Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cherry Lemonade is a sweet, tangy, and hydrating drink that’s perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or simply quenching your thirst on a warm day. The use of fresh, thawed cherries gives it a rich flavor that elevates the classic lemonade, while the freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, zesty kick. It’s easy to make, customizable to your sweetness preference, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 3 cups thawed whole, pitted cherries (I used 2 (12 oz) bags of thawed dark pitted cherries)
- 9 cups purified water, divided
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1-1½ cups fresh lemon juice (Juice from about 7-8 large lemons)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Blend the Cherries: Add the thawed cherries to a blender (including any juice that’s in the bag) and blend until pureed.
- Strain the Juice: Double strain the cherry puree using a fine mesh sieve or juicing bag. (The juicing bag helps remove as much pulp as possible.) After straining, you should have about 1 cup of cherry juice.
- Prepare the Base: Place the cherry juice into a large pitcher. Heat 2 cups of the purified water and add it to the pitcher along with the sugar. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, then gradually add the remaining cold water. Taste the lemonade after each cup of water and adjust the sweetness by adding more or less water, depending on your preference.
- Chill: Let the lemonade chill in the refrigerator, and stir before serving since the ingredients may settle. Pour the lemonade over ice and serve cold.
- Garnish: If desired, garnish with fresh mint, cherries, and/or lemon slices for an extra pop of flavor and presentation.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your lemonade sweeter, feel free to add more sugar. You can also use honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener.
- Add Sparkling Water: For a fizzy twist, substitute some of the water with sparkling water or soda.
- Herbal Twist: Add a sprig of fresh basil or rosemary to the lemonade for a unique flavor infusion.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover cherry lemonade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: This drink is best served cold and doesn’t need reheating, but you can serve it warm during cooler months for a cozy version of this refreshing drink.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of thawed cherries?
Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they’re thawed before blending, and use the juice from the thawed cherries.
How can I make this lemonade stronger in flavor?
If you prefer a more intense lemon or cherry flavor, you can add more lemon juice or cherry juice (by increasing the amount of cherries used in the recipe) to enhance the taste.
Can I make this lemonade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemonade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours to chill. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute if needed. However, fresh juice is recommended for the most vibrant taste.
Conclusion
This Easy Cherry Lemonade is the perfect combination of sweet cherries and zesty lemon. It’s easy to make, refreshing, and can be customized to your preferred level of sweetness. Whether you’re sipping it on a hot summer day or serving it at your next party, this drink is sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy the natural goodness of cherries and lemons with this simple yet delicious homemade lemonade!
Easy Cherry Lemonade: A Refreshing Sweet & Tart Drink
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Drink
- Method: Blending, Straining, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Cherry Lemonade is a refreshing drink made with fresh, thawed cherries, lemon juice, and sugar, creating the perfect balance of sweet and tart. This simple beverage is perfect for hot summer days, barbecues, or family gatherings, and it’s easy to make in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
3 cups thawed whole, pitted cherries (2 (12 oz) bags of thawed dark pitted cherries)
9 cups purified water, divided
2 cups granulated sugar
1–1½ cups fresh lemon juice (Juice from about 7–8 large lemons)
Instructions
- Blend the Cherries: Add the thawed cherries to a blender (including any juice that’s in the bag) and blend until pureed.
- Strain the Juice: Double strain the cherry puree using a fine mesh sieve or juicing bag. After straining, you should have about 1 cup of cherry juice.
- Prepare the Base: Place the cherry juice into a large pitcher. Heat 2 cups of the purified water and add it to the pitcher along with the sugar. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, then gradually add the remaining cold water. Taste the lemonade after each cup of water and adjust the sweetness by adding more or less water, depending on your preference.
- Chill: Let the lemonade chill in the refrigerator, and stir before serving since the ingredients may settle. Pour the lemonade over ice and serve cold.
- Garnish: If desired, garnish with fresh mint, cherries, and/or lemon slices for an extra pop of flavor and presentation.
Notes
Adjust the sweetness level to your liking by adding more sugar or using honey/agave syrup.
For a fizzy twist, try substituting some of the water with sparkling water.
Herbal garnishes like basil or rosemary can add a unique flavor to this drink.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
