Perfectly sweet and tart spiked cherry limeade made with 6 simple ingredients for a wonderful party pitcher! This easy cherry lime cocktail comes together in just 10 minutes and is great for serving guests at your next gathering. Options to make it into a delicious mocktail included!
This spiky cherry limeade is equal parts sweet and tart with a fun, bubbly finish that will have you and your guests jumping for joy. We’re mixing it up from the lovely margarita recipes we love to share and bringing you this vodka-punch-style cocktail made with fresh ingredients-no mysterious jungle juice here.
I love this one because there’s no need to blend or strain anything, just mix and serve. Of course, you can also leave out the vodka and turn it into a perfect mocktail! Any which way, just remember to garnish it with a gorgeous sugar rim and top it with some fresh cherries & lime slices for that complete treat. Cheers!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted or cherry juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup (or to taste)
- 1 1/2 oz vodka (or rum, if preferred)
- 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedges and cherries for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
If using fresh cherries, puree them in a blender until smooth. You can strain the puree to remove the pulp if you prefer a smoother drink or leave it for more texture. Omit this step if you are using cherry juice.
Mix the Drink:
Combine the cherry puree (or cherry juice), lime juice, simple syrup, and vodka (or rum) in a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice. Shake for 10-15 seconds or until cold and the mixture is well mixed.
Serve:
Add some ice cubes to a glass and pour the cherry-lime mixture over the ice. Add some sparkling water or club soda at the finish for fizz.
Garnish:
Optional: Sprinkle over some lime wedges, fresh cherries, and mint leaves on top
Garnish, pour immediately, and enjoy that refreshing tartness from your Spiked Cherry Limeade!
Optional Variations:
To Make It Sweeter: Add a little more simple syrup or a splash of grenadine to supercharge it in sweetness.
Frozen Version: Blend everything with ice for a slushy texture – frozen Spiked Cherry Limeade.
A Dash of Bitters: For those who like the more complex flavors, add a few dashes of cherry or orange bitters.
Health Benefits:
- The cherries contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and help the heart.
- Vitamin C from the dose of lime may help raise one’s immune power.
- The added mint refreshes the palate besides aiding in the digestion.
Conclusion:
The Spiked Cherry Limeade is a cocktail that will combine the sweet and tangy flavors of cherries and lime with a touch of alcohol for the ultimate summer drink.
This easy drink will surely be a hit whether it is a BBQ, a relaxed evening, or fun party cocktail. Its bright color, crisp taste, and fizzy finish make it perfect for any occasion. So go get your cherries, lime, and vodka for some good times rolling with a refreshing Spiked Cherry Limeade!
FAQS:
Can I make this drink non-alcoholic?
Yes! Very easy to modify to a tasty mocktail using only vodka/ rum and skipping the booze – add some fizz and fun to the mix using extra sparkling water or lemon-lime soda.
Can I make this recipe by using bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime?
While fresh lime juice is always best for flavor, bottled lime juice will do in a pinch if that’s all you have on hand. Fresh lime juice will really shine in your Spiked Cherry Limeade
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries will work just as well in this recipe and give a nice slushy texture to this drink.
How could I make this drink a bit sweeter?
For added sweetness in your Spiked Cherry Limeade, you can step up the simple syrup or add more sweetener to give honey, agave nectar, or grenadine to deepen this cocktail.