Description
This Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe is a refreshing and vibrant homemade beverage perfect for warm days. Made with pureed cherries, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of sugar, it offers a balanced sweet and tart flavor that can be customized to your liking. Garnished with fresh mint, cherries, and lemon slices, it’s an ideal drink to serve chilled and over ice for a burst of summer freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cherry Lemonade:
- 3 cups thawed whole, pitted cherries (with juice)
- 1 cup cherry juice (from pureed and strained cherries)
- 9 cups purified water, divided
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1–1½ cups fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)
For Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Fresh cherries
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Puree Cherries: Add the thawed cherries, including any juice from the bag, to a blender. Blend until completely pureed to release the full cherry flavor and juices.
- Strain Cherry Juice: Double strain the blended cherries through a fine mesh sieve or a juicing bag to remove all pulp and seeds. You should end up with about 1 cup of smooth cherry juice.
- Dissolve Sugar: Pour the cherry juice into a large pitcher. Heat 2 cups of the purified water, then add it to the pitcher along with the granulated sugar. Stir thoroughly until all the sugar dissolves, creating a sweet cherry syrup base.
- Add Lemon and Water: Stir in fresh lemon juice and then the remaining cold purified water, adding one cup at a time. Taste as you go to adjust the sweetness and tartness to your preference.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir well before serving as the mixture may settle. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint, cherries, or lemon slices for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Adjust lemon juice and sugar to taste for preferred tartness and sweetness.
- Double straining is key for a smooth, pulp-free lemonade.
- This lemonade can be made ahead and kept chilled for up to 2 days.
- Use purified or filtered water for the best flavor.
- Garnish creatively with mint, extra cherries or lemon slices to enhance presentation and aroma.
