A refreshing and vibrant treat, Cherry Lime is the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day or as a fun, fruity addition to your beverage repertoire. The tartness of fresh lime combines beautifully with the sweet and slightly tart flavor of cherries, creating a balance of flavors that is both refreshing and energizing. Whether you’re making a fizzy soda, a slushy drink, or even a cocktail, Cherry Lime is versatile and easy to make, offering a burst of color and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cherry Lime is a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and refreshing. The lime adds a zesty citrus punch, while the cherries bring their natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color to the drink. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Whether you’re making it as a non-alcoholic drink for the whole family or adding a splash of rum for a tropical twist, Cherry Lime is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups sparkling water or club soda (for a fizzy drink)
- Crushed ice
- Lime slices (for garnish)
- Fresh cherries (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Blend the cherries: In a blender, combine the pitted cherries, lime juice, and honey or sugar. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or sugar at this point.
- Strain the mixture: For a smoother drink, strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp and skins, leaving only the juice.
- Prepare the drink: In a glass, add crushed ice. Pour the cherry-lime mixture over the ice, filling the glass about 3/4 full.
- Add sparkling water: Top off the drink with sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with lime slices and fresh cherries for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Cherry Limeade: For a sweeter version, you can replace the sparkling water with lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up) for a classic Cherry Limeade flavor.
- Cherry Lime Cocktail: Add a shot of rum, vodka, or tequila for an alcoholic twist. A splash of club soda can also give it a more fizzy feel.
- Add Fresh Mint: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for added aroma and flavor.
- Berry Twist: Add a few strawberries or raspberries for a mixed berry flavor that complements the cherry and lime.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: If you have leftover cherry-lime concentrate, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sparkling water should be added fresh when serving to keep the drink fizzy.
- Reheating: This is a chilled drink, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, if you prefer a warm version (like a hot cherry limeade), heat the mixture gently on the stove and add a splash of hot water.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lime juice?
For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use fresh lime juice. However, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, though the taste may not be as vibrant.
2. Can I make Cherry Lime without a blender?
Yes, you can muddle the cherries in a glass to release their juice, then mix with lime juice and sweetener. Strain to remove the pulp and add sparkling water as usual.
3. Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cherry-lime mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just add the sparkling water and ice right before serving.
4. Can I use other types of fruit in this drink?
Yes! You can use a variety of fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a different flavor. Simply blend them with lime juice and adjust the sweetness.
5. Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?
Both fresh and frozen cherries work well in this recipe. Frozen cherries may give the drink a thicker, slushy texture if desired.
6. Can I use a sweetener other than honey or sugar?
Yes, you can use alternatives like agave syrup, stevia, or maple syrup to sweeten the drink to your liking.
7. Can I make this drink with canned cherries?
Yes, you can use canned cherries in syrup, but be sure to drain them and adjust the sweetness since they may already be sweetened.
8. How can I make this drink more tangy?
To make the drink more tangy, increase the amount of lime juice or add a little more citrus, like lemon or even orange juice.
Conclusion
This Cherry Lime drink is an easy-to-make, refreshing treat that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Whether you enjoy it as a fizzy soda, a slushy version, or a cocktail, it’s the ideal drink to cool off on a hot day or to serve at your next gathering. With its bright colors and vibrant taste, this Cherry Lime drink is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will leave everyone asking for more!
Print
Cherry Lime
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: undefined
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Cherry Lime is a refreshing, vibrant drink that combines the tartness of lime with the sweetness of cherries. Whether served as a fizzy soda, slushy, or cocktail, this drink is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups sparkling water or club soda (for a fizzy drink)
- Crushed ice
- Lime slices (for garnish)
- Fresh cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the pitted cherries, lime juice, and honey or sugar. Blend until smooth. Adjust sweetness if desired.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove pulp and skins for a smoother drink.
- In a glass, add crushed ice. Pour the cherry-lime mixture over the ice, filling about 3/4 full.
- Top off with sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with lime slices and fresh cherries. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, replace the sparkling water with lemon-lime soda (like Sprite) for a classic Cherry Limeade flavor.
- This drink is perfect for adding a sprig of fresh mint for garnish or extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
