Nothing can replace a summer with a cool, colourful glass of Fresh Cherry Limeade Refresher. This vibrant drink is a delightful blend of juicy cherries, zesty lime, and just the right touch of sweetness—making it perfect for hot afternoons or backyard gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, lounging by the pool, or just looking for a way to treat yourself on a sunny day, this homemade refresher promises to hit the spot every time.
What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a stunning, thirst-quenching beverage that looks as good as it tastes. It’s naturally free from dairy and gluten so that everyone can enjoy a glass, and you can adjust the sweetness to suit your preference.
Making your cherry limeade at home means you can skip the artificial flavours and colours found in most store-bought drinks. Instead, you get the pure taste of ripe cherries paired with the tang of lime, balanced with a hint of honey or sugar. This refresher is also a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen—they’ll love helping to pit cherries and squeeze the limes! Serve it over ice, and garnish with fresh cherries or a lime wheel for an extra touch of summer charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Fresh and Natural Ingredients: Every glass bursts with the real flavours of fresh cherries and limes, with no artificial colours or flavours.
– Easy and Quick: With minimal preparation and simple steps, you can whip up this refreshing drink in under an hour.
– Customizable Sweetness: Easily adjust the amount or type of sweetener to fit your taste—perfect for both kids and adults.
– Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free: This beverage is a safe, inclusive treat for nearly any dietary need.
– Beautiful Presentation: The bright ruby-red colour and fresh garnishes make it a showstopper at any gathering or party.
Fresh Cherry Limeade Refresher
Description
Nothing can replace a summer with a cool, colourful glass of Fresh Cherry Limeade Refresher. This vibrant drink is a delightful blend of juicy cherries, zesty lime, and just the right touch of sweetness, making it perfect for hot afternoons or backyard gatherings.
Ingredients
For The Cherry-Limeade
For Garnish (Optional)
Instructions
Cook The Cherries
Add the pitted cherries and 1 cup of water to a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries become soft and release their juices. Use a wooden spoon to gently mash the cherries as they cook, helping them break down more easily.
Strain The Cherry Mixture
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cooked cherry mixture cool for about 5 minutes. Place a fine mesh strainer or sieve over a mixing jug or pitcher. Carefully pour the cherry mixture through the strainer, pressing gently with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids left in the strainer.
Mix With Lime Juice And Sweetener
Pour the strained cherry juice into a large mixing jug or pitcher. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice and your preferred sweetener (such as sugar or honey). Stir well until the sweetener is completely dissolved. Pour in the remaining 2 cups of cold water and stir again to combine everything evenly. Taste and adjust the sweetness or lime if needed.
Chill And Serve Over Ice
Refrigerate the cherry limeade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld and the drink to become thoroughly chilled. When ready to serve, fill the glasses with ice cubes and pour the cherry lemonade over the ice. Garnish each glass with fresh cherries, a slice of lime, and a sprig of mint if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 203.98kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.5g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.08g1%
- Sodium 12.94mg1%
- Potassium 507.18mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 52.75g18%
- Dietary Fiber 4.63g19%
- Sugars 43.76g
- Protein 2.39g5%
- Vitamin A 192.24 IU
- Vitamin C 24.53 mg
- Calcium 41.68 mg
- Iron 0.85 mg
- Vitamin E 0.22 mg
- Vitamin K 4.58 mcg
- Thiamin 0.07 mg
- Riboflavin 0.08 mg
- Niacin 0.39 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.12 mg
- Folate 12.66 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.46 mg
- Phosphorus 49.17 mg
- Magnesium 28.68 mg
- Zinc 0.21 mg
- Copper 0.18 mg
- Manganese 0.16 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Sweetener Options: You can use honey, agave syrup, or any granulated sugar—adjust to your taste and dietary preference.
- Make Ahead: The cherry-limeade can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated. Stir well before serving.
- Cherry Variations: If fresh cherries are unavailable, use frozen cherries (thawed) or unsweetened tart cherry juice as a base.
- Straining Tips: For a clearer drink, strain twice or use a cheesecloth to remove all solids.
- Adult Version: For a grown-up twist, add a splash of vodka, white rum, or gin to each glass.
