This refreshing Cherry Turmeric Painkiller Cocktail has been sponsored by Oregon Cherry Growers, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pacific Coast Producers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Refreshing Cherry Turmeric Painkiller made with homemade turmeric juice, sweet maraschino cherries, pineapple juice, orange juice, and rum. A delicious summertime favorite!
Cherry Turmeric Painkiller Cocktail
Golden sandy beaches, lush green islands, blue lagoons, and ice-cold cocktails – what comes to your mind when you imagine your happy place? If you’re here, I’m going to assume we agree on the cocktail bit.
Made with rum, pineapple juice, homemade turmeric juice, and sweet maraschino cherry juice, this icy cold layered beauty gives all the tropical vibes. I call it a vacation in a glass, and I think we can all use a little of that these days.
Of course, this is not a classic painkiller. I’ve included several delicious additions and skipped the cream of coconut to keep it light and refreshing. If you love a touch of coconut creaminess, feel free to add an ounce or two, shaken over ice with rum and pineapple juice.
Alright, let’s get started!
Ingredients and Frequently Asked Questions
To make this cocktail, you will need to gather the following ingredients,
- Fresh turmeric
- Fresh ginger
- Carrots
- Honey
- Fresh lemon juice
- Water
- Rum
- Pisco
- Pineapple juice
- Orange juice
- Maraschino cherries
The ingredients listed include what you’ll need to make homemade turmeric juice plus the cocktail. For the full list and amounts of ingredients, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
What is pisco? Can I substitute with something else? Pisco is a type of brandy or distilled grape wine. It’s a clear(ish) high-proof spirit that is fresh and fragrant with a touch of sweetness. If you can’t find any pisco, substitute with a light tequila Blanco or additional rum.
Can you use ground turmeric? Full disclosure – I have not tried to make turmeric juice using ground turmeric, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Start with approximately 1/2-1 teaspoon of turmeric and add more (up to 2 teaspoons) as desired.
Can I use other types of cherries?
Absolutely. This recipe is delicious with all types of cherries including fresh cherries (don’t forget to remove the pit first) or red maraschino cherries. Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries, however, are my favorite as they are available year-round and taste most like extra-sweet fresh cherries.
Optional additions:
- Coconut cream
- Grated nutmeg
- Mango juice (in place of one of the other juices)
- Fresh lime juice
What are Bordeaux Cherries?
Bordeaux Cherries are a natural alternative to the classic bright-red maraschino cherry you’re probably most familiar with. Unlike the classic bright-red version, Bordeaux Cherries,
- Contain 40% fewer ingredients just sugar, fruit and vegetable concentrate to enhance the color and natural almond-based flavor
- Contain natural color and flavor – no FD&C Red#40
- Have zero preservatives
- Are made with non-GMO cane sugar
Aside from their amazing taste, there are so many reasons to love Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries!
Add them to your favorite cocktail or mocktail, salads, smoothies, and milkshakes. They’re easy to use and require zero prep time.
Harvested by independent Family Farms in the Pacific Northwest, these Oregon-grown cherries,
- Contain no artificial ingredients
- Are naturally flavored
- Packaged without preservatives
- Taste like fresh bing cherries
RELATED: Cherry Bourbon Milkshake Recipe with Espresso
How to Make This Cherry Turmeric Painkiller Cocktail
There are two main steps when making this recipe.
The first is preparing your homemade turmeric juice. Don’t worry, no fancy (or expensive) juicer is required. You will, however, need a blender, pot, and fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. This step is best done ahead of time, giving your juice plenty of time to chill in the refrigerator.
Once your turmeric juice has been prepared and chilled, it’s time to make some yummy cocktails! That’s step two.
Who’s ready? Step-by-step instructions below:
First Make the Homemade Turmeric Juice
- Unless you plan to peel the turmeric, ginger, and carrots, it’s a good idea to wash them under cold running water.
- Slice the turmeric, ginger, and carrots into thin discs.
- Transfer to your very best large, high-speed blender and fill with approximately 6 cups of water. Blend on high speed until smooth and combined, approximately 1 minute.
- Transfer to a medium pot and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for approximately 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and honey (if desired).
- Carefully strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth then transfer to a large glass jar or bottle and keep stored in the refrigerator.
- Allow the turmeric juice to cool until chilled through.
Next, Make the Cherry Turmeric Painkiller
This cocktail has three layers: Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherry Juice makes up the bottom later, the homemade turmeric juice makes up the middle layer, and the shaken pineapple juice, orange juice, rum, and pisco, make up the top layer. You can layer yours or mix them all together – it’s completely up to you!
- When you’re ready to make your cocktail, add the rum, pisco, pineapple juice, and orange juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and set aside.
- Fill a highball glass (or glass of choice) with ice.
- Add 1.5 ounces (3 tablespoons) of Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherry juice (from the jar) directly into the bottom of your glass. This is your bottom layer.
- Slowly pour 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of your homemade turmeric juice over an inverted spoon OR large ice cube. The idea is to slow and diffuse the flow of the liquid that is being added. Doing this slowly and carefully will help prevent the two layers from mixing completely. The turmeric juice is your second, or middle, layer.
- Finally, add your top layer using the same method that you used to add the middle layer, gently add the shaken rum, pisco, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
- Garnish with additional Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries and fresh pineapple wedges.
It’s quite easy and pretty fun once you get the hang of it! And pretty soon you’ll want to start layering all your favorite cocktail recipes.
More Cocktail Recipes,
Cherry Bourbon Milkshake Recipe with Espresso
Mojito Recipe; How to Make a Mojito
Cucumber Rosemary Gin and Tonic
Watermelon Margarita Recipe (3-Ingredients)
Classic Margarita Recipe (How to Make a Margarita)
If you try making this Cherry Turmeric Painkiller, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.
Cherry Turmeric Painkiller Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Turmeric Juice
- 1 cup fresh turmeric - chopped
- 1 large finger-sized piece of ginger
- 2 carrots
- 6 cups water
- 1 large lemon - juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey - plus more to taste
For the Cherry Turmeric Painkiller Cocktail
- 1.5 fluid ounces Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherry Juice
- 2 fluid ounces rum
- 1 fluid ounce pisco
- 2 fluid ounces pineapple juice
- 1 fluid ounce orange juice
- 2 fluid ounces homemade turmeric juice
- Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries - to garnish
- Fresh pineapple wedges - to garnish
Instructions
For the Turmeric Juice
- Thoroughly wash the turmeric, ginger, and carrots under cold running water. Slice into thin discs - there is no need to peel or remove the skin.
- Transfer to a large, high-speed blender and fill with approximately 6 cups of water. Blend on high speed until smooth and combined, approximately 1 minute.
- Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for approximately 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and honey. Mix well to combine.
- Carefully strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or nut milk bag- a fine-mesh strainer, in this case, will not strain it well enough. Transfer to a jar or bottle and refrigerate until chilled.
For the Cherry Turmeric Painkiller Cocktail
- Add the rum, pisco, pineapple juice, and orange juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well.
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Bottom layer: Add 1.5 ounces (3 tablespoons) of Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherry juice (from the jar) directly into the bottom of your glass.
- Middle layer: Slowly pour 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of your homemade turmeric juice over an inverted spoon OR large ice cube. Doing this slowly and carefully will help prevent the two layers from mixing completely.
- Top layer: Using the same method that you used to add the middle layer, gently add the shaken rum, pisco, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
- Garnish with additional Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries and fresh pineapple wedges. Enjoy!
Jessica's Notes
- Careful - turmeric stains. I highly recommend wearing an apron while making this recipe.
- Make your homemade turmeric juice up to 2-4 days in advance. Keep stored in a sealed jar or container and in the refrigerator until ready to use. Best if enjoyed within 5-7 days. Always mix well before serving.
- Do you have to make fancy layers? Of course not.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
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