Easy Cherry Lemonade
All-natural cherry lemonade bursting with the richness of sweet & tart dark cherries!
Watch me make this cherry lemonade from start to finish!
This week, I started clearing out the area for my expanded chicken coop and cherry tree.
I’ve raised chickens for over 15 years, and it’s like I learn something new every year with these girls.
It’s crazy how having backyard chickens is starting to become the norm. Folks are always joking with me about starting their own flock with the price of eggs going through the roof. I hear ya, honey!
Raising chickens probably won’t save you much money on eggs when looking at the bigger picture, but they sure keep the bugs and weeds away around here, and it’s nice knowing I’ve got some of the freshest eggs footsteps away. Plus, chickens are pretty darn entertaining.
For some reason, when I’m doing outdoor work, no matter if it’s winter or the hot days of summer, I crave homemade lemonade. It’s such a refreshing drink!
Move over cherry limeade; it’s time for cherry lemonade to shine!
What does cherry lemonade taste like?
Cherry lemonade is sweet, tart and such a fun fruity twist on classic lemonade! It reminds me of a cherry Jolly Rancher. It starts with a simple syrup made with pitted cherries for the most natural cherry flavor and deep, vibrant red color!
Although cherries and limes are often paired together, cherries and lemons make an amazing duo as well. Especially if you’re a fan of the sweet-tart pairing.
Using fresh or frozen cherries
I have only ever made this lemonade with frozen, thawed cherries. They are already pitted and stemmed, and they puree much easier. I thaw the bag in the fridge and dump it into the blender, juice and all! I love using dark cherries for the deep, gorgeous color.
I’m sure you could use fresh cherries as well; just make sure they are pitted and the stems are removed. You’ll need to add a little water to the blender as well.
Here’s what you’ll need
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS
- frozen pitted cherries, thawed– Adds the color and main complimenting flavor.
- Granulated sugar- Add sweetness to balance out the tartness of the cherry and lemon juice
- purified water, divided- Dilutes the concentration of the cherry syrup to create a smooth, balanced flavor. Use purified water for the cleanest-tasting cherry lemonade.
- Fresh lemon juice, strained to remove the pulp- Gives the signature tartness that makes lemonade so refreshing.
How to make cherry lemonade recipe
INSTRUCTIONS (detailed measurements and instructions at the bottom of the post)
- Place thawed pitted cherries into a blender and blend until pureed.
- Double strain cherries using a fine mesh sieve or juicing bag. (I prefer the juicing bag to remove as much pulp as possible) Once strained, you should have about 1 cup of cherry juice.
- Place the cherry juice into a large pitcher.
- Heat 2 cups of the water and add it to the pitcher along with the sugar.
- Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and remaining cold water (Stir in the water by the cup, tasting after each cup until you reach your desired sweetness. You may need more or less cups of water depending on how sweet you prefer your lemonade.)
- Chill and stir before serving since this lemonade tends to settle. Pour over ice to serve.
- If desired, garnish with fresh mint and/or lemon slices
How to serve cherry lemonade
Fresh cherry lemonade is best served within 2-3 days of making it. Serve it chilled, poured over ice. Garnish with fresh mint, frozen cherry ice cubes, lemon slices, or fresh basil leaf.
Serve this lemonade any time of year! It’s also perfect for special occasions, brunches, barbecues, and picnics.
Want a stronger natural cherry flavor?
Natural cherries have a subtle fruity flavor; if you’re looking to up the ante, try using rose water, which naturally enhances cherry flavors. You can also add in some cherry extract or natural cherry flavoring.
Change it up!
Make it boozy! Add a splash of vodka, limoncello, bourbon, or white rum
Turn it into a limeade! Replace the lemons with limes for a natural limeade.
Make it slushy! Before adding in the additional remaining water, pour the syrupy over frozen or shaved ice for a frozen cherry lemonade slushy!
Make it sparkle! For some fizz, replace the water with sparkling water or club.
Always have cherry lemonade on hand! How to freeze:
Before adding the additional water, you will have a sweet and tart cherry lemonade syrup. If you want to freeze it at a later date, you can place this syrup in a double freezer bag.
When ready to serve, simply add to a pitcher and stir in cold, purified water.
Want more fresh and fruity lemonade recipes?
Get the Recipe:
Easy Cherry Lemonade
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 (see note) (Juice from about 7-8 large lemons)
Instructions
- Add the thawed cherries to the blender (including any juice that's in the bag) and blend until pureed.3 cups thawed whole, pitted cherries
- Double strain the cherries using a fine mesh sieve or juicing bag. (I prefer the juicing bag to remove as much pulp as possible) Once strained you should have about 1 cup of cherry juice.
- Place the cherry juice into a large pitcher.
- Heat 2 cups of the water and add it to the pitcher along with the sugar.9 cups purified water, divided
- Stir until sugar has completely dissolved.2 cups granulated sugar
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and remaining cold water (Stir in the water by the cup, tasting after each cup until you reach your desired sweetness. You may need more or less cups of water depending on how sweet you prefer your lemonade.)1-1½ cups fresh lemon juice (see note)
- Chill and stir before serving since this lemonade tends to settle. Pour over ice to serve.
- If desired, garnish with fresh mint, fresh cherries and/or lemon slices.
I haven’t tried this recipe yet but I have a question. I have some concentrated cherry juice, any idea how I could use that in place of making the juice.