Chicago Deep Dish mocktail in a rocks glass with deep garnet cherry color, black sugar rim, and blood orange garnish
Recipe guidance

city signatures · alcohol-free

Chicago Deep Dish (The Dark Cherry Sour)

A bold, deep-flavored dark cherry and pomegranate sour with a blood orange garnish — Chicago's intensity in a glass.

Recipe guidanceClear ingredients, preparation steps, serving yield, and optional swaps for home mixing.

Prep time

8 min

Total time

8 min

Serves

1

Difficulty

Medium

Bright & refreshing

A balanced alcohol-free drink built around real citrus and fruit flavor.

Simple ingredients

Easy-to-find ingredients and an approachable home-bar method.

Perfect for occasions

Made for an everyday treat, dinner party, or celebratory pour.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving. Ingredient quantities update with the selected batch size.

  • 2 oz dark cherry juice (tart cherry, not sweet)
  • 1.5 oz pomegranate juice
  • 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup
  • 2 oz sparkling water
  • Black sugar or dark brown sugar, for rim
  • 1 large clear ice cube
  • Blood orange slice and fresh cherry, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the glass

    Prepare the rim: spread black sugar on a small plate. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a rocks glass and dip into the sugar.

  2. 2

    Build the drink

    Place one large clear ice cube in the glass.

  3. 3

    Add the finishing touch

    In a shaker with ice, combine tart cherry juice, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

  4. 4

    Garnish & serve

    Shake hard for 12 seconds.

  5. 5

    Garnish & serve

    Strain into the prepared glass over the large ice cube.

  6. 6

    Garnish & serve

    Top with sparkling water, pouring gently.

  7. 7

    Garnish & serve

    Garnish with a blood orange slice and a fresh cherry on a cocktail pick.

  8. 8

    Garnish & serve

    Serve immediately — the deep garnet color is the whole vibe.

Recipe Tips

  • Use tart cherry juice, not sweet cherry juice. The tartness is what makes this drink interesting.
  • Large clear ice cubes melt slower and look more sophisticated — they're worth the investment.
  • For a warmer version, serve this hot as a mulled cherry drink with a cinnamon stick.

Make It Your Own

For a crowd: Set out a garnish station inspired by the city and batch the main drink base in advance. Finish every glass over fresh ice.

Easy swaps: Use a regional fruit or spice substitute that keeps the recipe's overall color and flavor direction. Use a familiar local soda or sparkling water in place of a specialty mixer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need specialty ingredients?

No. The recipe is designed to keep its city-inspired character even with accessible grocery-store substitutions.

Can I turn this into a party theme?

Yes. Match the glassware, garnish, and snacks to the city inspiration.

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