Easy Cherry Lemonade Recipe

May 28, 2025 by Emily

Nothing says pure refreshment quite like a tall glass of homemade lemonade—except maybe when you add the sweet, fruity burst of cherries! This Easy Cherry Lemonade comes together in next to no time, and it’s absolutely perfect for those jam-packed weeknights or sun-soaked weekends when you want something special but quick. Tart, tangy, and kissed with just the right amount of sweetness, this recipe will instantly brighten your table and your mood. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate cherry season or use up those frozen cherries hiding in your freezer. Ready to impress your family (and yourself) with minimal effort?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Fast and Simple: From blender to glass in under 20 minutes, with no fancy equipment or fussy techniques.
Incredible Flavor: The combination of cherries and lemon offers that irresistible blend of sweet and tart. Each sip is a little celebration.
Customizable Sweetness: Love it tangy? Pour in a splash more lemon. Prefer it sweeter? Add a bit more water or sugar. You’re in control.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner, backyard barbecue, or just an afternoon treat, everyone—kids and adults alike—will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whole, Pitted Cherries (Fresh or frozen; for that signature ruby color and deep fruity flavor. Thaw first if using frozen cherries.)
Granulated Sugar (Sweetens the lemonade. Adjust to taste—start with less if you like it tart, and add more if you have a sweet tooth.)
Fresh Lemon Juice (Use real lemons for that vibrant citrusy punch. Bottled juice just isn’t the same!)
Purified Water (To dilute and mellow the flavors. Adjust quantity for your preferred strength and sweetness.)
Ice (For serving; makes every sip refreshingly cool.)
Fresh Mint, Cherries, and Lemon Slices (Optional garnish; not just pretty, but adds a hint of aroma and extra zing.)

Variations

Looking for ways to make it your own? Absolutely—this recipe is a playground!

Sparkling Cherry Lemonade: Swap part of the water for sparkling water or soda for a fizzy treat.
Herbal Infusion: Muddle in some fresh basil or rosemary for a sophisticated twist.
Berry Blend: Add a handful of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to the cherries before blending for more layers of fruit flavor.
Lightened-Up Version: Try honey or agave instead of sugar, or cut back on sweetener entirely for a tangier finish.
Frozen Slush: Blend with extra ice for a cherry lemonade slush—instant summer vibes!

How to Make Easy Cherry Lemonade

Step 1: Puree the Cherries

Start by tossing your thawed cherries (including any juice!) into a blender. Blend until smooth and pureed. The result should be thick and vibrantly red—your cherry foundation.

Step 2: Strain for Smoothness

Next, double strain the cherry puree using a fine mesh sieve or a juicing bag. Tip: The juicing bag gets rid of more pulp, resulting in a clearer lemonade. You should end up with about 1 cup of cherry juice—set this aside in a large pitcher.

Step 3: Dissolve the Sugar

Heat 2 cups of water—don’t boil, just warm enough to easily dissolve sugar. Pour this warm water into the pitcher with the cherry juice and add your sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 4: Add the Lemon and Finish

Now pour in your freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir. Add the remaining cold water a cup at a time, tasting after each addition. Adjust to your perfect sweetness and brightness!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let your lemonade chill for about 30 minutes, then give it a good stir—this recipe tends to settle. To serve, pour over plenty of ice and garnish with fresh mint, extra cherries, or a wedge of lemon.

Note: Give it a final stir before serving if it’s been sitting, as some natural separation may occur.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Always use fresh lemon juice for the cleanest, most refreshing lemon flavor. Bottle juice will dull the magic.
Strain well! Double straining is key for silky smooth lemonade with no bits.
Adjust as You Go: Taste after each step—sweetness and tang can vary depending on your cherries and lemons. Don’t be afraid to add more or less of anything.
Chill Thoroughly: Cold lemonade is just unbeatable. Give it time to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

This cherry lemonade is made for sharing. Pour generously over ice in tall glasses, and if you want to level up your presentation, add a sprig of fresh mint, a lemon wheel, and a few whole cherries. Serve it alongside a light summer salad, grilled chicken, or even as a non-alcoholic option at your next brunch or picnic. For a grown-up twist, a splash of vodka or gin transforms it instantly into a cheerful cocktail.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cherry lemonade tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to stir or shake before pouring as the juicy bits tend to settle at the bottom.

Freezing

Pour lemonade into ice cube trays and freeze—these are amazing for cooling down future batches without watering them down, or for blending into a slushy treat.

Reheating

No need to reheat this refreshing beverage. Just give it a solid stir if it’s been sitting for a while, and it’s ready to go!

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice really brings a bright, crisp flavor that bottled lemon juice just can’t match. If you’re in a pinch, you can use bottled, but the taste will be noticeably less vibrant.

What if I don’t have a blender?
Not a problem! You can mash the cherries by hand with a potato masher or fork, though your lemonade may be a bit pulpy. Just strain as carefully as you can to get that smooth pour.

How can I make this lemonade less sweet?
Simply add less sugar, and use more lemon juice or water to your liking. Taste as you mix—it’s easy to tweak this recipe to get the perfect balance for you.

Can I use other fruits besides cherries?
Absolutely! Try blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries—just follow the same blending and straining process for a whole new flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cherry Lemonade is the faithful friend your weeknight needs—cheerful, quick, and endlessly refreshing. With simple steps and big flavors, it’s just the thing to brighten up any busy day. Don’t be shy about putting your own spin on it; the beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts. Grab those cherries and lemons, and treat yourself to a glass of homemade refreshment!