The Red Delicious

Cheerwine is a North Carolina original, and the cherry soda has earned a cult following across the South, including among bartenders. For this recipe, Atlanta bartender Tim Faulkner combines the soda with apple brandy, Campari, vermouth and maraschino liqueur for a smooth and nuanced sipper. “When Atlanta is in full bloom, I love having this drink on my porch when I get home from work,” he says. “I really enjoy the combination of sweetness, earthiness and bitterness.” 

1 1/2 oz. Laird’s Old Apple Brandy
1 oz. Campari
1 oz. Noilly Prat Rouge vermouth
1 barspoon maraschino liqueur
Cheerwine
Tools: barspoon, shaker, strainer
Glass: Collins
Garnish: cherry (fresh or marasca)

Shake the first 4 ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Fill with Cheerwine and garnish. 

Timothy Faulkner, Sauced and Holeman & Finch Bottle Shop, Atlanta