Tart Cherry Spritz with Thyme and Aleppo Pepper

Whether you’re hosting a party or just want something special to sip on a quiet evening, this spritz brings together all the flavors I love most.

Unsweetened cherry juice adds a deep, almost wine-like richness. To make it more sophisticated and less like, well, drinking a glass of juice, I add an earthy thyme and Aleppo pepper-infused honey syrup for a savory-sweet balance that feels completely unexpected.

Unlike other dried chilies, Aleppo pepper has a beautiful fruity quality with just a whisper of heat, adding dimension without the burn. It’s the perfect punctuation for tart cherry juice in a holiday mocktail.

I love serving this non-alcoholic spritz with a twist of lemon. The gentle fizz from the sparkling water keeps it refreshing, while the herbal and spicy notes make it feel warm and cozy at the same time. It’s proof that a mocktail recipe can be just as compelling and sophisticated as any cocktail.

How to Make Tart Cherry-Thyme Spritz

This elegant mocktail comes together easily once you’ve made the infused syrup. The syrup recipe makes enough for 4 to 6 mocktails, depending on how much you add to each glass. You can always make a larger batch for serving at a party. Here’s how to put it together:

• Make the thyme-honey-aleppo syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup honey, 4 to 5 fresh thyme sprigs, 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper, and a pinch of fine sea salt. Set over medium heat and stir until the honey dissolves completely. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, stirring occasionally.
• Cool and strain the syrup: Remove the syrup from the heat and cool to room temperature. The thyme and Aleppo pepper will continue to infuse as it cools, so don’t skip this step. Once cooled, pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a jar or bowl, pressing on the thyme with the back of a spoon to extract maximum flavor. Discard the solids.
• Mix the mocktails. Fill coupe or wine glasses with ice cubes if desired, or serve straight up for a more elegant presentation. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the thyme-honey-aleppo syrup to each glass. Start with less and taste—you can always add more if you prefer it sweeter. Pour about 1/3 cup tart cherry juice into each glass, then top with about 1/3 cup sparkling water per glass. Stir gently to combine.
• Garnish and serve. Express a lemon twist over each glass to release the citrus oils, then drop it in or perch it on the rim. Add a fresh thyme sprig for garnish. Serve immediately while still fizzy.

Ways to Make This Recipe Your Own

This recipe is quite flexible. Here are some variations:

• Adjust the spice level: Aleppo pepper is mild with a fruity, slightly smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (use less, as they’re spicier) or omit entirely for a non-spicy version. If you love heat, add more Aleppo pepper to the syrup. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce it to 1/4 teaspoon or omit it entirely.
  • READ MORE: What Is Aleppo Pepper and How to Use It
  • TRY IT: Grab a bottle of our Aleppo-style pepper 
• Use different herbs: If thyme isn’t available, fresh rosemary or sage work beautifully with tart cherry. Both bring their own unique aromatic qualities.
• Change the citrus: Instead of lemon twist, try orange peel for a sweeter citrus note that complements the cherry beautifully.
• Make it less tart: If you find tart cherry juice too sharp, mix it half-and-half with sweet cherry juice or add an extra tablespoon of syrup to each glass.
• Make it boozy: Add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka or gin to each glass along with the thyme-honey-aleppo syrup and tart cherry juice. Stir well before topping with sparkling water and garnishing.

Glassware Recommendation

Coupe glasses give this mocktail an elegant, sophisticated presentation. Rocks glasses or highball glasses work well, too, if you prefer more ice and a longer drink. For the look of a traditional Aperol spritz, use a white wine glass.