Save
This Cherry Lemonade is the ultimate homemade refresher when summer turns sizzling and you want a drink that is both vibrant and full of tangy fruit flavor. A blend of sweet cherries and fresh lemon, this recipe transforms simple produce into a drink that looks as joyful as it tastes.
I started making this Cherry Lemonade for picnics and it quickly became our must-have cooler drink. Even my picky teenager asks for refills and the bright color always impresses guests.
Ingredients
- Pitted bing cherries: about two cups, bright and naturally sweet, use the ripest cherries you can find
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: one cup, brings punchy tartness, always use fresh lemons instead of bottled juice for bold flavor
- Granulated sugar: one cup, balances the cherries and lemon, buy a fine white sugar for smooth dissolving
- Water: six cups, filter if possible for a clean taste, divided as needed for mixing and simmering
- Tip: Selecting the best cherries makes all the difference in this lemonade, always choose cherries that are deep red and plump for maximum sweetness
Instructions
- Prep the Cherry Base:
- Combine pitted cherries, sugar, and one cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium high, stirring often. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for eight minutes until the cherries are soft and syrupy.
- Cool the Mixture:
- Take the saucepan off the heat. Let the mixture sit on your counter for half an hour. This resting time helps develop the cherry flavor without rushing.
- Strain the Juice:
- Set a fine wire mesh strainer over a large measuring cup. Pour the cherry mixture in batches and use the back of a spoon to press out every drop of deep red juice. You should get about two cups of cherry juice.
- Mix the Lemonade:
- Pour five cups of water into a large pitcher. Add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the strained cherry juice. Stir thoroughly until fully combined. Taste and add more lemon if you want it extra tart.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the pitcher until cold. When ready to serve, pour over plenty of ice and garnish with a lemon slice or extra cherries if desired.
I adore adding an extra handful of cherries for a deeper color. The process of straining cherry juice takes me straight back to summers at my grandmother’s where we picked fruit and made lemonade together.
Storage Tips
Pour leftovers into a sealed jar or pitcher and chill in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays and pop cubes into seltzer or water whenever you want a fruity burst.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in frozen cherries if fresh are not available. Use slightly less sugar if the cherries are super ripe. Meyer lemons are a nice alternative for a sweeter twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lemonade in clear glasses so the ruby color stands out. I like popping in a few whole cherries and a lemon slice for a festive look. Add a splash of seltzer if you want a fizzy treat.
Cultural Context
Lemonade with fresh fruit has been a summer staple since childhood for many families. Cherries add a touch of old fashioned charm and turn classic lemonade into a celebration of peak fruit season.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring, add a handful of strawberries with the cherries. Swap lemons for limes in late summer for a zingy riff. Stir in a sprig of mint or basil for garden fresh flavor.
Success Stories
Kids love helping to press cherries through the strainer. This recipe has become my go to for backyard BBQs and I always get requests for the recipe from friends.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Cherry lemonade freezes beautifully as popsicles. Pour leftovers into molds for a make ahead frozen treat or save ice cubes to add to sparkling water all season.
This vibrant cherry lemonade is sure to be the star of your summer table. Enjoy the refreshing taste and share with family and friends!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen bing cherries work well. Thaw before simmering for the best flavor and texture.
- → Can I substitute honey for the sugar?
Honey can replace sugar, but start with a smaller amount since it is sweeter. Adjust to taste as needed.
- → How long can cherry lemonade be refrigerated?
Store for up to three days in a refrigerator. Stir before serving, as ingredients may settle.
- → Is it possible to make this drink less sweet?
Reduce the sugar and taste the mixture before adding more. You can also add extra lemon juice for more tartness.
- → What can I use if I don’t have a mesh strainer?
A cheesecloth or clean, thin kitchen towel can work as a substitute for straining the cherry mixture.
- → Can this beverage be made sparkling?
Yes, substitute some or all of the water with sparkling water for a fizzy version.