3 Ingredient Cherry Limeade

Why We Love This Copycat Recipe

Love those drive-in cherry limeades? Now you can have one whenever you want… without leaving the house! It is unbelievably easy to make a sweet, tangy, bubbly, and totally refreshing summertime drink in mere minutes with only 3 ingredients: Soda, lime, and maraschino cherries. The taste is practically identical to the classic Sonic restaurant version but, is ready to enjoy in less time than it takes to get the AC going in the car. This Cherry Limeade recipe is great to make with the kids all summer long. Or add a splash of vodka or rum for a grown-up beverage.

3 Ingredients You Need

Lemon-lime soda – like 7Up or SpriteMaraschino cherries and juice – or maraschino cherries and grenadineLime juice – freshly squeezed lime juice is best + lime to slice and use to garnish each drink

And of course, don’t forget the ice! Use your choice of cubed ice or crushed ice.

How to Make a (Better Than Sonic!) Cherry Limeade

First, fill a high ball glass or tumbler half full with ice. (Crushed ice is best to recreate the classic Sonic drive-in feel.) Then pour in the fresh lime juice. Next add the cherry juice or grenadine. Lastly, pour in the lemon-lime soda. Give the drink a stir and garnish with slices of lime and a few maraschino cherries.

Make this Cherry Limeade Recipe with Vodka (or Rum!)

Give your summertime drink a 21+ kick with vodka or white rum! There is basically no limit to the different flavors of alcohol that you can purchase… Lime-flavored vodka or rum are both yummy options that perfectly compliment the sweet citrus taste of a Sonic cherry limeade. To each beverage add 1-2 ounces of your preferred alcohol before you pour in the lemon-lime soda. For an even bigger party-time vibe, soak the maraschino cherries in your choice of vodka or rum for at least 24 hours (up to 72 hours) before you add them to the drinks.

Can you make limeades without soda?

You can, but they will obviously not be fizzy without a carbonated beverage as the base. Substitute the lemon-lime soda with pure cherry juice or water sweetened to taste with simple syrup.

Is cherry limeade good for you?

Let’s be honest: Soda drinks are never “good” for you. However, the ingredients in this recipe are relatively simple. And there is no caffeine in this cherry limeade recipe inspired by the Sonic drink!

How do you make a diet cherry limeade?

Use diet 7UP, diet Sprite, or other diet lemon-lime soda you prefer for a low-calorie and low-sugar drink.

What other Sonic limeade flavors can you make at home?

Do not just stop at the cherry limeades! It is easy to make other flavors of Sonic, like strawberry, cranberry, or plain limeade. For a strawberry limeade, use strawberry syrup and fresh sliced berries. Make a cranberry limeade by using a splash of cranberry juice and whole tart berries. Or enjoy a simple yet refreshing super lime limeade made with more lime juice and sliced limes!