Cherry Limeade
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If you’re craving a drink that screams summer, this Cherry Limeade is your new go-to. It’s the perfect combo of sweet cherries, tart lime, and just enough fizz to keep things fun. We’re talking drive-thru vibes without the long line—or mystery ingredients. Ready in minutes and dangerously refreshing, this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat all season long.
Love a good copycat recipe? Me too. Be sure to try my 7-11 Slushie, Dole Whip, and Wendy’s Frosty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy summer drink: This refreshing recipe comes together in minutes with just four simple ingredients.
- Kid-friendly drink recipe: Sweet, fizzy, and fun—perfect for parties or warm weather playdates.
- Non-alcoholic party drink: A great crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy, no booze needed.
This cherry limeade is the perfect blend of sweet cherry, tart lime, and fizzy lemon-lime soda—just like a Sonic cherry limeade, but made right at home with simple ingredients. It’s crisp, refreshing, and ridiculously easy to whip up in minutes.
Whether you’re cooling off on a hot afternoon or need a fun drink for a summer party, this recipe delivers that nostalgic, drive-thru flavor without the extra trip. Bonus: it’s kid-approved and totally customizable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need four simple ingredients to make this cherry limeade recipe, and chances are, you’ve already got most of them on hand. Each one plays a key role in giving this drink its signature sweet-tart flavor and fizzy finish.
- Sprite – This gives the drink its bubbly base. You can also use 7UP or any lemon-lime soda you love. Want it less sweet? Go with club soda or a lemon-lime sparkling water instead.
- Maraschino Cherries – These aren’t just for looks! They add that classic cherry flavor and a pop of color. Spoon in a few extra for garnish or snacking. No judgment here.
- Cherry Juice – This is where the real cherry flavor comes in. Look for juice from the maraschino cherry jar or grab a bottle of 100% cherry juice for a deeper flavor.
- Lime – Fresh lime juice balances the sweetness and adds that tart zing. Roll your lime on the counter before slicing, it helps release more juice.
With just these four ingredients, you’ve got a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink that feels way fancier than it actually is. Keep them stocked and you’ll be ready for backyard BBQs, pool days, or anytime a soda just won’t cut it.
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
This cherry limeade is my go-to drink when I want something quick, refreshing, and a little nostalgic. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and tart, and it tastes like something you’d get from a drive-thru—only better because you control the flavors. I keep the ingredients on hand all summer long. It’s a hit with both kids and adults, and it’s ridiculously easy to throw together last minute.
Tip from Jesseca:
Use crushed ice and chilled ingredients for the ultimate frosty drink. It keeps everything colder longer and gives it that extra refreshing edge.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to make this limeade your own? Here are a few easy swaps and fun twists to customize it to your taste or what you’ve got in the fridge.
- Lemon-lime soda: If you don’t have Sprite, any lemon-lime soda works. Try 7UP, Sierra Mist, or even a store brand.
- Cherry juice options: No maraschino cherry juice on hand? Tart cherry juice or black cherry juice will still give you great flavor with a slightly less sweet finish.
- Make it boozy: Hosting a summer party? Add a splash of vodka or rum to turn this into a refreshing adult cocktail.
Whether you’re keeping it classic or mixing things up, this drink is super flexible. Try different combos and find your favorite spin.
How To Make a Sonic Cherry Limeade
Making this drink at home couldn’t be easier. You’re just minutes away from sipping something sweet, fizzy, and totally refreshing. Here’s a quick look at how to throw it together:
- Fill your glass with ice.
- Squeeze in some fresh lime juice—just a wedge or two, to taste.
- Pour in Sprite until your glass is nearly full.
- Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of cherry juice.
- Drop in a couple of maraschino cherries to finish it off.
That’s it! A quick stir, and you’re sipping on pure summer in a glass.
Recipe FAQs
Sort of. You can prep the cherry and lime juices in advance, but wait to add the Sprite and ice until just before serving to keep the drink fizzy and fresh.
You can use the juice from maraschino cherries for a sweeter flavor or opt for bottled tart cherry juice if you want a deeper, less sugary taste.
Yes! Diet Sprite or any sugar-free lemon-lime soda works just as well if you’re watching sugar intake.
Use less cherry juice or swap Sprite with club soda or sparkling water. Adding more lime juice also helps cut the sweetness.
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients and mix everything (except the soda and ice) in a pitcher. Add the Sprite and ice just before serving.
Vodka, white rum, or tequila all pair nicely. Add 1 to 2 ounces per glass for an adult version.
Sonic Cherry Limeade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cups ice
- 1-2 lime wedges (or about 2 tablespoons lime juice)
- 1 cups Sprite
- 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 2 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Fill a large glass with ice. This keeps your drink icy cold and refreshing from the first sip to the last.
- Cut a lime into wedges. Squeeze one wedge directly into the glass, adjusting the amount to your personal taste. If you love a tangy kick, feel free to add a second wedge.
- Slowly pour Sprite into the glass until it’s about 90% full. Pouring slowly helps keep the fizz from overflowing.
- Measure out 2 to 3 tablespoons of cherry juice and stir it into the drink. You can use the juice from a jar of maraschino cherries or bottled cherry juice.
- Top the drink with 2 or 3 maraschino cherries. They add a fun garnish and a burst of extra cherry flavor at the end.
- Give everything a gentle stir and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
