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Kids are obsessed with the cherry limeade from Sonic—and honestly, I get it. It’s sweet, fizzy, and totally hits the spot on a hot day. But after the sugar rush (and crash), I’m usually left feeling kind of blah. That’s what inspired me to make this homemade version. It’s got all the things we love about the original—sweet cherries, tart lime, and bubbles—but made with simple, real ingredients I feel better about.
Most copycat cherry limeade recipes still rely on lemon‑lime soda and maraschino cherry syrup. That yields a drink loaded with added sugars and artificial color. Making it at home with real fruit lets you control sweetness and avoid dyes. It’s also cheaper now that fresh sweet‑cherry supplies are up thanks to Washington’s record‑setting 2025 cherry harvest.
More refreshing drink recipes to try: Homemade Strawberry Lemonade, Adrenal Cocktail, Non-Alcoholic Sangria, Homemade Italian Soda and Chia Fresca Endurance Drink.
Why I Love this Homemade Cherry Limeade
- Naturally sweet: It’s sweetened with cherries and a little raw honey—no syrups or dyes.
- Still fizzy and fun: Sparkling water gives it that refreshing soda feel.
- Better-for-you upgrade: A treat that doesn’t leave me crashing an hour later.
- Quick to make: Just four real ingredients and a blender.
Ingredients You’ll Need
My homemade cherry limeade recipe is a simple way to enjoy something fun without overthinking it—and a nice little upgrade to a classic we all grew up with. All you need are a few fresh, real-food ingredients you probably already have on hand, plus something fizzy to bring it all together. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Red cherries: Look for fresh cherries when they’re in season—bright red, firm, and sweet. If fresh isn’t an option, frozen cherries work just as well. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can find frozen cherries in the freezer section, usually already pitted (yay for saved time!).
Pro tip: Skip the maraschino cherries—they’re loaded with sugar and food dye, and not what we’re going for here. - Raw honey: Raw honey adds natural sweetness plus a little bonus of antioxidants and enzymes. You’ll find raw honey at most grocery stores in the natural or organic section. If you’re vegan (or have little kids), swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar instead—just use the same amount.
- Lime: Use a fresh lime (not bottled juice!)—we’re blending the whole thing (minus the peel) for max flavor and zesty freshness. The oils in the lime’s inner skin add depth you don’t get from juice alone.
Peeling tip: Use a paring knife to remove the outer green layer and keep the white pith (which contain flavonoids and antioxidants), then toss the juicy part into your blender. - Sparkling water: This adds that classic fizzy finish! You can use plain sparkling water, club soda, or even a lime-flavored seltzer (unsweetened) if you want to boost the citrus vibe. Look for brands with no added sugar or artificial flavors.
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How to Make Cherry Limeade
Making cherry limeade with real fruit delivers fresher flavor and allows you to avoid the excess sugar and dyes found in restaurant versions. Stick with seasonal cherries to support growers, and feel free to adapt the recipe using the variations below.
1. Place pitted cherries, raw honey, and peeled lime into a blender. If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure they’re slightly thawed so they blend smoothly.
2. Blend on high until everything is completely combined and you have a smooth, slightly thick liquid. If you don’t have a high-powered blender, you might need to blend a little longer or add a splash of water to help it along.
3. Fill a glass about ¾ full with crushed ice. If you only have ice cubes, you can crush them in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin, or pulse them in a blender or food processor for a few seconds. Crushed ice chills the drink quickly and brings the Sonic vibes.
4. Pour the blended cherry-lime mixture over the ice, filling the glass about halfway.
5. Slowly pour sparkling water on top to fill the glass. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together—but don’t stir too aggressively or the bubbles will flatten.
6. Add a few extra cherries and a lime wedge to the top of your drink. This makes it look beautiful and feel a little more like a fancy treat—even if you’re sipping it in yoga pants after a long day.
Storing + Serving Tips
Homemade cherry limeade is best enjoyed fresh—especially for that fizzy sparkle—but you can blend the cherry, lime, and honey mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just pour it over ice and top with sparkling water.
Rub a lime wedge around the top edge of a glass, then dip in sugar (or coconut sugar) on a small plate. It’s simple but makes the drink feel extra special.
Recipe Customizations
- Using frozen cherries? No problem! Use frozen cherries without thawing and skip the ice.
- Craving more tartness? Add a second lime or skip the honey to let the lime really shine.
- Prefer it sweeter? Try using better‑for‑you” sodas like Poppi Cherry Limeade for your sparkling water, which contain about 5 g of sugar and use prebiotics such as apple cider vinegar (and skip the honey).
- Make it a fun mocktail: Use kombucha for the fizz and gut-friendly probiotics.
- Energize it: Add green coffee bean extract to turn it into an energy drink.
- Want a boozy version? Add a splash of vodka or gin for a light, refreshing adult beverage.
Homemade Cherry Limeade
Ingredients
- ¾ cup red cherries pitted
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 lime peeled
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1 cup ice crushed
- sugar for rim of glass optional
Instructions
- Blend: Combine pitted cherries, honey and peeled lime in a blender. Add a splash of water if using frozen cherries. Blend until smooth.
- Prepare your glass: Fill a tall glass ¾ full with crushed ice.
- Pour and add fizz: Fill the glass halfway with the cherry‑lime mixture, then top with sparkling water. Stir gently.
- Garnish: Top with extra cherries and a lime wedge. Rim the glass with lime zest and sugar for a fancy presentation.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Frozen cherries work well—just let them thaw or blend with a splash of water so they puree smoothly.
Add an extra teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter drink, or squeeze in another lime and reduce the honey for more tang.
Maple syrup, agave nectar or a sugar‑free sweetener all work in equal amounts. Keep in mind that honey counts as added sugar, so choose what fits your diet.
Blending whole limes (including pith) adds fiber and nutrients but can make the drink bitter. Peel the limes or remove most of the peel and pith if you’re sensitive to bitterness.
For a classic drive‑in taste, swap the sparkling water for an equal amount of lemon‑lime soda or sparkling lemonade. This increases sugar but replicates the Sonic flavor.
You can blend the cherry and lime mixture up to 24 hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. Add sparkling water just before serving for maximum fizz.
The blended base keeps 2–3 days refrigerated. If you’ve already added sparkling water, the drink is best enjoyed the same day, as the bubbles will dissipate.
