Hey there! If you’re looking to cool down on a hot summer day with a delicious drink, you’re in luck. Today, we’re talking about a refreshing cherry limeade cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of Sonic’s cherry limeade or just love a good boozy cherry limeade, this homemade version will hit the spot. Let’s dive into this simple yet tasty cocktail recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup simple syrup
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1 liter lemon-lime soda (your favorite brand)
- Fresh cherries, pitted
- Lime wedges and slices
- Ice
- Optional: 1 cup vodka for a spiked cherry limeade
- Optional: 1/2 cup grenadine for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by squeezing fresh lime juice and pitting the fresh cherries. Slice a few limes into wedges and slices for garnish.
- Mix It Up: In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lime juice, simple syrup, maraschino cherry juice, and grenadine (if using). Stir well to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.
- Add the Bubbles: Slowly pour in the lemon-lime soda, stirring gently to keep the fizz.
- Make It Boozy: If you’re in the mood for a cherry vodka limeade, add the vodka now. This step is totally optional, but it makes for a great adult version.
- Serve: Fill mason jars or tall glasses with ice. Pour the cherry limeade mixture over the ice, leaving a little room at the top.
- Garnish: Add a few fresh cherries, a lime wedge, and a lime slice to each glass. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also drizzle a bit of cherry syrup on top for extra flavor.
Enjoy your refreshing spiked cherry limeade, perfect for any summer gathering or relaxing afternoon!
Tips and Variations:
- Party Punch: This recipe is great for a party. Just multiply the ingredients and serve in a large punch bowl with a ladle.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Skip the vodka for a classic summer drink that’s perfect for all ages.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh lime juice and real cherries makes a huge difference in flavor. If you’re short on time, limeade concentrate can be a quick substitute.
- Personal Touch: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup, or try using club soda instead of lemon-lime soda for a less sweet variation.
Nutritional Information:
While we’re all about enjoying a special treat, it’s good to know what you’re sipping on. This drink has about 120 calories per serving (without vodka). Adding vodka bumps it up to about 170 calories.
Other cocktail recipe ideas
If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! Try one of these cherry limeade cocktails, mocktails, and variations to keep the party going.
Sparkling Cherry Limeade Mocktail
- Ingredients: lemon-lime soda, simple syrup, fresh cherries, lime wedges, maraschino cherry juice, fresh lime juice
- For a non-alcoholic option, replace vodka with sparkling water and serve in mason jars.
Cherry Limeade Gin Fizz
- Ingredients: lemon-lime soda, simple syrup, fresh cherries, lime wedges, maraschino cherry juice, fresh lime juice, gin, egg white
- Twist: Shake all ingredients (except soda) with ice, strain into a glass, and top with soda for a frothy finish.
. Frozen Cherry Limeade Daiquiri
- Ingredients: lemon-lime soda, simple syrup, fresh cherries, lime wedges, maraschino cherry juice, fresh lime juice, rum
- Twist: Blend with ice for a frozen treat and serve with a lime slice.
Cherry Limeade Whiskey Sour
- Ingredients: lemon-lime soda, simple syrup, fresh cherries, lime wedges, maraschino cherry juice, fresh lime juice, whiskey
- Twist: Add a dash of bitters and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Cherry Limeade Sangria
- Ingredients: lemon-lime soda, simple syrup, fresh cherries, lime wedges, maraschino cherry juice, fresh lime juice, white wine, brandy
- Twist: Add slices of oranges and lemons for additional fruit flavors.
Cherry Limeade Mojito
- Ingredients: lemon-lime soda, simple syrup, fresh cherries, lime wedges, maraschino cherry juice, fresh lime juice, white rum, fresh mint
- Twist: Muddle fresh mint with lime wedges and cherries before adding the other ingredients.
Cherry Limeade Margarita
- Ingredients: lemon-lime soda, simple syrup, fresh cherries, lime wedges, maraschino cherry juice, fresh lime juice, tequila, triple sec
Cherry Limeade Gin Fizz
- Ingredients: lemon-lime soda, simple syrup, fresh cherries, lime wedges, maraschino cherry juice, fresh lime juice, gin, egg white
- Twist: Shake all ingredients (except soda) with ice, strain into a glass, and top with soda for a frothy finish.
Cherry Limeade Vodka Slushie
- Ingredients: lemon-lime soda, simple syrup, fresh cherries, lime wedges, maraschino cherry juice, fresh lime juice, vodka
- Twist: Blend all ingredients with ice to create a refreshing slushie.
Boozy Cherry Limeade Floats
- Ingredients: lemon-lime soda, simple syrup, fresh cherries, lime wedges, maraschino cherry juice, fresh lime juice, cherry vodka, vanilla ice cream
- Twist: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to each glass for a creamy twist.
