Cherry lemonade

Cherry Lemonade – Refreshment and Flavor in Every Sip

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6

If you are looking for a refreshing drink to cool you down on hot summer days, look no further! Cherry lemonade is the perfect combination of the natural sweetness of cherries and the refreshing acidity of lemon. This simple and quick recipe will not only delight your senses but also bring a splash of color to your table. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients needed

- 2 fresh lemons
- 150 g sugar (preferably cane sugar for a more intense flavor)
- 1.5 l sparkling water
- 500 g cherry juice (you can use freshly squeezed or store-bought juice, but make sure it is 100% natural)
- 200 g fresh pitted cherries (for added texture and flavor)
- A few fresh mint leaves (about 10-15 leaves)
- Ice cubes (to keep the drink cold and refreshing)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the lemonade base
In a large bowl or pitcher, combine the sugar with 250 ml of water. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves. This simple syrup will be the sweet base of your lemonade.

2. Storing the lemon juice
Squeeze the two lemons, being careful to avoid the seeds. This step is important as the fresh lemon juice will add a pleasant acidity and balance the sweetness of the cherries.

3. Adding the cherry juice
After obtaining the lemon juice, add it to the bowl with the sugar syrup. Then, add the cherry juice. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.

4. Incorporating the mint
Gently crush the mint leaves using a spatula or spoon. This will release the essential oils from the leaves. Add the crushed mint to the lemonade mixture and stir again.

5. Adding the cherries
Cut the fresh cherries in halves or quarters and add them to your mixture. They will not only add a pleasant texture but also infuse more flavors into the lemonade.

6. Diluting with sparkling water
Add the remaining sparkling water to dilute the lemonade. Stir gently to avoid losing the bubbles from the sparkling water.

7. Chilling the lemonade
Place the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This waiting time allows the flavors to combine and intensify.

8. Serving
When you are ready to serve, fill the glasses with ice cubes and pour in the chilled lemonade. You can garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and a few mint leaves for an attractive look.

Practical tips

- Choose quality cherries: When selecting cherries, opt for fresh ones with vibrant color. Darker cherries are usually sweeter.
- Taste along the way: Each ingredient can vary in sweetness, so it's good to taste the mixture along the way and adjust the sugar or lemon juice to your liking.
- Delicious variations: You can also add other fruits, such as peaches or raspberries, to create a mixed lemonade. Additionally, you can replace mint with basil for a more sophisticated flavor.

Nutritional benefits

This cherry lemonade is not only delicious but also nutritious! Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Lemons, on the other hand, contribute to healthy digestion and boost the immune system. Plus, sparkling water will keep you hydrated, essential in warm weather.

Personal stories

I remember the summers spent at my grandparents’ house, when we all gathered around the table, enjoying freshly made lemonade from garden fruits. It was a moment of simple joy, and the aroma of fresh cherries perfectly blended with our smiles. This recipe is a reverberation of those happy moments and I hope it brings you the same joy.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the lemonade.

- What other drinks can be combined with cherry lemonade?
It pairs perfectly with summer cocktails like Mojito or Daiquiri, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like iced tea with lemon.

- How can I make the lemonade less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners like stevia or agave syrup.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and enjoy a delicious cherry lemonade! Cheers!