An Easy and Refreshing Cherry Lime Cocktail Made With Limeade

Indulge in the vibrant fusion of sweet cherries and zesty lime with this easy and refreshing Cherry Lime Cocktail made with limeade. This delightful beverage combines the natural sweetness of ripe cherries with the tangy kick of limeade, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that's both invigorating and satisfying.

{{ The recipe for this Fresh Cherry Limeade Cocktail and the post that goes with it was made in partnership with California Grown! We received compensation and product in exchange for it. Opinions are always our own. If we don’t love it, you don’t hear about it. Thanks for your continued support! }}

Karen Ross, Secretary of California’s Department of Food and Agriculture recently wrote a letter addressing the hardships that the Corona virus pandemic has had on agriculture in the state of California and as a consumer who has been terribly worried about our food system during the crisis I found her opening comments about how is it is for US as consumers can help support California farmers so comforting. 

“After all that we’ve been through these past few months, Californians are long overdue for a reason to break bread in celebration. Now, we have one. By simply enjoying the delicious foods made from the world’s best ingredients (which are obviously grown right here in California) – we can help support the 1.2 million jobs and $263 billion in state revenue that California farming generates each year.”  You can read the rest of Secretary Ross’ letter by clicking here.

In fact, we geek out on fun food factoids around here! So here are a few facts about California Grown farmers and cherries that we thought you should know…

• There are over 400 crops grown in the state of California.
• Farms in the state of California produce ⅓ of the vegetables and two thirds of the fruits and nuts in the U.S.
• Fresh cherry season usually runs from April-June.
• There are about 850 cherry farmers in California.
• California grows 6 main varieties of cherries: Bing , Brooks, Chelan, Coral, Rainier, and Tulare.
• YOU have the power to request that your local grocery store chain carry California Grown produce instead of imported options. Click here for a shopping guide that shows you how to tell if an item in your store is California Grown or not. 

Recipe at a Glance:

• Simple Swaps: Substitute fresh cherries with maraschino cherries for added sweetness; use lemon-lime soda instead of club soda for extra citrus flavor.
• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly; minimal bartending experience required.
• Flavor Profile: A balanced blend of sweet cherries and tart lime, complemented by the effervescence of soda.
• Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
• Best Served With: Light appetizers such as bruschetta, cheese platters, or fresh salads.
• To make a basic simple syrup : In a small saucepan combine equal amounts granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved. Cool completely then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3-4 weeks.

Bar Tools Needed For This Cherry Lime Cocktail

Muddler || Both the intense flavor and the vibrant color of this cocktail come from mashing and macerating simple syrup, pitted cherries, and the lime wedges together in a cocktail shaker with either a bar tool called a muddler or if you don't have one of those you can use the handle of a wooden spoon.

Cocktail shaker || The muddling and mixing of this cocktail happens in a cocktail shaker and it is pretty essential. Don't have a traditional cocktail shaker? No problem, a large mason jar with a tight fitting lid will do the trick in a pinch too! 

Cherry pitter || While I love fresh cherries, I do not enjoy the mess it makes to remove their pits! I love my  cherry pitter, it's fast, efficient, and it has a cool shield attached to it, so that the cherry juice doesn't spray out everywhere and stain everything from my hands to my counters! If you don't have one you can simply use a pairing knife and a plastic cutting board to cut around the pit. 

Other Cerry Recipes to Try:

• Gluten-Free Fresh Cherry Pretzel Tart: A delightful tart combining a crunchy pretzel crust with a sweet cherry filling, suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Boozy Chocolate Covered Cherry Milkshake: A decadent blend of rich chocolate and cherry flavors, perfect for dessert lovers.
• Cherry Basil Tabbouleh: A fresh twist on the classic Middle Eastern salad, incorporating sweet cherries and aromatic basil.