This Cherry Limeade is the ultimate refresher—an irresistible blend of bubbly lemon-lime soda, tangy lime, sweet cherry syrup, and plenty of crushed ice. Every glass bursts with vibrant color and playful flavors, making it the drink you’ll want to pour all summer long (and honestly, whenever you need a pick-me-up!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bubbles + Zing: That spritzy lemon-lime soda and tangy lime combine into a thirst-quenching experience you’ll crave all day.
- Sweet Cherry Magic: The maraschino cherry syrup brings a dreamy splash of sweetness and a flash of ruby color.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Quick: You can mix up a whole pitcher of Cherry Limeade in minutes—perfect for parties, barbecues, lake days, or just keeping cool on the porch.
- Customizable Fun: Dress each glass with lime wheels and extra cherries, or play with bubbles and flavors to make it your own signature drink.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how this Cherry Limeade comes together with just a handful of classic ingredients—each one brings something special, from that signature citrus brightness to a pop of cherry red. Here’s what gives this drink its lively personality:
- Crushed ice: Essential for that icy chill—plus, it helps the flavors mingle while keeping everything oh-so-refreshing.
- 1–2 medium limes, thinly sliced: These add vibrant color and release a juicy, fresh aroma as soon as they hit the ice.
- 1 jar (10-ounces) maraschino cherries, drained, syrup reserved: The cherries are both a garnish and a sweet little treat, while the syrup infuses the drink with its signature cherry sweetness and brightness.
- 1 cup (8–10 limes) lime juice, chilled: Fresh-squeezed is unbeatable here—this is where the real zing and tang come from.
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, superfine: Helps sweeten and round out the tartness; superfine sugar dissolves easily, so your Cherry Limeade stays smooth instead of gritty.
- 1 bottle (2-liters) lemon-lime soda, chilled: The bubbles transform this from simple punch to a sparkling, celebratory treat. Choose your favorite brand!
Variations
The beauty of Cherry Limeade is how easily you can personalize it! Whether you want to lighten it up, boost the fruitiness, or turn it into a grown-up cocktail, just a few tweaks can make this recipe your own.
- Make it boozy: Add a splash of vodka, white rum, or tequila for a vibrant party sipper—just adjust to taste and enjoy responsibly.
- Go low-sugar: Use diet lemon-lime soda and swap the sugar for your favorite granulated sugar substitute to keep it lighter.
- Try with real cherries: In summer, muddle in a handful of fresh pitted cherries for extra fruitiness and texture.
- Add orange or grapefruit: Borrow a little citrus from your fridge and add a splash of fresh orange or grapefruit juice for a twist on the classic Cherry Limeade flavor.
How to Make Cherry Limeade
Step 1: Pile on the Ice & Fresh Limes
Start by filling a large pitcher halfway with crushed ice. Nestle your thinly sliced limes on top—already you’ll see those beautiful green rims press against the cold glass, hinting at what’s to come.
Step 2: Add the Cherries
Take your jar of maraschino cherries and scatter them over the ice and lime slices. Be sure to set aside that irresistible cherry syrup—you’ll need all of it for the next step!
Step 3: Dissolve the Sugar in Lime Juice
In a medium bowl, pour in your fresh lime juice and superfine sugar. Stir thoroughly until the sugar starts to dissolve. This simple step helps you avoid any gritty texture in your Cherry Limeade.
Step 4: Combine & Pour
Pour the sweetened lime juice over the ice, limes, and cherries in your pitcher. Then, drizzle in all that reserved cherry syrup for a deep, ruby-red swirl that makes this drink so tantalizing.
Step 5: Top Off with Bubbles & Serve
Gently add the chilled lemon-lime soda and give everything a gentle stir, just enough to mix but not so much that you lose all the bubbles. Serve immediately, and watch everyone’s faces light up with the first sip!
Pro Tips for Making Cherry Limeade
- Use Superfine Sugar: If you don’t have superfine sugar, pulse granulated sugar in a blender for a few seconds—it will dissolve much faster in the lime juice and give you that ultra-smooth finish.
- Chill Everything First: For the coldest, most refreshing Cherry Limeade, make sure your limes, soda, and even your pitcher have been chilled before assembling.
- Don’t Over-Stir: Gently combine the soda at the end to keep those gorgeous bubbles lively without making the drink go flat before you even pour.
- Save Some Cherries for Garnish: Reserve a handful of whole cherries to float in each glass—it’s a nostalgic touch that makes every serving a little more fun.
How to Serve Cherry Limeade
Garnishes
Honestly, the fun part of Cherry Limeade is dressing up each glass! Toss in a few extra maraschino cherries, tuck a fresh lime wheel on the rim, and maybe even drop in a sprig of fresh mint for an herbal twist. Paper straws or color-changing stirrers add a playful, party-ready look for kids and adults alike.
Side Dishes
Cherry Limeade is the ultimate companion for summer eats—think grilled burgers and hot dogs, crunchy chips and guacamole, fried chicken, or a basket of salty fries. It also pairs delightfully with picnic fare like pasta salads and fruit skewers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, set up a “Limeade Bar” where guests can add their own fruit garnishes and straws. Serve in frosted mason jars or tall Collins glasses for that classic soda-fountain vibe. Mini pitchers or glass milk bottles also make a sweet and surprising presentation for showers or outdoor gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you wind up with extra Cherry Limeade (rare, in my house!), store it in a tightly covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the soda’s fizz will fade a bit, but the flavor will still be sweet and satisfying—and those cherries just keep soaking up more goodness!
Freezing
Pour any leftovers into ice cube trays or popsicle molds and freeze for a zesty Cherry Limeade treat on a hot day. The cubes are amazing in sparkling water or even your next batch of limeade—no waste, all flavor!
Reheating
No need for reheating here—Cherry Limeade is all about icy refreshment! If your batch has lost its fizz, stir in a little extra soda and pile on fresh ice to revive it.
FAQs
-
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh limes?
You can use bottled lime juice in a pinch, but fresh-squeezed lime juice makes a huge difference in the brightness and zing of your Cherry Limeade. If you do sub, look for a high-quality brand with no added bitterness.
-
How do I make this Cherry Limeade less sweet?
Try cutting back on the sugar or using only half the cherry syrup in your first batch. Taste as you go—if you want a sharper, more tangy drink, just balance to your liking before the soda goes in.
-
What can I use instead of lemon-lime soda?
If you’d like to skip soda, sparkling water with a splash of lemon and lime juice is a great alternative—just add a bit more sugar or syrup to balance the tartness, as club soda is less sweet than traditional soft drinks.
-
Can I double (or halve) this Cherry Limeade recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible—double it for big gatherings, or make a half batch for a cozy family night. The method stays the same; just adjust your ingredients and pitcher size accordingly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cherry Limeade enough—it’s a bright, fizzy, feel-happy treat that turns any day into a celebration. Give it a try at your next barbecue or just for fun, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite calling card for summer gatherings!
Print
Cherry Limeade Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 8-ounce glasses 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Refreshing and tangy, this Cherry Limeade is the perfect drink for a hot summer day. Made with fresh lime juice, maraschino cherries, and fizzy lemon-lime soda, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crushed Ice:
- As needed
Thinly Sliced Limes:
- 1–2 medium limes
Maraschino Cherries:
- 1 jar (10-ounces), drained, syrup reserved
Lime Juice:
- 1 cup (8-10 limes), chilled
Granulated Sugar:
- 1/2 cup (100 g), superfine
Lemon-Lime Soda:
- 1 bottle (2-liters), chilled
Instructions
- Fill a pitcher with crushed ice: Fill a pitcher halfway with crushed ice and top with lime slices.
- Add the cherries: Add the drained cherries to the pitcher, reserving the syrup.
- Combine lime juice and sugar: In a medium bowl, mix the chilled lime juice with superfine sugar until the sugar starts to dissolve.
- Combine all ingredients: Pour the lime juice mixture into the pitcher, add the reserved cherry syrup, and then pour in the chilled lemon-lime soda. Stir to combine.
- Serve: Serve the Cherry Limeade immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (8 oz)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
