We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Cascade Cocktail

The Cascade Cocktail is an extremely sweet cocktail that tastes like blackcurrant (or raisins) with hints of grape and spice. I find it too cloyingly sweet, so I added my own variation (Recipe #2) which waters those two ingredients down with gin. Still sweet, but less so, and with some herbal and citrus notes in the background.

Cascade Cocktail in front of liquor bottles

This is a really easy cocktail to make – no shaking, no garnish, nothing fancy. Whichever recipe you use, the instructions remain the same: pour the ingredients into a glass, stir. That makes it perfect to serve big batch style in a pitcher for guests or for an easy going night in when you can’t be bothered to make a drink that takes much work.

Overhead view of Cascade Cocktail with liquor bottles

Because it’s sweet, that makes it a good after dinner drink. It contrasts nicely with a salty snack like nuts or pretzels, or a savory snack like brie cheese. It’s a little intense for most meals, but if you have it with something that’s overly flavorful – like a grilled fish or pasta with an oil-based sauce – it can work. Well, basically it will work with anything you’d drink grape soda with.

Recipe #1

  • 2 ounces sweet vermouth
  • 2 ounces creme de cassis

Recipe #2 {MixThatDrink Version}

  • 1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth
  • 1 1/2 ounces creme de cassis
  • 1 ounce gin

Pour the ingredients into an old-fashioned glass and stir.