Description
A vibrant, thirst-quenching cherry limeade with the perfect balance of tart lime and sweet cherry flavors. This homemade version uses fresh citrus and real fruit for a brighter, more complex flavor than store-bought mixes, served over ice with a festive garnish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups cold lemon-lime soda (or club soda for less sweetness)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Lime slices and extra cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Make lime syrup: Heat sugar and water in saucepan until dissolved. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice. Cool completely.
- In a pitcher, combine lime syrup and cherry juice.
- Just before serving, add sparkling water (adds fizz).
- Fill glasses with ice, pour limeade over, and garnish with lime slices, cherries, and mint.
Notes
- For deeper cherry flavor: Muddle 1 cup fresh cherries in pitcher
- Make ahead: Syrup keeps refrigerated 2 weeks (add soda when serving)
- Adult version: Add 1 oz vodka or white rum per serving
- Healthier option: Substitute honey or agave for sugar
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg