Description

This Easy Cherry Lemonade is a refreshing, vibrant summer drink made with pureed cherries, fresh lemon juice, and just the right balance of sweetness. Perfect for cooling off on a hot day, it also makes a beautiful and delicious beverage for gatherings and picnics.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cherry Juice

3 cups thawed whole, pitted cherries (with juice)

For the Lemonade

1 cup cherry juice (from pureed and strained cherries)
9 cups purified water, divided
2 cups granulated sugar
1–1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)

Optional Garnishes

Fresh mint leaves
Fresh cherries
Lemon slices

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Instructions

Prepare Cherry Juice: Add the thawed cherries, including any juice from the bag, to a blender. Blend until completely pureed.
Strain the Puree: Double strain the blended cherries through a fine mesh sieve or a juicing bag to remove pulp. You should end up with about 1 cup of cherry juice.
Combine Juice and Sugar: Pour the cherry juice into a large pitcher. Heat 2 cups of the purified water and add it to the pitcher along with the granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved.
Add Lemon and Water: Stir in fresh lemon juice and the remaining cold water. Add the water one cup at a time, tasting as you go, to reach your preferred sweetness and tartness.
Chill and Serve: Chill the lemonade for at least 30 minutes. Stir well before serving, as the mixture can settle. Serve over ice and garnish with mint, cherries, or lemon slices as desired.

Notes

If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon juice and decrease the water a bit for a tarter lemonade.
Stir thoroughly before each serving, as the juice and pulp may settle at the bottom.
Fresh or frozen cherries can be used as a garnish for extra freshness and visual appeal.
Adjust sweetness by adding water gradually and tasting as you go.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 51g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg