Cherry Lemonade
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Cherry Lemonade
At-a-Glance
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 6 cups (6–8 servings)
- Texture: Cold, crisp, and refreshing over ice
- Flavor: Bright lemon with a sweet-tart cherry finish
- Key ingredients: Fresh lemons, Traverse Bay Farms tart cherry juice, water, sweetener
- Skill level: Beginner
- Make-ahead note: Mix the base ahead and chill, then add ice and garnishes when serving
Quick Summary
This cherry lemonade is bright, sweet-tart, and made for warm-weather sipping. Fresh lemon juice brings that classic lemonade zing, and Traverse Bay Farms tart cherry juice adds deep fruit flavor and beautiful color without making the drink heavy or overly sweet.
Prep and Yield
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 6 cups
- Skill level: Beginner
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 5–6 lemons)
- 1 cup Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice (chilled) - made from Concentrate
- 4 cups cold water (still or sparkling)
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup (to taste)
- Ice
- Optional garnish: lemon slices, fresh mint, and a handful of fresh or frozen cherries
Instructions
- Prepare the cherry juice by combining one ounce of tart cherry juice concentrate with seven ounces of water.
- In a pitcher, whisk together the lemon juice and sweetener until fully dissolved.
- Add the tart cherry juice and cold water to the pitcher and stir.
- Taste and adjust. Add more sweetener for a softer lemonade, or add a splash more lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Chill for 30 minutes if you have time, or serve right away over ice.
- Add lemon slices, mint, and fresh cherries for a fresh finish, then pour and enjoy.
Chef’s Tips
- Start with less sweetener and add more after tasting, because tart cherry juice and lemons can vary in intensity.
- Use very cold water and chilled tart cherry juice so you do not need as much ice, which keeps flavor stronger.
- For a sparkling version, use sparkling water and add it right before serving so the bubbles stay lively.
- Freeze a few fresh cherries and use them as ice cubes so the drink stays cold without getting watered down.
- If you want a stronger cherry note, add a bit more tart cherry juice concentrate.
- Traverse Bay Farms tip: tart cherry juice adds a clean sweet-tart finish that makes lemonade taste more layered and less one-note.
Nutritional Highlights
- Fresh lemon juice adds bright citrus flavor and a classic lemonade base.
- Tart cherry juice adds fruit-forward flavor that balances lemon acidity.
- Using honey or maple syrup lets you control sweetness without needing a powdered mix.
Behind the Recipe
This cherry lemonade feels like Northern Michigan summer in a pitcher: bright, fruit-forward, and easy to share. Tart cherry and lemon are a natural match, and the color alone makes it feel special for picnics, cookouts, and porch afternoons.
It works because lemon brings sharp brightness, tart cherry adds sweet-tart depth, and a little sweetener smooths the edges. When everything is chilled and poured over ice, the flavor stays crisp and refreshing instead of heavy.
How to Serve
- Serve in a big pitcher with lemon slices and frozen cherries for a picnic-ready drink.
- Pour into glasses over crushed ice for a slushy-style summer sip.
- Serve alongside grilled foods, burgers, and salads for cookouts.
- Make a mocktail bar with sparkling water, mint, and extra fruit garnishes.
How to Store and Make Ahead
This drink is easy to prep early so it is ready when guests arrive.
- Make ahead: Mix lemonade base (lemon juice, tart cherry juice, water, sweetener) and refrigerate up to 2 days.
- Serve: Add ice and garnishes right before serving for the freshest look and flavor.
- Leftovers: Store covered in the refrigerator and stir before pouring, especially if using honey.
Internal Links
FAQ
What is cherry lemonade?
Cherry lemonade is a lemonade made with fresh lemon juice and cherry juice for extra fruit flavor and color. Tart cherry juice creates a bright sweet-tart finish that keeps the drink refreshing rather than overly sweet. It is typically served over ice and can be made still or sparkling.
Can I use tart cherry juice concentrate to make cherry lemonade?
Yes, but dilute the concentrate first so the flavor stays balanced. Mix the concentrate with water to your preferred strength, then use it in place of tart cherry juice in the recipe. Start with a smaller amount, taste, and add more until the lemonade has a clear cherry note without becoming too intense.
How do I make cherry lemonade less sweet?
Use less sweetener to start and rely on the natural fruit flavor from tart cherry juice. You can also add more lemon juice or a little extra water to keep it bright. Chilling the drink helps too, because cold lemonade often tastes sweeter, so you may need less sugar than you think.
How do I make sparkling cherry lemonade?
Make the lemonade base with lemon juice, tart cherry juice, and sweetener, then chill it. Right before serving, add sparkling water instead of still water so the bubbles stay lively. Pour gently over ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint for a crisp, refreshing finish.
How long does homemade cherry lemonade last in the fridge?
Cherry lemonade keeps well for about two days when stored covered in the refrigerator. Stir before serving, especially if you used honey or maple syrup, because it can settle. For the best flavor and color, add fresh garnishes and ice right before serving rather than storing them in the pitcher.
Why People Trust Traverse Bay Farms
- Recognized with 38+ National Awards for Flavor Excellence
- Family-Owned, Community-Focused Company in Northern Michigan
- Sourcing Michigan-Grown Fruit Whenever Possible
- Delivering USA-Made Quality You Can Taste
Customer Testimonials
- “So refreshing and not too sweet. The tart cherry makes it taste special.” — Megan P., Cincinnati, OH
- “We made a big pitcher for a cookout and it was gone fast. The color is gorgeous.” — Daniel R., Austin, TX
- “I used frozen cherries as ice cubes and it stayed flavorful the whole afternoon.” — Priya S., Phoenix, AZ
