like this alcohol-free Cherry Almond Sour.
This recipe is inspired by the Bakewell Tart, a traditional British dessert consisting of a shortcrust pastry filled with a layer of jam and an almond-flavored frangipane filling. Made with fresh cherries and no added sweeteners, this is a sophisticated tipple crafted for the adult palate: not one for the kiddies!
Typical of a classic Sour, the mocktail is fresh and tart on first sip with the cherry and almond flavor lingering on the finish.
It’s important to be light-handed on the almond extract to avoid overwhelming the other ingredients. Only a couple of drops are needed: a little goes a long way in this recipe.
Serves 1
Preparation time: 8 mins
Ingredients
- 1 oz. (30 ml) cherry juice (approx. 5 cherries)
- 1 oz. (30 ml) pineapple juice
- 1 oz. (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. ¾ of a lemon)
- ½ oz. (15 ml) egg white (approx. ½ egg white)
- 2-3 drops of almond extract
- Ice
- 1 cherry to garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Immersion hand blender
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer
- Shaker
- Double rocks glass (or Sour glass)
Instructions
- First, make the cherry juice.
- Remove the stems, stone the cherries and roughly cut into pieces.
- Use an immersion hand blender to liquidize the fruit until smooth.
- Pass the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the skins and pulp.
- Add the lemon juice to prevent the cherry juice from browning.
- Next, assemble the mocktail.
- In the cocktail shaker, add the cherry and lemon juice, pineapple juice, egg white and almond extract.
- Dry shake WITHOUT ICE for 30 seconds to froth up the egg white.
- Throw in some ice and shake again for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is extremely cold.
- Strain into a Double Rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Substitution: To make a vegan-friendly version of this mocktail, replace the egg white with 15 ml of aquafaba (chickpea juice).
Similar Mocktails
If you liked Bakewell Tart, check out:
- Falsetto Sour: Alcohol-Free Amaretto Sour
- Apricot Tart: Alcohol-Free Apricot Almond Sour
- Peach Melba: Peach, Raspberry and Vanilla Alcohol-Free Martini
Alcohol-Free Cherry Almond Sour FAQ
Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion hand blender?
Yes, you can use any type of blender to make the cherry juice. I prefer an immersion hand blender because it’s easy to assemble and clean for small quantities of ingredients. However, any blender will do.
Why do I need to pass the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve?
Passing the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve removes any remaining skins and pulp from the cherry juice. This step ensures a smooth and consistent texture in the mocktail enhancing the taste and appearance of the drink.
What is the purpose of dry shaking without ice?
Shaking the ingredients without ice helps to froth up the egg whites for the signature ‘Sour’ foam.
Can I use a different garnish instead of a cherry?
Yes, you can garnish the alcohol-free cherry almond sour any way that you like. If you don’t want to use a fresh cherry, you could use a cocktail cherry instead. Alternatively, a slice of lemon could work well too.
Can I make any substitutions or variations to the recipe?
Yes. You could substitute the cherry with another stone fruit or berry. For example, raspberries, blackberries, or plums would all pair well with the almond.
How long will the cherry juice last?
The cherry juice will start to brown quickly after it has been blended into the juice. It’s important to add the lemon as soon as possible to prevent this process. For the best taste and presentation, it’s recommended to use the cherry juice in the mocktail immediately.
Can I store the mocktail in the refrigerator?
No. It’s best to make the alcohol-free cherry almond sour when you are ready to drink it. The egg white will lose its froth and the ingredients will taste less fresh the longer you leave the drink.
Can I serve this mocktail in another glass?
Yes, Sour drinks are typically served in a Double Rocks glass (also known as an Old Fashioned glass) or a stemmed Sour glass. If you opt for the Sour glass, serve the mocktail straight-up without any ice.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Fresh, ripe cherries will achieve the best flavor. However, you can use frozen cherries if fresh ones are not easily accessible. You’ll need to defrost the cherries before blending the fruit.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the mocktail?
If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add honey, agave nectar, or simple syrup to achieve your desired sweetness level. Start by adding a small amount, then taste and adjust accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
The original recipe contains eggs and is not suitable for vegans. However, you can easily substitute the egg white for aquafaba for a vegan-friendly version of this mocktail.
Is this recipe suitable for pregnant women?
This recipe does not contain any alcohol but it does contain raw eggs. Some women prefer not to consume raw eggs when pregnant due to the risk of salmonella. It’s important to use fresh, pasteurized eggs to avoid sickness. In the UK, the British Lion mark identities eggs that have been vaccinated against salmonella.
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