Cherry Limeade Syrup
A fresh cherry limeade syrup made with real cherries, raw honey, and lime. This make-ahead syrup means you can enjoy Sonic Drive-In style cherry limeades whenever the craving hits.
Servings: 10
Ingredients
For the Cherry Limeade Syrup
- 2 cups red cherries pitted
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup raw honey
- 1 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice about 8 small limes
- 1 lime zested
For Each Cherry Limeade
- 2 to 3 ounces Cherry Limeade Syrup adjust to taste
- 8 ounces soda water
- Ice nugget or crushed ice preferred
- 1 lime slice for garnish
- 1 Cherry for garnish
Instructions
Make the Cherry Limeade Syrup
- Add pitted cherries and water to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add honey and lime zest. Stir to combine and return to a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use the back of a wooden spoon to mash the cherries as they continue to soften.
- Transfer the cherry mixture to a high-powered blender and add 1 cup fresh lime juice. Secure the lid and blend on high for about 1 minute, until fully smooth.
- Pour syrup into a jar and let cool to room temperature. Secure the lid and refrigerate for up to one week. The syrup makes enough for 10 to 12 pint-sized cherry limeades.
To Make a Cherry Limeade
- Fill a pint glass with ice.
- Pour in 2 to 3 ounces of Cherry Limeade Syrup.
- Top with soda water, and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh lime slice and a whole cherry. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Nugget ice (also called pellet ice or pebble ice) gives this drink its signature drive-in texture. A countertop nugget ice maker makes it easy to recreate the full experience at home.
- The syrup stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it easy to have cherry limeades on demand all summer long.
- Fresh cherries are ideal during peak cherry season (late spring through summer). Washington cherries are exceptional when in season.