Description
A refreshing Cherry Limeade made with fresh cherries and zesty lime juice, perfect for hot summer days or festive occasions. This vibrant drink combines sweet and tart flavors, served over ice and garnished with lime slices and cherries for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8–10 limes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lime slices, for garnish
- Fresh cherries, for garnish
- Mint leaves, optional for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted and halved cherries with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir gently to coat the cherries with the sugar.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the cherries start to release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once the cherries are soft and the mixture is bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the cherry mixture into a bowl or measuring cup, pressing down on the cherries to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
- In a large pitcher, pour in the freshly squeezed lime juice, straining it to remove any seeds or pulp.
- Add the cherry syrup to the pitcher and stir well to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness with more sugar if desired.
- Slowly pour in the 4 cups of sparkling water or club soda, stirring gently to combine without losing the fizz.
- Fill tall glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the cherry limeade mixture over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of fresh lime, a few whole cherries, and a sprig of mint if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh cherries when in season for the best flavor. Frozen cherries can be used if fresh are unavailable.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference; reduce sugar for a more tart drink.
- For an adult version, consider adding a splash of vodka or rum.
- For a large batch, multiply the ingredients and mix in a punch bowl, adding sparkling water just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes