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
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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!