Description
A refreshing Cherry Limeade made with fresh cherries and zesty lime juice, perfect for summer gatherings or a relaxing day at home. Enjoy it chilled with a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist!
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 heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the cherry mixture into a bowl or jar, 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 lime juice in the pitcher and stir well to combine. Adjust sweetness by adding more syrup if desired.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the lime juice or syrup according to your preference.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the cherry-lime mixture over the ice, filling the glass about two-thirds full.
- Top off the glass with sparkling water or club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a slice of fresh lime, a few whole cherries, and mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- Serve in mason jars for a rustic look.
- Freeze cherry juice in ice cube trays to prevent dilution.
- For an adult version, add a splash of vodka or rum.
- Pair with light snacks for a complete summer meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes