Homemade cherry limeade is such a fun, refreshing summer drink! Full of tart, fresh squeezed lime juice and sweet cherries, the only thing that can make it better is vodka!
If you've ever had the cherry limeade from Sonic, imagine a better boozier version!
This spiked cherry limeade is the perfect compliment to any backyard bbq this summer! Pair it with your favorite grilled chicken salad or my summery roasted chicken and peaches!
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Ingredient Notes
You just need a few simple ingredients to make this boozy cherry limeade!
Lime Juice - If you don't mind juicing limes, you should absolutely use fresh lime juice!! It has a much better flavor than bottled lime juice.
Cherries - I love fresh cherries as a garnish, but you need maraschino cherry juice so you can also use those as a garnish!
Simple Syrup - We use simple syrup (aka sugar and water) to add sweetness to the limeade.
Vodka - I like using a mild vodka like Tito's for this limeade but it would also be delicious with a citrus flavored vodka!
If you feel like cheating a bit (I won't tell anyone), you can also just substitute the lime juice and simple syrup for pre-made limeade. But I just think the homemade version tastes better!
How to Make Simple Syrup
First we're going to make a simple syrup with the sugar and water so that all the sugar dissolves completely.
Since we have leftover lime peels from squeezing out the lime juice, you can just add those in too! You could also add in a couple cherries if desired.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- lime peels (optional)
- Add the sugar, water, and leftover lime peels to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until sugar is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and strain out the lime peels.
- Let cool completely to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
How to Make Limeade
Fill a tall glass with ice and set aside.
Add the vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, and maraschino cherry juice to a cocktail mixing glass and stir to combine.
Pour over ice and then top with soda. Garnish with lime slices and cherries!
You could also blend up the cocktail with ice for a fun frozen drink!
Cocktail Serving Tips
All you need to garnish this cherry limeade is lime slices and fresh cherries! But I also love these fun paper straws!
If you're feeling fancy, rub some lime juice along the edge of the glass and dip in sugar for a fun sugar rim!
Recipe FAQ's
Absolutely!! Vodka has a very neutral flavor, but this limeade is also delicious with gin, white rum, tequila, or champagne!
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Recipe Card
Boozy Cherry Limeade
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- leftover lime peels
Cherry Limeade
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce maraschino cherry juice, substitute grenadine
- 2 ounces lemon lime soda, substitute soda water or seltzer
Garnish
- lime slices
- cherries
Instructions
Simple Syrup
- Add the sugar, water, and leftover lime peels to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until sugar is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and strain out the lime peels. Let cool completely to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Cherry Limeade
- Fill a tall glass with ice and set aside.
- Add the vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, and maraschino cherry juice to a cocktail mixing glass and stir to combine.
- Pour over ice and then top with soda. Garnish with lime slices and cherries!
- Optional: blend up with ice for a fun frozen cocktail!
Nutrition
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
C says
Delicious. A tasty drink for summer. I used maraschino cherries intead of fresh.
Andrea says
so refreshing and delicious!
Keri says
What a great recipe!
Natalie says
Bring it on! Looks refreshing and perfect for Fridays. I'll make this limeade for sure. Thanks!
Katrina says
This was the perfect cocktail for my GNO party!! So fun!!