Cherry Limeade
A refreshing blend of sweet cherries and zesty lime juice, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Syrup
- 2 cups fresh cherries, washed & pitted Use ripe sweet cherries for the best flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Sugar can be replaced with honey or agave syrup.
- 1 cup water Used to simmer with cherries.
For the Limeade
- 1.5 cups fresh lime juice Adjust based on taste preference.
- 3 cups cold water Used to dilute the syrup.
- 3-4 cups ice For serving.
- 2-3 cups Sprite (or other lemon-lime soda) Optional for a fizzy version.
- to taste fresh mint leaves, lime slices For garnishing.
Instructions
Preparation of Cherry Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, and 1 cup of water.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the syrup steep for about 20 minutes.
- Strain the cherry syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, discarding the solids.
Combine Ingredients
- Add the fresh lime juice to the strained cherry syrup and stir to combine well.
- Pour in the remaining 3 cups of cold water to dilute the syrup.
- Chill until you're ready to serve.
Serving
- When serving, add 3-4 cups of ice and your favorite garnishes.
Notes
For best results, chill all ingredients before mixing. Adjust sweetness and tartness based on personal preference. Store leftover cherry limeade in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.