Cherry Limeade is a cold, refreshing non-alcoholic drink that is made with fresh lime juice, Sprite, and maraschino cherries, all poured over crushed ice. For a cherry limeade dessert, be sure to try my Cherry Limeade Cupcakes or Cherry Limeade Cake!
Cherry Limeade
If you have ever been to Sonic, a drive-in, fast food restaurant chain, then you have probably seen their selection of Limeade drinks. This Cherry Limeade recipe was inspired by this popular drink but made even sweeter with some added sugar. It’s kid-friendly, but you could always add a splash of vodka in a glass for an adult version of the drink.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ice: I love using crushed ice, but any ice will do for this cold and refreshing drink.
Cherries: When adding the cherries, be sure to reserve the cherry juice (syrup) to pour into the chilled beverage.
Limes: Stock up on limes for Cherry Limeade! You will need about a cup of freshly squeezed lime juice, which is about 8-10 limes, juiced. Chill the juice until ready to add to the drink. In addition, you will need a couple more to add slices of lime.
Sugar: Mix superfine sugar, also known as caster sugar, with lime juice. If you don’t have any on hand, simply pulse some granulated sugar in a food processor for a homemade version!
Soda: Use your favorite brand or make your own lemon-lime soda to use.
Can I Add Alcohol to Cherry Limeade?
Of course! And I like how you think. Vodka is a popular option. (And there are cherry vodkas!) Some readers have mentioned coconut rum as their alcohol of choice.
Can Limeade Be Made Ahead of Time?
Not really. Cherry Limeade is best served fresh, as the carbonation of the soda will fade quickly. If you are making a pitcher you can have extra soda on hand to add carbonation back in.
Cherry Limeade
Ingredients
- crushed ice
- 1-2 medium limes, thinly sliced
- 1 jar (10-ounces) maraschino cherries, drained, syrup reserved
- 1 cup (8-10 limes) lime juice, chilled
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, superfine
- 1 bottle (2-liters) lemon-lime soda, chilled
Instructions
- Fill a pitcher halfway with crushed ice. Top with lime slices.
- Add the cherries, reserving the syrup.
- In a medium bowl, combine lime juice and sugar. Stir until the sugar starts to dissolve.
- Pour the lime juice mixture into the pitcher. Then, add the reserved cherry syrup.
- Add the lemon-lime soda, stirring to combine. Serve immediately.
Video
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
I made this for a family gathering this past weekend & it received rave reviews! It’s not overly sweet & so refreshing. This will be a new summer staple. Thank you!
What sugar replacement will work for this recipe? Thank you!
Would it be just as good if instead of limes, lemons would be used ?
Your culinary skills are out of this world ! Thank you for sharing !
Holy guacamole was this super sweet! I added a litre of water to make it more palatable! But I would make it again! The lime and cherry were soooo tasty and it was a pretty and refreshing drink! Would be super pretty at a party.
Can you substitute anything for the cherries? I’m not a big cherry fan and strawberries are and probably not that favorite of them either so what else can I mix with the lemonade to do this recipe?
Hi there!
Thank you so much for your comment! I absolutely love that you’re thinking about making this recipe your own — that’s the best part about fun drinks like this! If cherries and strawberries aren’t your favorites, you could absolutely try raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of fresh citrus like oranges and limes for a whole new twist. 🍋
This recipe is so flexible — you really can’t go wrong by using the fruits you love most! I’m just so excited you’re here and thinking about making it. If you do try a new version, I would love to hear how it turns out!
Because I’m English there is a problem with your measurements like cups of butter and sticks and newish salt we don’t sell butter in sticks and it will be difficult to measure things like butter in cups plus I have never seen Jewish salt . I love your recipes but those things would make cake baking hard.
Hi Judith! I do include grams and ounces. 🙂
Does the soda add a lot of flavor? I like Starry better but then I thought of the carbonated flavored water Ralph’s has the Ice brand and there are a lot of flavors, just takes some calories away? 🤷🏻♀️ I was just wondering what you’ve tried and what you like best? Thanks!