Can You Use Frozen Cherries?

Yes, frozen cherries work well for Cherry Limeade. Let them thaw slightly first so they break down faster in the pot. You may need an extra minute or two of simmering because frozen cherries release more liquid at the beginning.

How Do You Make It Sweeter or Less Sweet?

Taste the cherry syrup after blending and before chilling it. Add another spoonful of honey if the limes taste too sharp, or add extra lime juice if the cherries made the syrup too sweet.

Can You Turn This Into Cherry Lemonade?

Yes. Swap the lime juice for fresh lemon juice and skip the zest if you want a cleaner lemonade flavor. The cherries pair naturally with lemon, especially when served very cold.

Does Sparkling Water Work Instead of Club Soda?

Yes, sparkling water works instead of club soda. It gives the drink a softer finish because it does not have the same mineral edge as club soda. Lemon-lime soda can also replace part or all of the club soda for a sweeter soda-shop style drink.

Cherry Limeade Recipe With Fresh Cherries and Bright Lime

Description

Cold, fizzy, and packed with real fruit flavor, this Cherry Limeade uses fresh cherries, lime juice, honey, and club soda for a homemade summer drink that tastes bright and refreshing. The cherry syrup comes together on the stovetop in about 15 minutes and keeps well in the refrigerator for easy pitchers all week.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted
1 cup water
1/3 cup raw honey
1 1/2 cups fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons lime zest
30 ounces club soda
3-4 cups ice
Fresh cherries for garnish
Lime slices for garnish
Fresh mint sprigs optional

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Instructions

Add the cherries and water to a medium sauce pot and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat to a simmer, lightly mash the cherries, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and simmer for about 15 minutes until softened.
Transfer the cherries and juices to a blender with the honey, lime zest, and lime juice, then blend until smooth.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve if desired for a smoother texture.
Chill the cherry syrup completely before mixing the drinks.
For individual servings, fill an 8-ounce glass with ice and pour in 2 ounces of cherry syrup.
Top with club soda, stir gently, and garnish with fresh cherries and lime slices.
For a pitcher, combine all the syrup with 30 ounces of club soda and ice, then stir and serve immediately.

Notes

Store the cherry syrup in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze extra syrup for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest flavor.
Add extra syrup for a stronger cherry flavor.
Club soda keeps the drink lighter, while lemon-lime soda creates a sweeter drive-in style version.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Drink
Method: Stovetop Simmering and Blending
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass
Calories: 115
Sugar: 22
Sodium: 18
Fat: 0
Saturated Fat: 0
Unsaturated Fat: 0
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 29
Fiber: 1
Protein: 1
Cholesterol: 0