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Cherry Limeade

Bright and refreshing cherry limeade made with real fruit syrup for a sweet and tangy experience, perfect for warm days.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Beverage, Drink
Cuisine American, Summer
Servings 8 servings
Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cherry Syrup

  • 2 cups fresh cherries, washed & pitted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Approx. 200 grams
  • 1 cup water

For the Limeade

  • 1.5 cups fresh lime juice Use fresh for best flavor
  • 3 cups cold water Add more water if needed to adjust taste
  • 3-4 cups ice Add just before serving

Optional for Sonic Copycat Cherry Limeade

  • 2-3 cups Sprite (or other lemon-lime soda) For a fizzy version
  • Fresh mint leaves For garnish
  • Lime slices, wedges, or wheels For garnish
  • Fresh cherries For garnish

Instructions
 

Making Cherry Syrup

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, and 1 cup of water.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  • Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries look softened and the liquid is deeply tinted red and lightly syrupy.

Infusing Flavor

  • Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes to steep.
  • Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solids.

Building the Limeade

  • Add the strained cherry syrup to a large pitcher.
  • Pour in the fresh lime juice and stir well.
  • Add the 3 cups of cold water and stir again.

Chilling and Serving

  • Refrigerate until the pitcher is thoroughly cold.
  • When ready to serve, add 3–4 cups of ice and any garnishes you prefer.

Storage

  • Store leftover cherry limeade in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
  • Keep ice out of the pitcher and add it to glasses when serving to avoid dilution.

Notes

Best served chilled with ice. Garnish with lime wheels and fresh cherries for an extra touch.
Keyword Cherry Limeade, Fresh Drink, Homemade Drink, Limeade, Summer Beverage