There’s something truly special about the Ruth’s Chris Black Cherry Martini.
You’ll find it’s the perfect blend of sweet cherry flavors and a touch of tartness, without being overly complicated to make.
I’ve found that using fresh black cherry juice really brings out the depth of flavors in this cocktail.
Make sure to chill your martini glass in advance for the best sipping experience.
You’ll love how the balance of black cherry juice, vodka, and just a hint of lemon creates a rich and satisfying drink.
Give this recipe a try next time you want to enjoy a refreshing and refined martini at home.
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Black Cherry Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Black Cherry Juice
- 0.5 oz Grapefruit Juice
- 1 tsp Agave Nectar
- Lemon Juice (for rim coating)
- Sugar (for rim coating)
- Ice Cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Gather all your ingredients.
Place the sugar on a small plate.
Step 2:
Pour lemon juice onto a separate small plate.
Dip the rim of your martini glass in the lemon juice, then coat the rim with sugar from the plate.
Step 3:
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Step 4:
Add the vodka, black cherry juice, grapefruit juice, and agave nectar to the shaker.
Step 5:
Cover the shaker with its lid and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
Step 6:
Strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Freshness Matters
Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for the best flavor.
Adjusting Sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter martini, add more agave nectar to taste.
For a tarter drink, reduce the amount of agave nectar.
Chill Everything
Ensure your ingredients, especially the vodka and juice, are chilled before you start making the martini.
This helps maintain the drink’s refreshing quality.
Ice Quality
Use large ice cubes. They melt slower and minimize dilution.
Experiment with Garnishes
Try garnishing with a black cherry or a lemon twist for added visual appeal and aroma.
Effects of Shaking Time
Shaking the cocktail shaker for too long can overly dilute your drink.
Aim for around 10-12 seconds to maintain the right balance.
Your Black Cherry Martini should be chilled but not watered down.
What to Serve with Ruth’s Chris Black Cherry Martini Recipe
Classic Cheese Plate
A classic cheese plate works beautifully with the flavors of the Black Cherry Martini.
Consider including aged cheddar, a creamy brie, and a sharp blue cheese.
Serve with a variety of crackers and some dried fruits like figs or apricots.
Spicy Shrimp Cocktail
Spicy shrimp cocktail offers a great balance with the sweet and tart flavor of the martini.
Prepare a tangy cocktail sauce with a bit of horseradish for an added kick.
The cool shrimp and spicy sauce make for a refreshing and savory pairing.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
Prosciutto-wrapped melon combines sweet and savory in a delightful and unexpected way.
The salty prosciutto contrasts wonderfully with the juicy melon.
Try using cantaloupe or honeydew for the melon and add a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Dark Chocolate Truffles
Dark chocolate truffles offer a rich and indulgent contrast to the fruity martini.
Choose truffles filled with different flavors to keep it interesting.
The bitterness of dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the drink perfectly.
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Roasted beet and goat cheese salad is an unconventional yet tasty option.
The earthy beets pair beautifully with the creaminess of the goat cheese.
Top it off with some candied walnuts and a light vinaigrette dressing for added texture and flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Alternate Sweeteners
If you prefer a natural sweetener, you can substitute the sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
Each of these alternatives will bring a unique flavor to your black cherry martini.
You can also use Stevia or monk fruit sweeteners to reduce the sugar content.
Different Juices
Try swapping out the black cherry juice for another fruit juice like pomegranate or cranberry.
This change can introduce a slightly different flavor profile to your martini.
Using freshly squeezed juices always adds a fresher taste compared to bottled juices.
Adding Herbs
Consider adding fresh herbs like mint or basil for a unique twist.
Mix a few leaves in your cocktail shaker for an aromatic touch.
Herbs can complement the fruity flavors and add a refreshing element to your drink.
How to Store Leftover Black Cherry Martinis
Store any leftover black cherry martinis in an airtight container.
Cover the container tightly to keep the cocktail from losing its flavor.
Use a Glass Container
Glass containers are best for storing cocktail leftovers.
They do not retain flavors or odors from other ingredients.
Make sure your glass container has a tight-fitting lid.
Refrigerate Immediately
Place the covered container in the refrigerator.
This helps maintain the freshness and taste of your martini.
It’s best to consume within 24 hours for optimal flavor.
Avoid Freezing
Freezing can alter the taste and texture of the martini.
Stick to refrigeration to keep the cocktail delicious.
Serve chilled straight from the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect Temperature
It’s crucial to maintain the right temperature when preparing the black cherry martini.
Warm ingredients can result in a less than refreshing cocktail.
Always keep your vodka and juices chilled before mixing.
Poorly Mixed Ingredients
Improper mixing can lead to an unbalanced flavor in your martini.
Always shake the ingredients vigorously for at least 10 seconds to ensure they are well combined and chilled.
Make sure to use a cocktail shaker filled with ice to get the best results.
Inaccurate Measurements
Using inaccurate measurements can ruin the flavor balance of your martini.
Always measure the ingredients carefully to maintain the correct proportions.
A slight deviation can significantly alter the taste and experience of the drink.

Ruth's Chris Black Cherry Martini Recipe
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Black Cherry Juice
- 0.5 oz Grapefruit Juice
- 1 tsp Agave Nectar
- Lemon Juice for rim coating
- Sugar for rim coating
- Ice Cubes
- Gather all your ingredients.
- Place the sugar on a small plate.
- Pour lemon juice onto a separate small plate.
- Dip the rim of your martini glass in the lemon juice, then coat the rim with sugar from the plate.
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka, black cherry juice, grapefruit juice, and agave nectar to the shaker.
- Cover the shaker with its lid and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass.
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