Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Cherry Lemonade recipe that combines pureed cherries with fresh lemon juice and sugar, perfect for cooling down on a warm day. This homemade lemonade balances sweet cherry flavors and tart citrus, served chilled with optional fresh garnishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Juice and Puree
- 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
- Prepare Cherry Juice: Add the thawed cherries, including any juice that came with them, to a blender and blend until completely pureed to extract maximum flavor.
- Strain the Puree: Pour the blended cherries through a fine mesh sieve or a juicing bag twice to remove all pulp, resulting in about 1 cup of smooth cherry juice.
- Combine Juice and Sugar: Heat 2 cups of purified water until warm and pour into a large pitcher. Add the pureed cherry juice and granulated sugar to the warm water, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add Lemon and Remaining Water: Stir in fresh lemon juice and gradually add the remaining cold purified water, one cup at a time, tasting to achieve your desired balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Chill and Serve: Place the lemonade mixture in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, stir well to recombine any settled ingredients. Serve the lemonade over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves, cherries, or lemon slices as desired for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and sugar to match your preferred tartness and sweetness.
- Double straining the cherry puree ensures a smooth, pulp-free lemonade.
- Use purified water for the best taste.
- Serve over plenty of ice for optimal refreshment.
- This recipe makes 8 servings, perfect for a small gathering or family refreshment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
