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–+ servings
A mason jar filled with cherry limeade, ice,a lime wheel, and a glass straw.
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Cherry Limeade Recipe (Easy Homemade Drink)

Cherry Limeade Recipe (Easy Homemade Drink) is a refreshing summer drink made with real cherries, fresh lime juice, and a splash of bubbly lemon-lime soda, giving you quick prep, bright citrus flavor, and ice-cold refreshment in every glass. Frozen dark sweet cherries are blended and strained for a smoother finish, then topped with chilled soda to create a homemade drink that feels restaurant inspired without relying on syrups or complicated ingredients.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5 cups
Calories: 97kcal
Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Citrus juicer or hand juicer
  • Fine Mesh Strainer
  • Large pitcher
  • Long spoon for stirring

Ingredients

  • 1 cup frozen dark sweet cherries (about 5 to 6 ounces) seeds removed
  • 1 cup fresh lime juice from approximately 8 to 10 small limes
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups cold water
  • 1 ½ cups chilled lemon-lime soda
  • Ice for serving

Optional Garnish

  • Lime wheels, fresh cherries, mint sprigs

Instructions

  • Add the frozen cherries, fresh lime juice, sugar, and cold water to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and the cherries are fully broken down.
  • Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Use the back of a spoon to press out as much liquid as possible while leaving behind skins and pulp.
  • Stir in the chilled lemon-lime soda just before serving.
  • Fill glasses generously with ice and pour the cherry limeade over the top. Garnish with lime slices, cherries, or mint if desired.

Video

Notes

Cooking Notes
Fresh lime juice matters because it keeps the drink tasting bright instead of overly sweet. Add the soda at the end and taste before serving. If your cherries are especially tart, add an extra tablespoon of sugar. If they are very sweet, squeeze in an extra half lime instead.
Tips for Best Results:
  • Use cold ingredients so the drink stays refreshing.
  • Strain thoroughly for a smoother finish.
  • Add soda after blending to preserve fizz.
  • Let the drink sit over ice briefly before serving.
How to Know It’s Ready:
The color should be bright ruby red and the texture smooth with tiny bubbles across the top. The flavor should finish tart first, then sweet cherry.

Nutrition

Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 42IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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