Easy Cherry Lemonade

An easy fresh Cherry Lemonade recipe made from sour cherries and fresh lemons. This refreshing beverage is perfect for all your summer barbecues and picnics.

Course beverage

Cuisine American

Keyword cherry lemonade recipe, fresh cherry lemonade, how to make cherry lemonade

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 252kcal

Author Beth Pierce

Ingredients

1 lb. fresh sour cherries reserve several for garnish
2 cups sugar
8 cups water
6-8 lemons plus more for garnish

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and 3 cups water. Simmer for 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Run through a fine mesh strainer.
Juice enough lemons to make 1 1/2 cups of juice.
Combine the cherry juice, lemon juice, and about 5-6 cups of chilled water (to taste). Stir to combine, and if desired, add thin slices of lemon and fresh cherries.

Notes

This recipe works with both sour and sweet cherries. If using sweet cherries, cut the sugar down to 1 3/4 cups.
For best results, make the cherry juice a day in advance, cool, and then strain. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill overnight.
Lemonade needs to be refrigerated. It should not be left out any more than 2 hours without refrigeration.
I use a mandolin to slice the lemons for a thin, uniform cut.
Use seltzer or sparkling water to make refreshing, sparking cherry lemonade.
Replace the lemons with limes and make cherry limeade.
Fresh lemonade calls for lots of ice. Ensure you have plenty on hand so everyone can thoroughly enjoy your effort.
1 medium lemon has about 4 tablespoons of juice so you will need at least 6 lemons. I always purchase a few extras just in case and for garnishments in the pitcher and the glasses.
To make it into an adult beverage, simply add a shot of vodka or tequila to each glass before adding the lemonade.
Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Nutrition