Cherry Juice Lemonade Pops

Quick Summary

Cool off with these bright and refreshing Cherry Juice Lemonade Pops featuring Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate. With their perfect blend of tangy cherry and zesty pink lemonade, these pops are a fun, fruity treat for all ages.

Published: January 2011 | Updated: October 2025

Chef’s Note

Simple to make and full of real fruit flavor, these pops are a family favorite on warm days. The natural tartness of Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate balances beautifully with the sweet lemonade, creating a flavor that’s both refreshing and nostalgic.

Prep & Yield

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 2 hours
Yield: 8 (3-ounce) pops

Ingredients

• 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries

• 1 (12-ounce) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, partly thawed

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/2 tablespoon Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

• 8 (3-ounce) paper cups

• 8 popsicle sticks

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherries: Place a colander or strainer over a bowl. Pour the maraschino cherries into the strainer, saving the juice in the bowl.

2. Add Whole Cherries: Place one whole cherry in the bottom of each paper cup.

3. Chop the Rest: On a cutting board, carefully chop the remaining cherries into small pieces. (If kids are helping, make sure an adult supervises this step.)

4. Blend the Mixture: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped cherries, pink lemonade concentrate, water, the reserved cherry juice, and Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate. Blend until smooth.

5. Fill the Cups: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared paper cups.

6. Freeze: Freeze for 30–40 minutes, until slushy. Insert a popsicle stick into each cup, then freeze for 1 hour longer, or until firm.

7. Serve: Peel off the paper cups and enjoy!

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• Citrus Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before freezing for extra brightness.

• All-Natural Option: Replace maraschino cherries with Traverse Bay Farms Dried Tart Cherries rehydrated in warm water.

• Fruity Twist: Blend in a handful of strawberries or raspberries for extra color and sweetness.

Nutritional Highlight

These pops combine natural cherry antioxidants with vitamin C–rich lemonade. They’re lower in refined sugar than most store-bought frozen treats and make a fun, healthy way to stay cool.

Behind the Recipe

Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate is made using Michigan-grown cherries and is backed by 38+ national food awards and the industry’s only sediment-free guarantee. Its rich, tangy flavor makes it ideal for drinks, desserts, and frozen treats.

People Also Ask

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes—just pit them and add 1–2 tablespoons of honey or sugar for sweetness.

Do I need popsicle molds?
No—paper cups work great for homemade pops.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they keep well in the freezer for up to two weeks.

How do I remove them from the cups easily?
Run warm water over the outside of the cup for a few seconds, then peel it away.

Bring the Taste Home

Enjoy the taste of summer with Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate—crafted from Michigan-grown fruit for real flavor, natural color, and a refreshing cherry-citrus twist in every bite.