Cool and refreshing Cherry Lemonade is made with all-natural ingredients like freshly squeezed lemons, sun-ripened sour cherries, sugar, and filtered water. This is the ultimate summer liquid refreshment with just the right balance of cherry flavor and sweetness. It is guaranteed to quench your thirst.
Refreshing Cherry Lemonade
Cool off this summer with a refreshing cherry lemonade recipe! This twist on a classic drink is perfect for hot days and can be made in just a few easy steps. It is ideal for family reunions, pool parties, bridal showers, and baby showers. Just remember to make a double or triple batch.
Or quickly turn it into an adult beverage with a shot of vodka or tequila. Summer wouldn’t be the same without chilled, recharging fruit-based refreshments. If you like this recipe, try the Arnold Palmer drink, strawberry lemonade, blueberry lemonade, and peach tea.
Cherry Lemonade Ingredients
You need sour cherries, granulated sugar, and lots of lemons to make this recipe.
How to make Cherry Lemonade
Start by making the cherry syrup. Simmer 1 pound of cherries, 2 cups sugar, and 3 cups water for about 15 minutes. I like to use sour cherries, but you could also use sweet cherries. Once simmered, move it off the heat and let it cool down. Then, once cooled, run it through a fine mesh strainer. While the cherry juice is cooling, squeeze the juice out of about 6-8 lemons.
Now blend the cherry juice, lemon juice, and about 5-6 cups of cold water. Stir to combine, and if desired, add thin slices of lemon and additional fresh cherries. Finally, fill glasses with ice, pour, garnish with fresh lemon slices or pitted cherries, and enjoy.
Recipe Tips
- This recipe works with both sour and sweet cherries. If using sweet cherries, cut the sugar down to 1 3/4 cups.
- For best results, make the cherry juice a day in advance, cool, and then strain. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill overnight.
- Lemonade needs to be refrigerated. It should not be left out any more than 2 hours without refrigeration.
- I use a mandolin to slice the lemons for a thin, uniform cut.
- Use seltzer or sparkling water to make refreshing, sparking cherry lemonade.
- Replace the lemons with limes and make cherry limeade.
- Fresh lemonade calls for lots of ice. Ensure you have plenty on hand so everyone can thoroughly enjoy your effort.
- 1 medium lemon has about 4 tablespoons of juice, so you need at least 6 lemons. I always purchase a few extras just in case and for garnishments in the pitcher and the glasses.
- To make it into an adult beverage, simply add a shot of vodka or tequila to each glass before adding the lemonade.
Storage
Lemonade needs to be refrigerated. It should not be left out any more than 2 hours without refrigeration. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
More Cherry Recipes
Easy Cherry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh sour cherries reserve several for garnish
- 2 cups sugar
- 8 cups water
- 6-8 lemons plus more for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and 3 cups water. Simmer for 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Run through a fine mesh strainer.
- Juice enough lemons to make 1 1/2 cups of juice.
- Combine the cherry juice, lemon juice, and about 5-6 cups of chilled water (to taste). Stir to combine, and if desired, add thin slices of lemon and fresh cherries.
Notes
- This recipe works with both sour and sweet cherries. If using sweet cherries, cut the sugar down to 1 3/4 cups.
- For best results, make the cherry juice a day in advance, cool, and then strain. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill overnight.
- Lemonade needs to be refrigerated. It should not be left out any more than 2 hours without refrigeration.
- I use a mandolin to slice the lemons for a thin, uniform cut.
- Use seltzer or sparkling water to make refreshing, sparking cherry lemonade.
- Replace the lemons with limes and make cherry limeade.
- Fresh lemonade calls for lots of ice. Ensure you have plenty on hand so everyone can thoroughly enjoy your effort.
- 1 medium lemon has about 4 tablespoons of juice so you will need at least 6 lemons. I always purchase a few extras just in case and for garnishments in the pitcher and the glasses.
- To make it into an adult beverage, simply add a shot of vodka or tequila to each glass before adding the lemonade.
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Nutrition
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Toni
This is seriously refreshing!! Such a perfect summer drink!
Allyssa
This is really delicious! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing cherry lemonade recipe! Highly recommended!
Lisalia
Ohh so refreshing! This is the best way to say goodbye to summer and enjoy just that last bit of hot weather before autumn sets in. A brilliant use of the cherries that grow like crazy in my back yard. Thanks Beth!
Tara
Such a cool and refreshing lemonade! Definitely the perfect use for fresh cherries. I love that color too.
Anjali
I love this twist on a regular lemonade!! We made this today and it was so refreshing and perfectly sweet & tart all at once! Such a great summer drink!
Claire
The perfect refresher for the summer heat! Would definitely try this. Thanks!
Amanda Livesay
This is so refreshing either on it’s own or with a little vodka! Perfect for summer!
Erik
So refreshing! Perfect for those hot summer days.
Erin
I know for sure this Cherry Lemonade would be a huge hit in my house!
Vikki
So tasty! I love the pretty color too
Krystle
So sweet and refreshing, everyone at my party loved it. I’m going to have to double the recipe next time.
Jacqueline Debono
Love this cherry lemonade recipe. I actually live in a cherry growing area and it’s cherry season now. So, I have lots of fresh cherries to use up. Going to give this a try tomorrow.
SHANIKA
This lemonade is definitely my go-to for the entire summer! I’m loving how easy this is to make and the addition of cherries!
Adrianne
What a great drink for a hot summer’s day! Positively thirst quenching. Love the colour and homemade style. Can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing.
Claire
Looks VERY refreshing! Would try this one of these days. Thanks!
Nathan
This cherry lemonade looks SO refreshing, and it’s been really hot here so it might be just what I need. The sour cherries must pair so well with the tart lemons!