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Cherry Lemonade

Cherry Lemonade

Cherry Lemonade is a vibrant and refreshing summer drink that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of cherries with the tangy zing of fresh lemons. This easily customizable beverage is ideal for sunny afternoons, casual gatherings, or as a delightful pick-me-up, made with real fruit and simple ingredients to brighten your day with every sip.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
  • 46 fresh lemons (to yield about 1 cup lemon juice)

Sweetener

  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar or honey (adjust to taste)

Liquids

  • 4 cups water (still or sparkling, depending on preference)

Other

  • Ice cubes (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by washing your cherries thoroughly. Pit them if using fresh cherries, or if frozen, let them thaw slightly for easier blending. Juice your lemons to ensure fresh, vibrant lemon juice without any preservatives.
  2. Create the Cherry Puree: Place the pitted cherries in a blender along with a splash of water and blend until smooth. This puree forms the base of your Cherry Lemonade, rich in color and flavor.
  3. Combine Lemon Juice and Sweetener: In a large pitcher, mix the freshly squeezed lemon juice with sugar or honey. Stir until fully dissolved; this ensures your lemonade is perfectly sweetened without graininess.
  4. Mix and Adjust: Add the cherry puree to the lemon-sweetener mixture and stir well. Then add water to your desired strength, whether still or sparkling, depending on your taste. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness accordingly.
  5. Chill and Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour in the Cherry Lemonade. For an extra touch of coolness, garnish with lemon slices or fresh cherries. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice has a much brighter and cleaner taste than bottled varieties.
  • Choose Your Cherries Wisely: Sweet cherries like Bing offer more natural sweetness, while tart cherries add extra zing.
  • Pit Cherries Before Blending: Removing pits avoids bitterness and protects your blender blades.
  • Syrup vs. Granulated Sugar: Make a simple syrup for faster dissolving if you want a smoother texture.
  • Chill Before Serving: Allow the lemonade to rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to deepen flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry lemonade, summer drink, refreshing beverage, cherry drink, lemonade, natural sweetener, summer refresher