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This easy Cherry Limeade tastes like a trip to the Sonic drive-in, without leaving home. It is fizzy, sweet, a little tart, and ready in just three minutes. Make one for a hot afternoon, a barbecue, a birthday party, or whenever you want a fun beverage that feels like you’re treating yourself.
Table of Contents
My First Sonic Cherry Limeade
My best friend worked at Sonic in high school, and I was convinced she had the best job in our small town. Sonic was new to our community and to me. She told me all about the flavored drinks and introduced me to the Sonic Cherry Limeade, and claimed it was the best. She was right. It quickly became my favorite.
I still remember sipping Cherry Limeades on the dirty curb after her shifts while she was still wearing roller skates. Now we live hundreds of miles apart and make them at home while we FaceTime from our back patios. Times have changed, but our Cherry Limeade obsession has stayed the same.
❤️ Erica
Key Ingredients
- Lemon-lime soda: Sprite is my usual choice, but 7UP or another lemon-lime soda works well too.
- Cherry syrup: Use cherry drink syrup for the strongest cherry flavor and the classic pink-red color.
- Maraschino cherries: Add one to each glass and save a few for the top.
- Fresh limes: Lime wedges balance the sweetness and make the drink taste like a real Cherry Limeade.
- Ice: Pebble ice is what they use at Sonic, but any ice will work.
Additions and Substitutions
- Lower-sugar Cherry Limeade: Use Sprite Zero, 7UP Zero Sugar, or another zero-sugar lemon-lime soda.
- Cherry juice from the jar: In a pinch, use the syrup from maraschino cherries. It has a lighter cherry flavor than bottled cherry syrup, so add a little more if needed.
- Club soda version: Use club soda or sparkling water for a less sweet drink. You may want to add a little extra cherry syrup.
- Ginger Cherry Limeade: Use ginger ale instead of Sprite for a slightly spicier flavor.
- Diet Coke Cherry Limeade: Use Diet Coke or regular Coke for a soda-shop version with a totally different flavor.
- Extra tart: Squeeze fresh lime juice into each glass before adding the soda.
- Muddled version: Gently mash the cherry and lime in the bottom of the glass before adding the syrup. Avoid breaking up too much of the lime peel, which can make the drink bitter.
How to Make a Cherry Limeade
- Place one lime wedge and one maraschino cherry in the bottom of each glass.
- Pour the cherry syrup over the lime and cherry.
- Fill each glass about halfway with ice.
- Pour the cold lemon-lime soda over the top.
- Stir to distribute the flavors.
- Garnish with another lime wedge and cherries, and serve right away.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the soda first. Cold soda keeps the ice from melting too quickly and gives the drink more fizz.
- Open the cans right before serving. This makes a noticeable difference in how bubbly the Cherry Limeade tastes.
- Add ice to the glasses, not a pitcher. The ice stays colder and does not water down the whole batch.
- Adjust it to your taste. Add more lime for a tarter drink or a little more cherry syrup for extra sweetness.
- Use pebble ice if you can. It gives the drink that classic drive-in feel, but regular ice is still great.
Try it with Cupcakes!
Try pairing these drinks with cupcakes! Yes, you read that right. We have the best recipe for Cherry Limeade Cupcakes and they are the cutest (and most delicious) cupcakes ever. They are the perfect pair and make for a darling summer party spread.
More Flavored Soda Recipes
Cherry Limeade Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 oz Sprite, 2 cans chilled
- 4 tablespoons cherry syrup
- 6 maraschino cherries
- 4 lime wedges
- 2-4 cups ice, preferably pebble ice
Instructions
- Place one lime wedge and one maraschino cherry at the bottom of the glass.
- Add cherry syrup.
- Add ice to fill up the glass about half way.
- Pour Sprite over the ice and mix.
- Place a lime wedge and cherries on top.
Notes
- Use very cold soda and serve right away for the best fizz.
- Use Sprite Zero for a lower-sugar version, or maraschino cherry syrup if you do not have cherry drink syrup.
- Add extra lime juice for a tarter drink or more cherry syrup for a sweeter drink.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I have to try this cherry soda drink. It reminded me of what i had at a overseas US military base club, ages ago, when my mother’s friend suggested Shirley Temple (seven-up plus some cherry flavored syrup) for preteens. I just noticed it was on your list of fun non-alcoholic drinks!
Dr.Pepper is my soda choice and see that you have some recipe drinks which i will also try. Great for summers.