Are you looking for a refreshing and healthy drink to quench your thirst on a hot day? Look no further than this Homemade Sugar-Free Cherry Lemonade recipe! Made with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sweet cherry, this drink balances sweet and tart without added sugar. Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener makes this recipe a great option for those watching their sugar intake. Whether hosting a summer gathering or looking for a refreshing drink, this Cherry Lemonade will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
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What is Cherry Lemonade?
Cherry Lemonade is a sweet and tart drink that combines the flavors of freshly squeezed lemon juice and sweet cherries. The drink is typically made by blending or pureeing fresh or frozen cherries with water and then adding freshly squeezed lemon juice and a sweetener of choice. The result is a refreshing and flavorful beverage perfect for a hot summer day, or anytime you're in the mood for a sweet and tangy drink. Cherry Lemonade can be enjoyed independently or served with ice cubes and lemon wedges for a more festive presentation.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained: This is the primary ingredient for Cherry Lemonade and provides the tart flavor of the drink. It is important to use freshly squeezed lemon juice to ensure the best flavor and to strain it to remove any pulp or seeds.
- Fresh or frozen sweet cherries: Sweet cherries are used to provide the sweetness and flavor of the drink. Fresh or frozen cherries can be used depending on availability and preference.
- Water: Water is added to the cherry puree and lemon juice to dilute the flavors and create a refreshing drink.
- Sweeteners, such as Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener or any other sweetener of choice: Since cherries and lemon juice can be quite tart, a sweetener is added to balance the flavors. Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener is a sugar substitute that is low in calories and tastes similar to sugar. Other sweeteners, such as honey or agave, can also be used.
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional): Lemon wedges are a garnish that can enhance the drink's presentation and provide an additional burst of lemon flavor. They are optional and can be omitted if desired.
Tools you'll need
- Blender or food processor
- Pitcher
- Fine mesh sieve (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Cherry Lemonade
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
In a blender or food processor, add the cherry and ½ cup of water; blend or purée until completely smooth, then transfer the mixture into a pitcher. (For pulp-free: pass the mixture through a fine sieve, if desired). Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, remaining water, and sugar to the pitcher and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Taste, add more sugar, if necessary. Pour the cherry lemonade into glasses with ice cubes and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired. The cherry lemonade will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Sweet cherries: If fresh or frozen sweet cherries are unavailable, other types of fruit, such as raspberries or strawberries, can be used as a substitute. However, the flavor of the Cherry Lemonade will change accordingly.
- Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener: Any other sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol, can be used instead of Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener.
- Lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute if fresh lemons are unavailable. However, fresh lemon juice will provide the best flavor.
- Water: Club soda or sparkling water can be used instead of still water for a bubbly drink.
- Lemon wedges: Lime wedges or orange slices can be used as a substitute.
Variations
- Strawberry Cherry Lemonade: Add fresh or frozen strawberries to the Cherry Lemonade recipe for a delicious twist on the classic drink. Blend the strawberries with the cherries to create a mixed fruit puree.
- Mint Cherry Lemonade: Add fresh mint leaves to the Cherry Lemonade for a refreshing and herbaceous flavor. Muddle the mint leaves in the pitcher before adding the other ingredients.
- Lavender Cherry Lemonade: Infuse the Cherry Lemonade with dried lavender flowers for a floral and fragrant twist. Steep the lavender in hot water before adding it to the pitcher with the other ingredients.
- Pineapple Cherry Lemonade: Add fresh or canned pineapple to the Cherry Lemonade for a tropical twist. Blend the pineapple with the cherries to create a mixed fruit puree.
How to Serve
- With ice: Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the Cherry Lemonade over the ice. This is a refreshing way to enjoy the drink on a hot day.
- Garnished with lemon wedges: Cut a lemon into wedges and use them to garnish the Cherry Lemonade. This adds an extra burst of citrus flavor and makes the drink look more festive.
- In a pitcher: If you're serving Cherry Lemonade to a group, you can make a large batch in a pitcher and let guests serve themselves. This is a great option for parties or gatherings.
- With fresh cherries: Add a few fresh cherries to the glass as a garnish. This adds a pop of color to the drink and makes it look more appealing.
- Rimmed with sugar: Dip the rim of the glass in water or lemon juice and then dip it in sugar. This adds a sweet and crunchy element to the drink and makes it look more elegant.
How to Store
Make-Ahead
Follow the recipe instructions to make the Cherry Lemonade and pour it into a pitcher. Cover the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve the Cherry Lemonade, give it a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well mixed. Pour the Cherry Lemonade into glasses with ice cubes and garnish with lemon wedges or fresh cherries.
Tips for Making The Best Cherry Lemonade
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and sweet cherries will give your Cherry Lemonade the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking: Some people may prefer their Cherry Lemonade to be sweeter than others, so adjust the amount of sweetener according to your taste.
- Strain the cherry puree: If you prefer a pulp-free drink, strain it through a fine mesh sieve before adding it to the pitcher.
- Chill the drink before serving: Cherry Lemonade is best served cold, so chill it in the refrigerator before serving.
- Garnish with lemon wedges: Adding lemon wedges to the drink looks beautiful and enhances the drink's citrus flavor.
- Experiment with different variations: Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make your Cherry Lemonade unique.
- Serve in a pretty glass: Serve your Cherry Lemonade in a pretty glass to make it look more appealing and festive.
FAQ
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
You can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute for fresh lemon juice. However, fresh lemon juice is always recommended as it provides the best flavor.
Can I use other sweeteners instead of Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener?
You can use other sweeteners such as honey, agave, or stevia. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste.
Can I add alcohol to Cherry Lemonade?
Add alcohol such as vodka or rum to Cherry Lemonade for a delicious adult version.
How do I adjust the tartness of Cherry Lemonade?
If you find the Cherry Lemonade too tart, add more sweetener or dilute it with more water. You can also adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking.
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Recipe
Easy Make Cherry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1-¾ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice , strained
- 8 oz. fresh or frozen sweet cherry
- 5 cups water
- 1 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener , Classic or 1 cup granulated sugar
- Lemon wedges , for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, add the cherry and ½ cup of water; blend or purée until completely smooth, then transfer the mixture into a pitcher. (For pulp Free: pass the mixture through a fine sieve, if desired).
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, remaining water, and sugar to the pitcher and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Taste, add more sugar, if necessary.
- Pour the cherry lemonade into glasses with ice cubes and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired. The cherry lemonade will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Enjoy!
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.