Tart Cherry Limeade Recipe

Name: Tart Cherry Limeade
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 2 (12 fluid ounce) cans frozen limeade concentrate; 1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage; 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and juice reserved; 1 lime; 1 lime, sliced

Ingredients

2 (12 fluid ounce) cans frozen limeade concentrate
1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime-flavored carbonated beverage
1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained with juice reserved
1 lime, juiced
1 lime, sliced

Directions

Pour 2 cans of limeade concentrate into a large pitcher.
Add the lemon-lime soda, reserved cherry juice, and lime juice to the pitcher.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Serve the mixture over ice in glasses.
Garnish each serving with maraschino cherries and lime slices.

The Tart Cherry Limeade is a refreshing and flavorful drink that blends the tangy taste of lime with the rich sweetness of cherries. It's a favorite among people who love bold, fruity beverages that are perfect for a hot summer day. But this vibrant drink isn't just a modern invention. Its origins, regional variations, and the way it's served tell a story of how this tangy concoction has evolved over time.

History and Origins

The cherry limeade as we know it today likely originated in the United States, where lime and cherry are both popular flavors. While limeade itself has a long history dating back to the 19th century, the combination with cherries became more popular in the 20th century, likely due to the rise of soda fountains and commercial beverages. The tart cherry limeade recipe we now enjoy uses frozen limeade concentrate, maraschino cherry juice, and lemon-lime soda, all of which provide a perfect balance of sweet and tart. It quickly became a favorite at casual dining spots, local eateries, and even fast-food chains like Sonic, where the drink gained significant recognition.

Regional Variations

In various regions across the U.S., the tart cherry limeade has been adapted with local twists. For instance, in parts of the Midwest, where tart cherries are abundant, the drink may feature fresh or canned tart cherries for an even more intense cherry flavor. In the southern states, some people add a splash of vodka or rum for an adult twist, especially at summer gatherings. In contrast, some regions prefer a sweeter version, adding extra soda or using sweeter cherry syrup to balance the tartness. Additionally, the drink may be served as a frozen slush in places where the heat is intense, turning it into a cooling frozen treat.

How It Differs from Similar Drinks

The tart cherry limeade stands apart from similar beverages like traditional limeade or cherry soda in its unique combination of both tart lime and the deep, slightly sour taste of cherries. While regular limeade is predominantly lime-flavored and often sweetened with sugar, the addition of cherry juice provides a richer, more complex flavor profile. In comparison to cherry soda, which is typically sweeter and less tart, the tart cherry limeade balances the sourness of lime with the tang of cherries, making it a more refreshing option, especially for those who enjoy bold flavors.

Where It's Typically Served

Tart Cherry Limeade is often served in casual, fun settings, especially during hot weather. It's commonly found at fast-food chains, local diners, and cafes, especially during the summer months. Additionally, its a popular party drink and can be served at family gatherings, barbecues, and picnics. Some even choose to serve it at festive occasions like baby showers or birthday parties, where its appreciated for its refreshing taste and vibrant color. As an adult beverage, it also pairs wonderfully with a splash of vodka or rum, making it a fun cocktail for summer evenings.

Interesting Facts About Tart Cherry Limeade

The drinks popularity skyrocketed with the rise of drive-in restaurants and fast food chains in the mid-20th century, particularly in the American South and Midwest.
The maraschino cherry juice, a key ingredient, was originally a byproduct of preserving cherries in syrup, which has been produced for over a century.
Tart cherries, the kind used in the drink, are often grown in Michigan, which is known as the Cherry Capital of the U.S.
Though often associated with fast food, this drink is easy to make at home and can be customized with extra lime or even carbonated water for a lighter, less sweet version.
Some variations of the tart cherry limeade even include a scoop of ice cream for an extra creamy treat, turning it into a float-like dessert drink.

Conclusion

Tart Cherry Limeade is more than just a tasty drink; its a reflection of American culinary creativity and regional flavors. Its tart yet sweet taste has made it a go-to beverage for those looking for something refreshing and bold. Whether you enjoy it at a fast-food joint or make your own version at home, this delightful drink offers a little something for everyone, from its rich history to its fun variations.

FAQ about Tart Cherry Limeade Recipe

Leftover Tart Cherry Limeade should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. However, the soda may lose some of its carbonation over time, so it's best to consume it within a day or two for the best experience.

Yes, you can prepare the Tart Cherry Limeade in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients (except for the soda) in a pitcher and store it in the fridge. Add the lemon-lime soda just before serving to keep the drink fizzy.

Absolutely! If you find the drink too tart, you can add more lemon-lime soda or a little extra maraschino cherry juice to sweeten it. Feel free to experiment with the quantities to suit your taste.

Yes, the recipe is easily scalable. For a larger group, you can simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. If you're preparing it in advance, it's a great idea to mix everything except the soda in a large pitcher and then add the soda right before serving.

You can substitute fresh lime juice for the limeade concentrate, but you'll need to add a sweetener to balance the tartness. You may also want to add a little more lime juice to get the right flavor. Keep in mind that using fresh lime juice will give you a more natural taste, but it may require additional ingredients to replicate the tartness and sweetness of the original recipe.

Yes! Tart Cherry Limeade is great as a cocktail. You can add vodka, rum, or tequila for an adult version. Simply stir in a shot or two per glass, depending on your preference.

If you want to reduce the sweetness, consider using a sugar-free lemon-lime soda, or you can use fewer maraschino cherries or cherry juice. You can also adjust the lime juice to make it more tart and reduce the sugary flavor.

You can freeze the Tart Cherry Limeade as an ice slushy for a refreshing summer treat. Simply freeze the mixture (minus the soda) and scrape it with a fork to create a slush. Add the soda just before serving to keep it fizzy.

Comments

Janet Brown

11/11/2024 09:58:29 PM

The recipe is delicious, but it has a strong tart flavor. A helpful tip is to fill your cup with ice first and then pour in the cherry limeade. As the ice slowly melts, the tartness of the drink decreases, making it more enjoyable.

Elizabeth Turner

06/09/2024 03:29:11 AM

My child absolutely adored it! It had a stronger lime flavor compared to the version from Sonic. I opted for Key Lime juice. The only issue is that the original recipe makes a large quantity. Since I prefer to enjoy just one serving at a time, I prep everything in a jar except for the soda. I mix 1/4 cup of the mixture with a 12 oz can of Sprite each time to create a "single-serve" portion.

Samantha Martin

01/29/2024 05:30:31 PM

I rated this product 4 stars because I modified the preparation method. I prefer spooning in 2-3 tablespoons of thawed limeade concentrate into a glass, then adding 7-Up soda and 2 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice. After stirring well, I add ice, a couple of cherries, and a slice of lime. This allows for adjusting the tartness to your liking. The result is a very refreshing drink!

Rebecca Hernandez

04/18/2025 10:14:01 AM

Review Rewritten: This recipe is a game-changer compared to the bland Sonic version! It does require some tweaking to suit your preferences. I opted for 2 cans of Limeade concentrate, the juice of 2 jars of maraschino cherries, and 1.5-2 liters of Sprite. I added lime slices and squeezed their juice for an extra kick of flavor. It was so delicious that I had to whip up a second batch during the party! For an added kick, consider spiking it with some vodka. Highly recommended!

Sandra Torres

08/19/2023 03:49:54 PM

I found this recipe to be too tangy at first, so I decided to mix in an extra bottle of lemon-lime soda and double the amount of maraschino cherries used. (I opted for diet 7-Up.) The result was absolutely amazing! I served it at a baby shower and later at my mother's 76th birthday celebration. It was such a hit that I ran out of it! I can't wait to make it again for all my future gatherings. Big thanks to Cindy77 for sharing this fantastic recipe!

Joseph Walker

03/28/2023 10:51:22 PM

I made a budget-friendly version of your recipe by reducing the amount of cherries (they're pricey) and adding a twist. I began with cherry-flavored jello, dissolved it in 1 cup of boiling water, then mixed in frozen limeade concentrate, 1 can of cold water, ice cubes, and lemon-lime soda in a gallon pitcher. For an extra kick, I added 1 1/2 shots of citrus vodka to each glass, stirring well. This drink is fantastic both with or without alcohol, and the jello helps mellow out the tartness while keeping costs down.

Aaron Williams

03/29/2023 06:17:25 AM

This recipe is fantastic for beginners. I combined 1 can of frozen limeade with 1 bottle of lemon-lime soda, and it turned out just right for my taste. I believe that adding the second can of limeade would have made it too tart for my liking.

Ryan Parker

02/12/2025 08:17:48 PM

I would rate this product four stars as is, but five stars with an additional bottle of lemon-lime soda. It's quite tart without it. Make sure to have an extra bottle on hand to fully enjoy it; otherwise, you might find it lacking. For my family of two, it was just right. We will definitely be making it again - so delicious!

Rachel Moore

09/19/2024 06:17:59 PM

I usually prepare such beverages for my children, but today I decided to treat myself with this one. I prepared my own limeade instead of using the concentrate. I mixed it with a diet lemon-lime soda, a splash of maraschino cherry juice, and garnished it with cherries and a lime slice. I absolutely enjoyed this drink and I am looking forward to making it again with my homemade limeade.

Richard Jackson

04/17/2024 10:44:40 AM

We enjoy a tart flavor, but this was a bit too tangy for our liking. To balance it out, we included an extra can of Sprite and doubled the cherry juice, and it turned out perfect for our tastes. Appreciate the wonderful recipe!

Helen Sanchez

06/09/2023 12:25:53 AM

Absolutely fantastic! I prefer making this drink by the glass instead of by the pitcher. I don't even bother measuring the ingredients; I simply use a generous tablespoon of frozen limeade concentrate, fill half to three quarters of the glass with lemon-lime soda (I prefer Seven Up), and a splash of maraschino cherry juice. Sometimes I'll add fresh lime slices and maraschino cherries for an extra touch, but even without them, it's still delicious. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

Joshua Moore

11/28/2024 09:09:16 PM

I rated this product 4 stars, as it serves as an excellent base. However, I enhance it by adding cherry juice to my pitchers, which elevates the flavor. Thank you for the recommendation!

Margaret Diaz

04/17/2023 07:57:41 AM

I prepare this special drink for my daughter and her friends. We all love it.

Jacob Martinez

01/08/2024 11:22:47 PM

Delicious! We experimented with this recipe and settled on using 1 can of Limeade, juice from an entire 10oz can of cherries, 1 24 oz can of coconut water, and 1 liter of Fresca. Absolutely yummy!

Joyce Parker

11/08/2022 04:36:14 PM

I have made this dish a few times since a coworker introduced it at a staff gathering. It is absolutely delicious! I stick to the original recipe when making it for the kids and at work. However, I decided to try it with coconut rum as a fun twist, and it turned out amazing as an adult beverage! I would suggest adding some plain soda water to balance out the sweetness.

Katherine Mitchell

03/18/2024 11:12:58 AM

I absolutely adored this recipe! It was super simple to make and perfect for making large quantities for pool parties, etc. The children enjoyed it as it was, while the adults loved adding a splash of vodka to theirs. If you're a fan of lime martinis, you'll definitely love this. Highly recommend trying it out!

Scott Hall

04/01/2024 10:03:59 PM

Tangy, but I enjoy it! I made a batch using 1 1/2 liters of Sprite, 1 can of frozen limeade, and followed the rest of the recipe exactly. Absolutely delicious!

James Phillips

04/07/2025 03:34:41 PM

This is absolutely fantastic, especially when enjoyed with tequila.

Edward Davis

11/04/2022 10:03:02 PM

Delicious!!! I opted for diet lemon-lime soda. I'm planning to freeze it next time and enjoy as a slushy drink at our summer parties!