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. This is easily my new favorite summertime drink.
Ingredient Notes
- 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.
Storage
I don’t recommend making this ahead of time and storing it, since the sparkling water will lose it’s carbonation.
You could make the cherry syrup one day ahead of time. It may discolor slightly, but it will still be okay to use.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
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!