Cherry Pie Pinot Noir is a playful, dessert-like wine cocktail that combines the fruity, jammy character of a Pinot Noir with the bright, sweet-tart flavor of cherry pie filling. It’s a simple two-ingredient drink that tastes like a boozy slice of cherry pie in a glass, perfect for Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s, or any casual get-together. The wine’s light body lets the cherry flavor shine, while a splash of the pie filling adds body and sweetness—no syrups or mixers needed.
Ingredients
- 1 (21 oz / 595 g) can cherry pie filling
- 1 (750 ml) bottle Pinot Noir (or any dry red wine)
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) cherry juice or simple syrup, to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh cherries, lemon twist, or a pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Chill the Pinot Noir in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving, or up to overnight.
- In a large pitcher, add the entire can of cherry pie filling. Use a spoon or muddler to gently break up any large cherries, but leave some chunks for texture.
- Pour the chilled wine over the pie filling and stir well to combine. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add cherry juice or simple syrup to taste.
- Fill four wine glasses with ice (optional, but recommended for a chilled drink). Pour the mixture over the ice, making sure each glass gets some cherries.
- Garnish with fresh cherries, a lemon twist, or a light dusting of cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Choose the right wine: Use a dry Pinot Noir, not an off-dry or sweet red. The pie filling adds plenty of sugar, so a dry wine balances the drink. A cheap, fruity Pinot Noir works great.
- Adjust sweetness: If you like it sweeter, add a splash of cherry juice or simple syrup. If you prefer it less sweet, use only half the pie filling and add more wine.
- Make it ahead: You can mix the wine and pie filling in a pitcher up to 4 hours before serving. Stir again just before pouring, as the filling will settle.
- Don’t blend it: Keep the cherries chunky. Blending will make the drink cloudy and change the texture, turning it into more of a slushie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cocktail in stemmed wine glasses or mason jars over ice. It pairs beautifully with a cheese board featuring brie, gouda, or sharp cheddar, as the sweetness contrasts with salty cheese. For dessert, try it alongside dark chocolate truffles or a simple vanilla cake. It’s also a fun, festive drink for a Galentine’s brunch or a cozy movie night.
Variations
- Sparkling Cherry Pie: Replace half the Pinot Noir with chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine for a fizzy version.
- Cherry Pie Sangria: Add 1 cup (240 ml) brandy or bourbon, 1 orange sliced into rounds, and 1 cup (150 g) fresh or frozen cherries. Let it sit in the fridge for 2 hours before serving.
- Spiced Cherry Pie: Add a cinnamon stick and 2–3 whole cloves to the pitcher while mixing. Let it steep for 15 minutes, then remove before serving.
- Non-Alcoholic: Use a non-alcoholic red wine or tart cherry juice mixed with a splash of club soda, and add the pie filling as usual.
Storage and Reheating
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The wine may lose some of its brightness, and the cherries will soften further. Stir well before serving. Do not freeze, as the texture will become mushy. There is no reheating involved—serve cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of wine? Yes, any dry red wine works, but Pinot Noir is ideal because it’s light and fruity. A Merlot or Zinfandel will also work, though they are heavier and may overpower the cherry flavor.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling? Yes, but you’ll need to sweeten the drink. Use 1 cup (150 g) pitted fresh or frozen cherries, plus 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) simple syrup or honey, and a pinch of almond extract to mimic the pie filling flavor.
Is this a strong drink? It’s about as strong as a regular glass of wine, since you’re not adding any extra alcohol. The pie filling dilutes the wine slightly, so it’s a bit lower in alcohol by volume than a straight glass.
Can I make this in a large batch for a party? Absolutely. Scale up the recipe using one can of pie filling per bottle of wine. Mix in a large punch bowl or beverage dispenser, and keep it chilled with a large ice ring (made from water or extra wine) to avoid diluting.
Should I serve this with a straw? A wide straw is nice for sipping the cherries, but a regular wine glass works fine. If serving over ice, a straw helps you get the good stuff from the bottom.
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can mix it up to 4 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Stir before serving. Beyond that, the wine may start to taste flat.
This cocktail is intended for adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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