Cherry Limeade with Real Cherries!
This sweet and refreshing cherry limeade is made from scratch using real cherries and freshly squeezed lime juice. Served over ice this fruity drink has the perfect balance of cherry and lime flavors. It is absolutely delicious and ideal for any hot summer day!
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It’s officially the summer time and it has started with a bang! The weather has been so hot lately and if you are anything like me all you’re craving are cold refreshing drinks to beat this overwhelming summer heat!
Like my other drink recipes, this homemade cherry limeade is made with only a couple of ingredients (4 to be exact), so it’s really easy to whip up for parties or whenever you chilling around the house. Seriously all you need are 20 minutes. The hardest part is juicing the limes and straining the cherry concentrate.
My family says it tastes like fruit punch but with a fruity cherry and light lime flavor. So, you will definitely want to make a large pitcher because it’s a delicious drink that everyone will love this summer!
If you are looking for more cool and refreshing drinks this Strawberry Lemonade and Raspberry Lemonade are our favorites as well!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cherry Limeade
- It’s made with real cherries. Many copycat recipes for Sonic’s cherry limeade are made with maraschino cherry juice or syrup. While delicious it’s filled with dyes and artificial sugars. This recipe uses real cherries so you really taste that sweet cherry flavor that we all love!
- It’s easy to make. From start to finish this easy summer drink only takes 20 minutes to prepare.
- It’s a healthy and refreshing drink that you can feel good about serving and enjoying all summer long!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cherry Limeade
- Cherries. Fresh or frozen sweet cherries. Pit fresh cherries or use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw them for at least 30 minutes so they will blend easier.
- Lime juice. Freshly squeezed from 8 – 10 limes.
- Cane sugar. This recipe is lightly sweetened, but you can also use 1 cup of sweetener if you like. White granulated sugar or honey can also be used.
- Water. 3 cups of filtered water.
- Ice cubes. For serving or using crushed ice like Sonic does.
How to Make Cherry Limeade with Real Cherries
All ingredients, measurements, and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step one. Pit the cherries if using fresh or allow your frozen cherries to thaw for at least 30 minutes. Add cherries, lime juice, cane sugar, and 2 cups of water to a blender. Puree until the cherries are very fine.
Step two. Strain the cherry mixture into a large bowl or large pitcher then add the remaining water, stirring to combine.
Step three. Serve over ice with lime slices enjoy!
Variations
- If you love lime you could try using a couple more limes than this recipe calls for to add a brighter and tangy lime flavor!
- I blended the sugar with all the other ingredients instead of making a simple syrup, because it’s much quicker. If you want to make a simple syrup instead, pour the last cup of water into a small saucepan with the sugar. Heat it until it just starts to simmer and the sugar has completely dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool completely before combing with the cherry lime mixture.
Recommended Tools
Cherry pitter, if using fresh cherries
Blender, to make the cherry puree
Citrus juicer, we love to use this one, especially for recipes like this
Large pitcher, for serving
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure you are using fresh lime juice it will make a big difference in the taste.
- Because we are using fresh cherries this limeade will naturally have a thicker consistency, if you like it a bit thinner you can strain the limeade again.
- Reduce the amount of water added so you can serve it with sparkling water.
How To Store/ Make Ahead
Storing. Store in the refrigerator for 5 days.
Make ahead. Make the recipe but save the ice until just before serving so your limeade doesn’t become watery.
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Cherry Limeade
Equipment
- 1 Pitcher
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries 10 ounces
- 3 cups filtered water divided
- ¾ cup cane sugar
- 1 cup lime juice 8 – 10 limes, freshly squeezed
- Ice
- Fresh lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- If using fresh cherries, pit them first. If using frozen, allow them to thaw for at least 30 minutes before blending.
- To a blender add cherries, 2 cups of water, and cane sugar. Blend until smooth
- Strain cherry limeade concentrate with a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher. Add the remaining cup of water and freshly squeezed lime juice then stir to combine.
- Add ice and serve with lime slices. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is automatically generated and should be only used as a rough estimate. This recipe card may contain affiliate links.
When do you add the lime juice?
Sorry about that Amy, I just updated the post. The lime juice is added after straining with the final cup of water. Thanks!