Homemade Cherry Limeade
Tart lime and fresh sweet cherries are the perfect pairing in this refreshing homemade cherry limeade.
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups pitted sweet cherries fresh or frozen
- 3 ½ to 5 ½ cups cold water divided use
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice from at least 8 limes
Instructions
- Make a simple syrup by combining the sugar with 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Place over medium heat and heat until the sugar is completely dissolved, stirring or swirling the pan occasionally. Let cool.1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water
- Once the simple syrup has cooled, puree the cherries in a blender with ½ cup of the cold water. Press the puree through a fine mesh strainer, reserving the juice and discarding the solids.2 cups pitted sweet cherries, 3 ½ to 5 ½ cups cold water
- In a large pitcher, combine the cherry juice, simple syrup, and lime juice and stir to combine.1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- Add 3 to 5 additional cups of cold water; the amount you use will depend on your taste, so add as little or as much as you need to achieve your perfect sweet/tart balance.3 ½ to 5 ½ cups cold water
- Serve over ice. If desired, garnish with cherries and lime slices.
Notes
- Makes about 2 quarts.
- If you prefer a sparkling cherry limeade, stop after step 3 and chill the mixture. Just before serving, top with your desired amount of sparkling water.
- If using frozen cherries, thaw them before blending. Do not drain off the juice before blending.