Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and tart with our irresistible cherry limeade. Refreshing and tangy, it's the ideal way to quench your thirst.
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This thirst-quenching concoction combines the lusciousness of cherries with the zesty tang of lime, creating an explosion of flavors in each sip. Whether you prefer it from Sonic or enjoy making your own at home, this drink is a go-to choice for those seeking a refreshing drink with a twist.
You can also use the recipe in various ways, from sipping on ice-cold glasses to adding it as a splash in other drinks like strawberry lemonade. So grab some maraschino cherry juice, limes, and soda to experience the perfect blend of sweet and tangy goodness.
Reasons to Love
- Perfect thirst-quenching option on hot summer days. With every sip, you'll experience the refreshing taste of sweet cherries and tart lime.
- Allows you to recreate the taste and nostalgia of your favorite Sonic drink. Making a homemade version gives you full control over the ingredients, and you can customize it to suit your preferences.
- Save you money in the long run. You can enjoy the same beverage at a fraction of the cost using simple grocery store items.
Ingredients
Only a few key ingredients are needed to make our delicious cherry limeade recipe which tastes just like the one at Sonic.
You'll need the following items for the recipe:
- crushed ice
- lemon-lime soda
- jarred maraschino cherries
- lime
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
To make our copycat Sonic cherry limeade, follow these simple step-by-step instructions. To start, Fill a tall glass with crushed ice.
Add soda.
Add cherry liquid.
Pour in lime juice.
Garnish with cherries and lime wedge.
Variations
Don't be afraid to experiment with additional ingredients in your cherry limeade. Here are some ways you can change up the recipe:
- Alternative Fruit Flavors: Experiment with different fruits like strawberry, raspberry, or pineapple to infuse new flavors into your homemade cherry limeade. You can even use frozen fruit for a more refreshing drink.
- Boozy Options: The addition of spirits can transform your regular drink into a fun adult version. Add a little vodka, rum, tequila, or flavored liqueur like cherry or lime-infused vodka.
- Frozen Treat: Blend all the ingredients with ice cubes until smooth and creamy to create a delightful slushy consistency. Top it off with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Use fresh cherries: Fresh cherries can be used instead of canned or bottled cherry syrup for bursts of natural flavor and sweetness. Pit and chop them up before adding them to your drink.
You can also use ginger ale instead of lemon-lime soda for a taste more like a classic Shirley Temple drink. Or, add a scoop of no-churn lemon ice cream for a delicious soda.
Tips
Creating a delicious homemade cherry limeade is easier than you think. Follow these simple tips to whip up the thirst-quenching drink on hot summer days.
- Choose limes that are heavy for their size with smooth skin.
- Adjust the amount of cherry syrup based on how sweet you want it to be.
- Squeeze more or less lime juice, depending on how tart you prefer it.
Serving suggestions
This beverage is perfect for summer barbecues. For a sweet and savory combination, pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp skewers.
Want to take the drink up a notch? Scoop some lime or cherry sorbet into a glass and pour your cherry limeade over it. Or, make a hard candy lollipop recipe and use a lollipop as a stirrer.
Storage
Store any leftover cherry limeade in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. Keep it refrigerated to help preserve the flavors and prevent any spoilage. It is advisable to consume the drink within a few days for optimal taste.
Related Recipes
Need a few more drink recipes to cool down in summer? Here are some of our favorites.
- Iced Americano is a refreshing coffee beverage.
- Pineapple and banana smoothie is full of tropical flavor.
- Blackberry tea on ice offers a delightful sip of summer in each glass.
- Coconut milkshake is frosty and creamy.
- Spinach strawberry smoothie is packed with nutrients.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Cherry Limeade
Ingredients
- 1 cup Crushed Ice
- 12 fluid ounces lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7up
- 2 tablespoons cherry liquid from jarred Maraschino Cherries
- 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed (about 1 lime)
- 2 Maraschino Cherries for garnish
- 1 small lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall (16 oz) glass with crushed ice.
- Add soda.
- Add cherry liquid and lime juice.
- Garnish with cherries and lime wedge.
Jessica
I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with adding cherries to lemonade or limeade. This is one of my favorite ways to garnish, so while I haven't had this recipe at Sonic's, I'll definitely make it at home.
Ksenia
This was the perfect mocktail! Sweet, refreshing and easy to make. I added a bit of soda water for my kids to make it less sugary for them, and everyone was very pleased.
Jenn
This was so good! It was refreshing, had an awesome cherry flavour, and was also just so pretty! I made this for myself one afternoon for a little sugar pick-me-up, and it was perfect.
Jennifer Osborn
A cherry limeade is one of my favorite drinks. This was a great version. Thanks.
Sharon
We had a huge basket of cherries from a local farmer so I used those in the recipe as suggested and it worked perfectly! This was such a sweet and refreshing treat.
Ellen
I tried your suggestion about putting sorbet in the cherry limeade. OMG! Game changer! It was delicious.
Sue
Cherry and lime - what a great fusion of flavor! This was the perfect refreshment for a hot summer day - thank you!
Shilpa
This cherry limeade was so refreshing and good. The tangy and sweet flavors were balanced and on spot.
Sage Scott
What a fast and easy way to make cherry limeade. Such a refreshing summertime drink.
Anne
This was an instant hit in my household. The balance of sweet cherries and tart lime was absolutely perfect, and it was super refreshing!