Updated
Cherry Limeade is one of the most iconic summer drinks; it’s refreshing on a hot summer day and full of tart cherry flavor. This homemade Cherry Limeade recipe is better than the one you’re used to because it’s made with fresh cherries and just the right amount of sugar. Serve it over ice or add a bit of vodka if you want an adult version!
Cherry Limeade Recipe
Cherry Limeade is the iconic summer drink we all love. Tell me you didn’t run to Sonic and gulp these down regularly too (just me?). It’s the most refreshing drink on a hot day, and I’ve come to love that classic cherry lime flavor.
I created this homemade Cherry Limeade recipe because I wanted a slightly healthier, fresher, and tastier version to serve friends and family. With fresh fruit in place of flavored syrup and a little less sugar, I feel a lot better about drinking this regularly. I’m OBSESSED, actually, and I think you will be too once you try it.
While this drink is non-alcoholic and kid-friendly, in typical fashion, I created an adult version too, Cherry Limeade Vodka with a splash of vodka for the perfect alcoholic summer drink for outdoor parties and BBQs.
Homemade Cherry Limeade Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cherries pitted
- 2 limes sliced (you can leave the peel on)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 6 cups water divided
- 1 cup lemon lime soda
- ½ cup good quality vodka optional
- ice for serving
- garnish: cherries and lime slices
Instructions
- Place cherries, limes, and sugar in a high powered blender with 2 cups water. Blend until fully combined and smooth.3 cups cherries, ¾ cup sugar, 2 cups water
- Strain the liquid fully and then pour into a large pitcher and stir in the remaining 4 cups water and 1 cup lemon lime soda. Stir in the vodka if adding.1 cup lemon lime soda, ½ cup good quality vodka, 4 cups water
- Serve over ice garnished with cherries and limes. Enjoy!ice for serving, cherries, limes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Homemade Cherry Limeade Step by Step
Get the blender ready: Place 3 cups of pitted cherries, 2 sliced limes, and 3/4 cup sugar in a high-powered blender with 2 cups of water. Blend until fully combined and smooth.
Strain: Pour the liquid through a strainer, then pour into a large pitcher and stir in the remaining 4 cups of water and 1 cup lemon lime soda. Stir in the vodka if adding.
Serve: Serve over ice, garnished with cherries and limes. Enjoy!
How to Store
Store leftover cherry limeade in a glass container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It is best to store without the added ice, or it will get diluted.
Serving Suggestions
If you are looking for a few things to snack on while you enjoy your cherry limeade, Crockpot Chex Mix is a great savory option, as are these sweet Candied Pecans, or even these simple Roasted Pumpkin Seeds would taste great.
I didn’t even strain mine, this is delightful, I added cherry lime LaCroix instead of water and skipped the sugar for a little honey
WOW I absolutely love your substitution ideas! That’s awesome. So glad you liked the recipe, thanks for saying hi <3
SOOOOOOOOOOOO many ads to get through – I wasn’t even sure there was a recipe and almost gave up. . . ugh, won’t be back.
Hey Michele-
I’m emailing you but in case you do come back and see this, there’s a “jump to recipe” button at the top of each post that will skip all the ads and take you to the recipe. Unfortunately ads are a necessary evil because of web costs. Totally understand if its not the right site for you though. Have a great holiday!