Description
Cherry Lemonade is a refreshing and tangy summer beverage that perfectly balances the bright zestiness of fresh lemons with the sweet, luscious flavor of cherries. Easy to prepare with all-natural ingredients, this drink is perfect for quenching your thirst on hot days, ideal for entertaining, and versatile enough to customize with various twists like mint, sparkling water, or even a cocktail version.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 1 to 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 4 cups water (still or sparkling)
- ½ to ¾ cup sugar or natural sweetener (such as honey or agave syrup)
- Ice cubes, as needed for serving
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon slices
- Whole fresh cherries
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Juice: Roll fresh lemons on the counter to loosen the juice. Cut them in half and squeeze out enough juice to yield about one cup. Strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp for a smooth lemonade base.
- Make the Cherry Puree: Place fresh or thawed frozen cherries in a blender and pulse until smooth. For an extra smooth texture, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove skins and solids.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix the fresh lemon juice, cherry puree, sugar (or natural sweetener), and water. Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely. Taste and adjust the sweetness or water amount according to your preference.
- Chill and Serve: Add plenty of ice to the pitcher or directly into individual glasses. Pour the Cherry Lemonade over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices, whole cherries, and mint leaves for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- Use ripe cherries for the sweetest and most flavorful lemonade.
- Adjust sweetness gradually by adding sweetener a little at a time to achieve the perfect balance.
- Chill water and lemons beforehand to serve the coldest, most refreshing drink.
- Strain juice and cherry puree for a silky, smooth texture.
- Customize acidity by adding a splash of orange juice or a pinch of baking soda if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240 ml)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cherry lemonade, summer drinks, refreshing beverage, fruit lemonade, cherry drink, easy lemonade recipe, natural sweetener, hydrating summer drink