1 ½ cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (10 ounces)
3 cups filtered water, divided
¾ cup cane sugar
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (8-10 limes)
Ice as needed
Fresh lime slices for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit them first. For frozen cherries, allow them to thaw for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to ensure smooth blending.
Blend the base: Add the cherries, 2 cups of filtered water, and cane sugar to your blender. Blend on high speed until completely smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
Strain the mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher. Use a spatula to press the mixture through, extracting as much liquid as possible while leaving behind the pulp.
Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the remaining cup of water and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. When ready to serve, add ice to glasses and pour the cherry limeade over top. Garnish with fresh lime slices.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh cherries when they are in season.
If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw them completely before blending.
Strain the cherry mixture twice if you prefer an ultra-smooth texture.
Chill your glasses before serving for an extra-refreshing experience.
This cherry limeade can be made up to 5 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
