This Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe is the ultimate summer refreshment you’ll want to sip on all season long! With just a handful of vibrant ingredients, it balances tangy lemons and sweet cherries for a drink that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooling off after a sunny afternoon or craving a fun, fruity beverage to pair with a backyard barbecue, this homemade lemonade is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it comes together in minutes with absolutely no fussy steps—just fresh flavor and plenty of smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Lemonade:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- ½ cup cherry juice (100% juice or from thawed frozen cherries)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice
Garnish:
- Fresh cherries
- Lemon slices
How to Make Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Juices and Sugar
Start by pouring the freshly squeezed lemon juice and cherry juice into a large pitcher. Add the granulated sugar right on top. Grab a big spoon or whisk and stir with enthusiasm—the sugar should completely dissolve into the liquid. This is the moment those sharp, tart notes marry with the natural sweetness, forming the backbone of your Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe.
Step 2: Add Cold Water
Pour in the cold water, slowly, and give the mixture another good stir. Now’s the time to taste your lemonade—everyone likes their lemonade a little differently! If it’s too tart or strong, add a splash more water. If you like it sweeter, a sprinkle more sugar never hurts. It’s your lemonade, so make it just right for you.
Step 3: Ice It Down
Next, add about a cup of ice straight into the pitcher. Not only does this chill your cherry lemonade fast, but it also slightly dilutes the drink, mellowing the flavors just enough. Stir again, letting those ice cubes swirl through all the cherry-lemon goodness.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
For the best flavor and frosty refreshment, pop the pitcher into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors meld and ensures your Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe is as cold as possible when you’re ready to pour.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with a little extra ice, then pour in the lemonade. Top each glass with fresh cherries and a lemon slice if you’re feeling fancy. Not only do these garnishes ramp up the visual appeal, but they hint at the deliciousness inside every glass.
How to Serve Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh cherries and thin lemon wheels take your lemonade from simple to totally show-stopping. Float them on top in the pitcher or dress up each glass individually—either way, they infuse a lovely subtle aroma and extra pop of color. For a special occasion, add a sprig of mint or a colorful straw to make each serving feel festive and fun.
Side Dishes
The bright, sweet-tart flavor of this Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe pairs perfectly with summer snacks like puff pastry pinwheels, watermelon feta salad, or a classic cheese board. It’s especially wonderful alongside grilled foods, picnic fare, or any fresh, light dish. Basically, if it’s a summer spread, lemonade fits right in!
Creative Ways to Present
Let your inner entertainer shine! Try serving cherry lemonade in mason jars for a rustic touch or elegant stemless wine glasses for a little sparkle. Want to take it up a notch? Line the rims of your glasses with a bit of sugar mixed with lemon zest, or freeze edible flowers into your ice cubes for an Instagram-worthy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe, just transfer it to a sealed pitcher or jar and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and bold-flavored for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before pouring, as some settling or separation is totally normal with homemade juices.
Freezing
For a chilly twist, pour extra lemonade into ice cube trays and freeze. On hot days, use the cubes in your next batch to keep your drink icy cold without watering it down, or toss them in a blender for an instant cherry lemonade slushie!
Reheating
Reheating isn’t typically needed for this icy beverage, but if your lemonade is too cold or concentrated from being refrigerated, just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or stir in a splash more cold water. It’ll refresh perfectly each time.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe with sparkling water?
Absolutely! For a fizzy version, simply swap out half of the cold water for club soda or sparkling water just before serving. It adds a bubbly, light texture that’s especially fun for parties or special occasions.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled juice is convenient, fresh lemons truly make a difference here. That bright, just-picked citrus taste brings out the best in both the lemon and cherry flavors. If you’re in a pinch, bottled will work, but fresh is worth it!
Is this Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! This is a family-friendly beverage that kids love thanks to the cheerful pink color and sweet-tart flavor. You can even adjust the sugar for a lighter or sweeter version to match your family’s taste.
How can I intensify the cherry flavor?
Want even more cherry goodness? Toss a handful of pitted fresh or frozen cherries into a blender with the other ingredients and blend until smooth before adding the water. It thickens the lemonade and infuses a richer cherry character.
Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with honey, agave, stevia, or another preferred sweetener. Just add a little at a time, stir well, and taste—it’s easy to find your perfect sweetness level with this flexible base.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a splash of color and pure joy to your next gathering, you absolutely have to try this Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe. It’s a quick, simple, and utterly delicious way to bring a little sunshine to your table—whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself to a glass of something special!
Print
Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Refreshing and easy to make, this Cherry Lemonade recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Ideal for a hot summer day or any time you crave a fruity, thirst-quenching beverage.
Ingredients
Lemonade:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- ½ cup cherry juice (100% juice or from thawed frozen cherries)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice
Garnish:
- Fresh cherries
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Prepare Lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, cherry juice, and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Add Water: Mix in cold water. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Chill: Add ice, stir, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Pour over ice and garnish with cherries and lemon slices.
Notes
- For sparkling cherry lemonade, substitute half of the cold water with club soda just before serving.
- Add blended pitted cherries for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
