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–+ servings

Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe: A California-Style Refresher

This homemade cherry lemonade comes together in just 10 minutes for a perfectly sweet-tart, bubbly drink that's ideal for warm days.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Drinks, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cherry syrup
  • 3 cups sweet cherries, pitted
  • 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 4-5 lemons
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
For serving
  • 6 cups sparkling water chilled
  • lemon slices for garnish
  • fresh cherries for garnish

Method
 

Make the cherry syrup
  1. In a blender, combine the pitted cherries, lemon juice, and sugar. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.
  2. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl, pressing on the solids with a spatula to extract all the syrup. Discard the solids. The syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Assemble the drinks
  1. Fill each glass halfway with ice. Add 3 tablespoons of the cherry syrup to each glass.
  2. Top with sparkling water and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lemon slice and a fresh cherry. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 1gSodium: 10mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26g

Notes

If using still water instead of sparkling, you can mix a full pitcher of lemonade and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For a less sweet drink, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup. For a more intense cherry flavor, use dark sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier. To make a cocktail, add 1-2 ounces of vodka or bourbon per glass. This syrup also works beautifully in iced tea or over pancakes.

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