Print

Cherry Lemonade

Cherry Lemonade

Cherry Lemonade is a refreshing summer beverage bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh cherries and the zesty brightness of lemons. This vibrant, thirst-quenching drink offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors and is simple to make with wholesome ingredients. Whether served still or sparkling, plain or spiked, it’s an ideal drink for warm days, casual gatherings, and backyard BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 2 cups fresh cherries, washed and pitted
  • 34 fresh lemons, juiced (seeds removed, pulp retained)

Sweetener

  • 1 cup sugar (or use simple syrup)
  • 1 cup water (for making simple syrup)

Liquids

  • 34 cups cold water or sparkling water

Extras

  • Ice cubes, as needed
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cherries: Wash and pit about two cups of fresh cherries, then lightly mash or puree them in a blender or food processor to release their juices and flavor.
  2. Juice the lemons: Using three to four fresh lemons, squeeze out the juice, making sure to remove seeds but keep the pulp for extra texture.
  3. Make simple syrup: In a saucepan, dissolve one cup of sugar in one cup of water over medium heat, stirring until completely dissolved. Allow to cool before using.
  4. Combine ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix the cherry puree, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add three to four cups of cold water or sparkling water depending on your preference.
  5. Chill and serve: Add plenty of ice cubes to the pitcher or pour over glasses filled with ice. Stir gently and garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint if desired.

Notes

  • Use ripe, seasonal cherries for best flavor and color.
  • Adjust sweetness gradually by tasting as you add syrup to avoid over-sweetening.
  • Chill all ingredients beforehand to enhance refreshment.
  • Strain the cherry and lemon pulp if a smoother texture is preferred.
  • Experiment with sparkling water for a fizzy, lively variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry lemonade, summer drink, refreshing beverage, cherry drink, lemonade recipe, homemade lemonade, fruit drink