There’s nothing more refreshing than a glass of this fizzy, tangy Cherry Limeade on a hot summer day. This delicious drink, with its splash of Sprite, the sweet hit of maraschino cherries, and the zesty punch of limeade, will be your new go-to when you need a thirst-quenching treat. Best of all? It’s so easy to whip up!
You know, summer brings with it the need for chilled beverages. And while water is great and all, sometimes you want something a bit more exciting, a bit more flavorful – enter Cherry Limeade. The sweetness of the cherries balances perfectly with the tangy limeade, while the Sprite adds a fizzy fun twist. Every time I serve this at our family BBQs, it’s an instant hit – with the kids and adults alike!
This drink is right at home alongside some of my other summer favorites, such as Lime Jello Poke Cake, Watermelon Cupcakes, and Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake. When we’re not sipping on this cherry limeade, you might catch us enjoying these Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, or these delightful Lemon Cheesecake Loaf. Trust me, there’s nothing like a slice of these sweet treats paired with a chilled glass of Cherry Limeade.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute get-togethers or simply when you need a fast, cooling refreshment.
- Crowd Pleaser: With its balanced, sweet-tart flavor and eye-catching color, this cherry limeade is a hit with both adults and kids.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less cherry juice, making this recipe customizable to your taste.
Ingredients Needed
- Sprite: The fizzy base of our drink, it gives that bubbly fun touch.
- Frozen Limeade Concentrate: This adds the sour punch we need to balance the sweetness of the cherries and the Sprite.
- Maraschino Cherries: I use these both for their sweet juice (which gives the drink that beautiful pink hue!) and the cherries themselves for an added surprise in every sip.
- Fresh Limes: These are used for garnish, but also add a hint of fresh lime flavor to the cherry limeade.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
How To Make Cherry Limeade
- Prepare the Limeade: In a large pitcher, pour in the frozen limeade concentrate. The frozen concentrate will chill our drink, and give it that zesty lime flavor.
- Add the Cherries and Juice: Next, drain the juice from both jars of maraschino cherries into a measuring cup. Remove the stems from one jar of cherries, and add them to the juice. Then pour the juice and cherries into the pitcher with the limeade.
- Add the Sprite: Pour in the Sprite, filling the rest of the pitcher. The Sprite will give the cherry limeade its fizzy texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour the cherry limeade over ice in individual glasses. Garnish each glass with a fresh lime slice or wedge and a maraschino cherry, and enjoy!
Variations
- Alcoholic version: For an adults-only version, try adding a splash of vodka or rum to your cherry limeade.
- Different fruits: You can add other fruits to your cherry limeade for a different flavor. Try adding slices of fresh strawberries or oranges.
- Spicy twist: For a unique twist on this drink, try adding a few slices of jalapeño to your cherry limeade. The spicy kick contrasts nicely with the sweet and sour flavors.
- Herbal infusion: Try adding a handful of fresh mint or basil leaves for an additional refreshing note. This pairs particularly well if you’re using fresh cherries.
Recipe FAQs
You can prepare the cherry limeade up to a day in advance. Keep it chilled in the fridge until ready to serve.
While maraschino cherries provide a distinct sweet flavor and vibrant color, you can use fresh cherries. Just note that the color and taste will be different.
Yes, you can. Using a diet soda will change the taste slightly and reduce the overall sugar content.
Sure! Lemon-lime sodas like 7Up or even ginger ale could work, but the flavor profile will change.
If you’re looking for other refreshing drinks to try, be sure to check out my Virgin Pina Colada Recipe. It’s a tropical delight that’s also super easy to make and is perfect for any occasion!
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just want a tasty way to cool down, this Cherry Limeade is just the ticket. Remember, you’re just a pour away from a delicious, refreshing treat. If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a review and let me know how you liked it. And don’t forget to pin it for later so you can share this fabulous drink with everyone you know!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Cherry Limeade
Equipment
- Pitcher gallon sized
Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen limeade concentrate
- 2 10oz jars maraschino cherries
- 2 liters Sprite
- Fresh lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by adding the frozen limeade concentrate to a gallon-sized pitcher.
- Next, drain the juice from both jars of maraschino cherries into a measuring cup. Then de-stem the cherries from one jar, and combine these cherries with the juice.
- Pour the juice and cherry mixture over the limeade in the pitcher.
- Fill up the rest of the pitcher with Sprite.
- When serving, pour the Cherry Limeade over ice in a glass, and garnish with a fresh lime slice or wedge, along with a maraschino cherry.
Notes
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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