Mind Eraser for Two
Cherry-Infused Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, Lacto-Fermented Cherry Soda
Bartender Mikey Leonard of Fast Friends | Detroit, MI
Adapted by StarChefs | July 2025 | Photo: Alexander Zeren
INGREDIENTS
Lacto-Fermented Cherry Soda:
Yield: 900 milliliters
130 grams chopped ginger
140 grams cane sugar
900 milliliters tart cherry juice
Cherry-Infused Vodka:
Yield: 1 liter
1 liter vodka
4 milliliters pectinase
200 grams dried Montmorency tart cherries
To Assemble and Serve:
Yield: 1 cocktail
2 ounces coffee liqueur
Soda water
Cherry gummies
METHOD
For the Lacto-Fermented Cherry Soda:
In a nonreactive container, add 30 grams ginger, 30 grams sugar, and 300 milliliters filtered water. Seal and let sit at room temperature overnight. The next day, add 20 grams sugar and 20 grams ginger. Stir to combine. Seal and let ferment overnight. Repeat process additional 5 days. Strain mixture into a plastic bottle, discarding solids. Add cherry juice and 10 grams sugar. Seal and let sit at room temperature until mixture has begun to carbonate. Refrigerate.
For the Cherry-Infused Vodka:
In a Vitamix Commercial blender, add all ingredients. Blend on high speed until combined. Strain, bottle, and reserve.
To Assemble and Serve:
In an empty 12-ounce coffee tin, add coffee liqueur, 2 ounces Cherry-Infused Vodka, and ice. Top with 3 ounces Lacto-Fermented Cherry Soda, soda water, and additional ice as needed. Garnish with gummies.
