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Cherry Limeade

This refreshing homemade cherry limeade features real cherry syrup and fresh lime juice, creating a sweet-tart drink that's perfect for summer.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Beverage, Drink
Cuisine: American, Summer
Calories: 100
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cherry Syrup Ingredients
  • 2 cups fresh cherries, washed & pitted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
Limeade Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups fresh lime juice Bottled lime juice won't taste as clean.
  • 3 cups cold water
  • 3-4 cups ice Keeps everything crisp.
Optional Ingredients for Sonic Version
  • 2-3 cups Sprite (or other lemon-lime soda) For extra sweetness and fizz.
  • Fresh mint leaves For garnish.
  • Lime slices, wedges, or wheels For garnish.
  • Fresh cherries For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation of Cherry Syrup
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, and 1 cup water. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries look softened and the liquid turns deeply red and slightly syrupy.
  3. Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for about 20 minutes.
  4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids, resulting in a smooth, clear syrup.
Building the Limeade
  1. Pour the strained cherry syrup into a large pitcher.
  2. Add the fresh lime juice and stir well.
  3. Add the cold water and stir again until mixed.
  4. Refrigerate until the pitcher is very cold.
Serving
  1. Add ice to individual glasses and pour the cherry limeade over the ice.
  2. Garnish with lime wheels, mint, or fresh cherries. For a soda-style version, top each glass with Sprite.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftover cherry limeade in the fridge for 3-4 days. Keep it without ice in the pitcher to avoid dilution.