Refreshing Cherry Limeade
User Reviews
5
Refreshing Cherry Limeade
Description
This cherry limeade recipe starts by combining freshly squeezed lime juice, tart cherry juice, and sugar in a saucepan, warming just enough to dissolve the sugar without cooking off the fresh citrus notes. After cooling, the mixture is added to a pitcher with frozen cherries, which chill the drink and add texture. Pouring in lime-flavored sparkling water adds effervescence and a crisp citrus taste.
The drink is bright and tangy, with the tartness of cherry juice balanced by the sugar and lime sharpness. The frozen cherries provide a fresh, fruity mouthfeel, while the sparkling water gives lively bubbles. The garnishes of lime slices or wedges and mint sprigs enhance the presentation and can add subtle aroma and flavor.
Serve over ice for maximum refreshment, ideal for warm weather or as a festive non-alcoholic beverage. The lime sparkling water integrates flavor without overpowering the cherry and lime elements.
Preparing the juice mixture ahead and refrigerating it allows for easy assembly at serving time. Portioning juice and sparkling water per glass enables customization of sweetness and fizz. The recipe yields approximately 64-68 ounces.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 2 or 3 limes)
- 1 cup tart cherry juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 12 oz cherries unsweetened is what I like to use, frozen
- 60 oz sparkling water I buy cans, so I use 5 12 oz cans, lime flavored
For Serving
- ice cubes
- lime wedges/slices
- mint optional - for garnish, sprigs
Instructions
- Add lime juice, cherry juice, and granulated sugar to a small saucepan. Heat over MED LOW heat and stir for just a minute or two, until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from the heat and set aside to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Add frozen cherries to a large pitcher and top with the juice mixture once it's cooled a bit.
- Slowly pour in the lime flavored sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour cherry limeade in the glasses. Garnish with a lime slice/wedge and a sprig of mint for a fun finish.
To Make Ahead:
- Complete steps 1 and 2, then add the juice mixture to a jar with a lid, and refrigerate.
- Pour about 2-3 Tbsp of the juice mixture into each serving glass, top with several frozen cherries, and fill the glass up the rest of the way with the sparkling water.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 64 to 68 ounces of cherry limeade.
- You can prepare the juice mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
- Portion about 2-3 tablespoons of the juice mix into each glass, add frozen cherries, and top with sparkling water when serving for freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 117 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 117kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 47mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 158mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 27g | 54% |
| Vitamin A | 31IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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