Description
This Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe is a refreshing and vibrant summer drink that combines the sweet-tart flavors of cherries and fresh lemon juice. Blended cherries create a natural cherry juice base, sweetened with sugar and balanced with lemon, making it a perfect cool beverage for gatherings or a simple thirst-quencher.
Ingredients
Cherry Juice Base
- 3 cups thawed whole, pitted cherries (with juice)
- 1 cup cherry juice (from pureed and strained cherries)
Liquid and Sweetener
- 9 cups purified water, divided
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1–1½ cups fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)
Garnishes
- Fresh mint leaves
- Fresh cherries
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Puree Cherries: Add the thawed cherries, including any juice from the bag, to a blender. Blend until completely pureed to create a rich cherry base.
- Strain Cherry Puree: Double strain the blended cherries through a fine mesh sieve or a juicing bag to remove all pulp, aiming to extract about 1 cup of smooth cherry juice.
- Dissolve Sugar: Pour the cherry juice into a large pitcher. Warm 2 cups of purified water and add it to the pitcher along with granulated sugar. Stir thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Mix Lemon and Water: Stir in fresh lemon juice followed by the remaining 7 cups of cold purified water. Add the water one cup at a time, tasting after each addition to reach your ideal balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to develop flavors. Stir well before serving as the mixture may settle. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves, cherries, or lemon slices according to preference.
Notes
- Adjust lemon juice amount based on your desired tartness level.
- Straining the cherry puree twice ensures a smooth, pulp-free lemonade.
- Warm water helps dissolve sugar more quickly and evenly.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, add extra fresh cherries as garnish.
- Store leftover lemonade in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
