A tall glass of refreshing sparkling cherry limeade over lots of ice is so perfect on a hot day! This is a simple, summery drink to make and enjoy at your next party.
We have had a string of hot, HOT days here this month! And that has my family requesting homemade lemonade more than ever lately.
To mix things up a little bit, the other day I made this sparkling cherry limeade. It was a big hit! It’s very easy to make, and so refreshing.
Cherries
I used Rainier cherries, which resulted in a light peachy pink color for this drink. You could use the darker Bing cherries if that’s what you have available. I think that the lighter color is pretty for this cherry limeade, but a darker version would be nice as well.
Sparkling Water
Use any flavor that you like! Lime LaCroix would work well, or try a berry or cherry flavor. Lemon would also be a good choice. I loved this with sparkling water, but if you want to make it with regular water, that would be fine! My kids don’t like sparkling water, so I made some with plain water for them. Then it’s just cherry limeade, minus the sparkle. :)
Sweetener
Sometimes I make simple syrup when I make homemade strawberry lemonade. I didn’t do that this time, and it worked well. I simply blended the cherries, lime juice, and sugar in the blender, and it made a sugary cherry syrup that I poured directly in each glass. There was a bit of cherry pulp in the drinks, but that didn’t bother me at all. If you want it smoother, you will want to strain the cherry syrup through a fine mesh sieve.
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Recipe
Sparkling Cherry Limeade.
Ingredients
- â…” cup lime juice
- ½ cup organic cane sugar or regular sugar
- 2 cups Rainier cherries pitted
- 36 ounces sparkling water
Instructions
Make the cherry syrup:
- Place the sugar, lime juice, and the pitted cherries in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth.
- If you like, you can strain the cherry mixture through a fine mesh sieve, to remove any small pieces of cherries. I didn't do this, and didn't find the bits of cherries bothersome.
Mix the drinks:
- Divide the cherry lime syrup evenly among four glasses with ice. Pour about 9 ounces of sparkling water into each glass and stir. Top each glass with a cherry if you like.
Don Henderson
Hi, it is very nice to find your post. I love people share their experience with others and inspire them to eat healthy foods.
I am going to make this recipe, thanks.
Ipanema Ordonez
AT what point do you add the lime juice?
Kelly Roenicke
Oops! Add it with the cherries and sugar to the blender. I fixed it, thank you!
Katie
Delicious recipe!