Ingredients
For the Cherry Simple Syrup:
2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
For the Limeade:
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from 8–10 limes)
6 cups cold water (or sparkling water/lemon-lime soda)
Ice, for serving
Optional Garnishes:
Maraschino cherries
Fresh lime wheels or wedges
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
2. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15–20 minutes, mashing cherries occasionally to release juice.
3. Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on solids to extract all liquid. Discard or save pulp. Let syrup cool completely.
4. Juice the limes while syrup cools. Roll limes on counter before cutting to maximize juice yield.
5. In a large pitcher, combine cooled cherry syrup, fresh lime juice, and cold water or sparkling soda.
6. Stir well and taste. Adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more syrup or lime juice if needed.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then serve over ice. Garnish with maraschino cherries and lime slices.
Notes
Use sweet cherries like Bing for best flavor; tart cherries can be used with more sugar.
To make a fizzy version, use lemon-lime soda or sparkling water instead of still water.
Add a splash of vodka or rum for an adult twist.
Cherry syrup can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 2 weeks.
Freshly squeezed lime juice is highly recommended over bottled for best taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Simmer, Mix
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg