Cherry Limeade Recipe
Introduction
Cherry Limeade is a refreshing, tangy drink that’s perfect for warm days or whenever you need a bright, fruity boost. Combining sweet cherries and zesty lime juice, this homemade beverage is simple to make and wonderfully satisfying.
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
- Step 1: If using fresh cherries, pit them first. If using frozen cherries, allow them to thaw for at least 30 minutes before blending.
- Step 2: Add the cherries, 2 cups of water, and cane sugar to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Step 3: Strain the cherry mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher to remove solids. Then add the remaining cup of water and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir well to combine.
- Step 4: Add ice to glasses, pour the cherry limeade over the ice, and garnish with fresh lime slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra fizz, replace some or all of the water with sparkling water right before serving.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less cane sugar according to your taste.
- You can substitute cane sugar with honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
- If you want a stronger cherry flavor, add a handful of additional cherries when blending.
- Make a frozen cherry limeade by blending the mixture with ice for a slushy treat.
Storage
Store any leftover cherry limeade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again, and add fresh ice and lime slices to refresh the drink. It’s best served cold and consumed within a few days for optimal flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh limes?
While fresh lime juice provides the best flavor, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% lime juice with no added sugars or preservatives to keep the taste bright and natural.
Can this recipe be made vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as it contains only fruit, water, and cane sugar. Just ensure your sweetener choice fits your dietary needs if substituting.
PrintCherry Limeade Recipe
This refreshing Cherry Limeade recipe combines the natural sweetness of cherries with the tangy zest of fresh lime juice. Perfect for a cool, invigorating drink on warm days, it uses simple ingredients blended and strained to create a smooth, flavorful beverage that’s easy to make at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fruit and Juice
- 1 ½ cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries (10 ounces)
- 1 cup lime juice (8 – 10 limes, freshly squeezed)
- Fresh lime slices for garnish
Other Ingredients
- 3 cups filtered water (divided)
- ¾ cup cane sugar
- Ice
Instructions
- Prepare Cherries: If using fresh cherries, carefully pit them to remove the stones. If using frozen cherries, allow them to thaw at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to ensure easier blending and better texture.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the pitted cherries, 2 cups of filtered water, and ¾ cup cane sugar. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
- Strain Mixture: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the blended cherry mixture into a large bowl or pitcher to remove any pulp or solids. Discard the pulp or save for another use.
- Add Lime and Water: To the strained cherry concentrate, add the remaining 1 cup of filtered water along with the freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice and pour the cherry limeade over the ice. Garnish each glass with fresh lime slices to enhance the visual appeal and add a hint of extra citrus aroma. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing drink.
Notes
- For a less sweet version, reduce the cane sugar to ½ cup or adjust according to your taste preference.
- To make it fizzy, add sparkling water instead of still water when combining with the cherry concentrate and lime juice.
- Chill the drink in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for an even cooler refreshment.
- Leftover cherry pulp can be used in smoothies, desserts, or as a topping for yogurt.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
Keywords: cherry limeade, cherry drink, limeade, summer beverage, refreshing drink, fruit drink, homemade limeade
