• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Ebook!Subscribe to updates & get a recipe book!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

The Chunky Chef

Comforting Family Recipes

  • All Recipes
  • Learn to Cook
  • Shop
    • My eBooks
    • Favorite Products
  • About
  • Contact
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

    My Saved Recipe Box
  • Browse By:
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides
    • Drinks
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Healthy-ish
  • Ingredient
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Pork
    • Turkey
    • Seafood
    • Meatless
    • Pasta
  • Cuisine
    • Asian
    • Italian
    • Mexican
    • Hawaiian
    • Middle Eastern
    • Comfort Food
  • Method
    • One Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Instant Pot
    • Oven
    • Fried
    • Grilling/BBQ
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

Home / Drinks / Summer Drinks

Refreshing Cherry Limeade

5
/5
17 minutes
10 Comments
Jump to Recipe Print Pin
By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 06/14/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This refreshing non-alcoholic Tart Cherry Limeade is made with simple ingredients, makes a large batch, and the recipe has plenty of options for substitutions! #drink #summer #cherry #limeade
This refreshing non-alcoholic Tart Cherry Limeade is made with simple ingredients, makes a large batch, and the recipe has plenty of options for substitutions! #drink #summer #cherry #limeade
This refreshing non-alcoholic Tart Cherry Limeade is made with simple ingredients, makes a large batch, and the recipe has plenty of options for substitutions! #drink #summer #cherry #limeade

This refreshing non-alcoholic Tart Cherry Limeade is made with simple ingredients, makes a large batch, and the recipe has plenty of options for substitutions!

This is one of my Drinks recipes I know you’ll want to keep on hand!

overhead view of cherry limeade in a glass pitcher
Pin this recipe for later!

I don’t know if things have been heating up where you live, but around here, it’s been 90 degrees lately, which means it’s about time to start making some refreshing summer drinks!

This recipe happens to be non-alcoholic, but if you wanted to add some of your favorite clear liquor… I certainly won’t stop ya 😉

There are a lot of cherry limeade recipes out there, but most of them use super sweet maraschino cherries and lemon lime soda.

I’m not knocking those, because that drink is definitely delicious! But I really like the slightly sweet, slightly tart version I’m sharing here today.

My version uses tart cherry juice, frozen cherries, and lime flavored sparkling water. However, I’ve detailed how to make this drink using the traditional maraschino cherries and soda down in the “variations of this recipe” section below.

How to make cherry limeade?

This is just an overview; the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.

step by step how to make cherry limeade - image collage.
  1. Add cherries to pitcher. I really prefer using frozen cherries since they’re already pitted, nice and soft, and give off some of their juice as they sit in your glass.
  2. Make juice mixture. You’re not really cooking the juices and sugar, the heat just helps the sugar dissolve.
  3. Add juice mixture to pitcher. I try to wait a few minutes for the juice to cool a bit.
  4. Pour in sparkling water. Go slow, it’ll fizz up.
  5. Stir and add lime slices if you’d like.

Helpful Tip!

If you won’t be able to get through this large batch, make the lime/cherry juice/sugar mixture and keep it in the refrigerator as a concentrate. To make a single drink, add about 3 Tbsp of the juice concentrate, a couple of frozen cherries, and top off the glass with the lime sparkling water.

glass pitcher of cherry limeade with lime slices

Variations of this recipe

  • Maraschino cherries – instead of frozen tart cherries, you can use maraschino cherries and the cherry juice from the jar. You’ll want to reduce the amount of sugar in the juice mixture since the maraschino cherry juice is plenty sweet.
  • Lemon lime soda – you can use lemon lime soda, like Sprite, instead of the lime sparkling water. You’ll want to reduce the amount of sugar in the cherry juice mixture (or omit it completely), since the soda has plenty of sugar.
  • Alcoholic – feel free to add any clear liquor you’d like to this drink. We prefer tequila, vodka, or light rum.
  • Fresh cherries – when fresh cherries are in season, feel free to use those instead of the frozen variety. Just make sure to pit them, and since they’re not very soft, you’ll want to add them to the saucepan with the juices and cook for a while to soften them up.
two mason jar glasses of cherry limeade.

FAQ’s

Is this a copycat of Sonic’s cherry limeade?

No, this is a cherry limeade that’s made with tart cherries. Sonic’s version uses maraschino cherries and lemon lime soda.

Can alcohol be added to cherry limeade?

Oh absolutely! We love adding vodka, light rum, tequila or any other clear liquor. You can any liquor, but the darker or more yellow the color, the color of your drink won’t be as appealing.

Making cherry limeade ahead of time

If you would like to make this drink ahead of time you can make the lime, cherry juice and sugar mixture, then store in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

You can add the cherries if you’d like, or keep them frozen until you’re ready to serve, either way is fine. Add the sparkling water just before serving.

mason jar full of cherry limeade.

Storage

Leftover cherry limeade should be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Be aware though, the drink will go flat, but will still taste delicious!

To liven it back up, pour some of the drink into a glass, then top with more sparkling water or a splash of lemon lime soda.

Other Summer Drink Recipes:

margaritas
Classic Margaritas
fizzy pineapple punch
Fizzy Pineapple Punch
coconut rum punch
Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch
honeydew margaritas
Frozen Honeydew Jalapeno Margaritas
glass pitcher.

My Favorite Pitcher!

This pitcher is elegant, yet simple, and holds up to 70 ounces so it’s perfect for larger batches.

Get on amazon
This refreshing non-alcoholic Tart Cherry Limeade is made with simple ingredients, makes a large batch, and the recipe has plenty of options for substitutions! #drink #summer #cherry #limeade

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

overhead view of cherry limeade in a glass pitcher

Refreshing Cherry Limeade

5 from 7 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Calories: 117
Servings: 8 servings
(hover over # to adjust)
Print Rate Pin
This refreshing non-alcoholic Tart Cherry Limeade is made with simple ingredients, makes a large batch, and the recipe has plenty of options for substitutions!

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 frozen cherries unsweetened is what I like to use
  • 60 oz lime flavored sparkling water (I buy cans, so I use 5 12 oz cans)

For Serving

  • ice cubes
  • lime wedges/slices
  • sprigs of mint (optional – for garnish)

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.

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

Recipe makes approximately 64-68 oz.

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did You Make This?Tag @the_chunky_chef on Instagram and hashtag it #thechunkychef so I can see what you made!
Tag on Insta! Leave a Rating Save for Later Saved!

You May Also Like...

  • This tropical pineapple coconut rum punch is sweet and a perfect drink for a party!  Drinking this cocktail will make you feel like you're at the beach! #drinks #cocktail #pineapple #coconut #rum #tropical #party
    Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch
  • Summer Pineapple Punch | This sweet and easy to make pineapple punch will be the hit of any party! Just 4 simple ingredients plus fresh fruit and pretty garnishes! | http://thechunkychef.com
    Fizzy Pineapple Punch
  • Boozy Strawberry Limeade Slushies | Just 5 ingredients, including ice, and you're on your way to slushy heaven! | http://thechunkychef.com
    Boozy Strawberry Limeade Slushies
  • Tropical, sweet, and beautifully colored, this is one rum punch you have to try! #rum #rumpunch #punch #summer #drink #cocktail #mermaid
    Tipsy Mermaid Rum Punch
Previous Post
Next Post

Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

Learn More

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question, comment, or review below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says

    Posted on 6/16 at 12:07 pm

    This was amazing! So light and refreshing! I can’t wait to make it again and again!

    Reply
  2. katerina @ diethood.com says

    Posted on 6/16 at 12:06 pm

    I love how refreshing and delicious this is!! I will be making it all summer long!

    Reply
  3. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

    Posted on 6/16 at 11:57 am

    We really want this Cherry Limeade! Sounds so refreshing for summer!

    Reply
  4. Toni says

    Posted on 6/16 at 7:41 am

    This is really refreshing!! I loved it! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    Reply
  5. Catalina says

    Posted on 6/16 at 5:59 am

    I am sure that my family will go crazy over this drink! It’s exactly what we need.

    Reply
  6. Vikki says

    Posted on 6/16 at 2:14 am

    Simple and tasty, my favorite kind of drink!

    Reply
  7. MrsSW says

    Posted on 6/15 at 9:34 pm

    HI Amanda – do you use bottled cherry juice or does it come from the frozen cherries?
    Thanks,
    Sheila

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      Posted on 6/16 at 11:23 am

      I use bottled juice 🙂

      Reply
      • MrsSW says

        Posted on 6/16 at 9:59 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
  8. Erik says

    Posted on 6/15 at 8:31 pm

    Totally refreshing! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

welcome!

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

New! Save Recipes To Your Own Account!

Free eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

download now!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

Game Day Recipes!

These crowd-pleasing tender meatballs are smothered in a super flavorful honey garlic bbq sauce.  Perfect for parties, this crockpot meatball recipe couldn't be more simple to make! #meatballs #crockpot #slowcooker #honeygarlic #bbq #appetizer #party #honey #garlic #easyrecipe

Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs

2 hours 5 minutes

Smooth and silky queso dip, made using NO velveeta!  Packed with flavor, yet so easy to make, and party ready in just 20 minutes! #queso #dip #cheese #mexican #appetizer #party #cincodemayo #easyrecipe

Queso Dip Recipe

20 minutes

Creamy, cheesy, and oh so addicting, this bacon cheeseburger dip is just like your favorite gooey cheeseburger... but in a party-ready dip form! #bacon #gameday #cheesy #cheeseburger #party #appetizer #dip #easyrecipe

Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

32 minutes

Insanely tasty chicken wing recipe, dry rubbed, then hickory smoked to perfection.  And don't forget the homemade bourbon bbq sauce! #chickenwings #wingrecipe #smoked #smoker #smokedchickenwings #bourbon #bbq #crispy

Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings

3 hours

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe | Classic buffalo wing flavors in an easy dip made in the crockpot. Perfect for a party, serve it up with chips or celery sticks and watch everyone go back for seconds!

Buffalo Chicken Dip (Crockpot Recipe)

2 hours 10 minutes

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels | These pinwheels are filled with a creamy chicken taco filling, which is easily customizable, and rolled up to make a perfect appetizer or party food! | http://thechunkychef.com

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels

15 minutes

More Holiday Recipes >

Who doesn’t love free stuff?

Who doesn't love free stuff? Get an ad-free ebook of my most popular recipes, plus be the FIRST to know about new things coming to the site!

Looking for something?

As Seen On…

Stay Connected

subscribe to get new posts via email:

Quick & Easy

Dinner Favorites

Hearty and positively soul-warming, this beef barley soup simmers all day in the slow cooker, which makes for an incredibly rich soup recipe! #beefbarley #soup #slowcooker #crockpot #comfortfood #barley #beefsoup #easyrecipe #dinner
M

Crockpot Beef Barley Soup

white bowl of chicken and dumplings
T

Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

HONEY GARLIC SALMON - Succulent and tender salmon filets cooked in a mouthwatering simple honey garlic sauce, then broiled until sticky and caramelized.  Made with simple ingredients, in one pan, and in just 20 minutes! #salmon #honeygarlic #onepan #easyrecipe #dinner #seafood #fish
W

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Light and filling, this Italian Wedding Soup is perfectly delicious comfort food, all year round.  Made in one pan, and ready in 30 minutes, this recipe is great for a weeknight meal! #soup #souprecipe #Italianweddingsoup #onepot #30minutemeal #weeknight #dinner #easyrecipe #homemaderecipe
R

Italian Wedding Soup

This Honey Garlic Chicken is one incredible weeknight dinner idea. Juicy chicken coated and cooked with a glorious sauce made with soy, hoisin, garlic, honey and more! Toss it all in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you! #dinner #chicken #asian #honey #garlic #honeygarlic #easyrecipe #weeknight #slowcooker #crockpot
F

Honey Garlic Chicken

S

Swedish Meatballs

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window
free e-book!

Download MY Free Recipe eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

get my copy!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

As Featured On:

Back to Top

Recipes

Dinners

Appetizers

Desserts

Slow Cooker

Learn to Cook

Start Here

Tips & Tricks

e-Cookbook

Easy Recipes

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy
  • Contact
© 2022 The Chunky Chef
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top