A few years ago I was posting a cocktail a week to my Instagram account. It was fun and enjoyable to share a little end of week celebration. This one, The Royal Toast, was chosen for its ingredients because I love cherry liqueur and the brand I used for this, Heering, worked like a dream.

Through the process, I improved how I set up a photo, staging and getting better each time. And although I eventually had to stop the weekly cocktail (was getting a little expensive!) – it was getting a little expensive – I still enjoy sharing the recipes I once made and enjoyed. Just like this one.

I’ve even lost a lot of photos from that time thanks to a hard drive crash, so along with general photos, many cocktail and food photographs were unreachable to me the day that external hard drive decided to stop working.

But the two used in this post were two that I had stored elsewhere from the day I made and photographed The Royal Toast.

Cocktail hour is a happy hour

Have you ever left work on a Friday (or Thursday now, as it’s the new Friday) with a group of colleagues you like? Then headed to a cocktail bar and kicked off the weekend with a delicious blend of spirits and liqueurs, just the way you like it?

It feels a bit special, a real upend to the working week. And if I saw this cocktail on a menu, I’d probably order it.

The blend of dry vodka and vermouth, combined with semi-sweet cheery liqueur is a winner.

The only trouble is stopping at one.

Please enjoy, and always drink in moderation.

Fruity refreshing cocktails win the day

Try a delicious Apple Vodka Martini for a twist on the classic, with vodka, apple brandy and Liqor 43 for a touch of sweetness.

For some festive cheer, a refreshing Raspberry Daiquiri is perfect for a southern hemisphere summer Christmas tipple. Featuring fresh raspberries, Jamaican White Rum and Cointreau, it will get your spirits soaring.

A delicious Royal Toast cocktail

Recipe by Marti CuattCourse: Beverages, Cocktails, Liqueur, Recipe, VeganDifficulty: Easy

Servings

delicious cocktails

Mix and stir

minutes

Pouring into glasses

minute

You will need

45ml Vodka
22.5ml Cherry Hearing cherry brandy liqueur
30ml Noilly Prat dry vermouth
Maraschino cherry to garnish

Here’s what to do

Add ice to a jug with all ingredients.
Stir until well mixed and chilled.
Pour into a coupe glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Tips and tricks

Use a vodka of your choice
Heering cherry brandy liqueur is delicious, but you can substitute

A delicious Royal Toast cocktail