This cherry lemonade is refreshing, fruity, and so easy to make with just four ingredients. It’s the ultimate summer drink that’s both delicious and good for you!

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About This Recipe

Cherry and lemon are a match made in heaven—tart, sweet, zesty, and full of flavor. This cherry lemonade is made with fresh cherries and lemon slices, so it’s not just tasty, but also packed with nutrients. Unlike store-bought lemonades filled with preservatives and artificial flavorings, this homemade version uses real fruit and can be customized to your preferred level of sweetness.

Cherries are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They may help improve sleep, boost heart health, and reduce muscle soreness. Lemons, on the other hand, are a great source of vitamin C, support hydration, and aid digestion. When you combine them into a vibrant homemade drink, you’re not only getting a refreshing treat—you’re giving your body something it’ll love too.

Whether you’re lounging in the sun, planning a picnic, or just looking for something cool to sip on, this cherry lemonade is perfect. You can even make the concentrate ahead of time and dilute it whenever you’re ready to serve.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Fresh cherries
Lemons (sliced)
Sugar
Water

Substitues

You can reduce the sugar or swap it with honey or agave for a more natural option.
Frozen cherries can be used if fresh aren’t available.
For an extra twist, try adding fresh mint or basil while the mixture simmers.

Euipment/Ingredients For This Recipe

Large Saucepan (Amazon)
Glass Pitcher/Jug (Amazon)
Glasses Set (Amazon)

Pro Tips

No need to pit the cherries—the simmering and straining process takes care of it.
Taste your concentrate before diluting to find your perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Use a potato masher or sturdy spoon to crush the fruit and extract as much flavor as possible.
Chill the concentrate fully before serving for the best taste.

How To Store Cherry Lemonade

Store the cherry lemonade concentrate in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Once diluted, keep chilled and consume within 2–3 days for best flavor. You can also freeze the concentrate in ice cube trays and thaw whenever needed!

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes! Just toss them in straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.

Can I make the cherry lemonade ahead of time?

Absolutely. The concentrate keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

How much water should I add to dilute?

It depends on your taste. Start with 2–3 cups, taste, and adjust from there.

Is this drink healthy?

Yes, especially when made with fresh fruit and minimal sugar. Cherries and lemons both offer great health benefits. Replace the sugar in this recipe with honey, or you could even use half natural sweetener and half granulated sugar.

This cherry lemonade is a summer essential—vibrant, refreshing, and made with real ingredients. It’s perfect for parties, relaxing afternoons, or anytime you want something cool and fruity. If you love this recipe, be sure to try my peach and orange juice, strawberry lemonade, and homemade cranberry juice too!

Check out my YouTube Channel for detailed recipe tutorials! Have you made one of my recipes? Tag me on Instagram. I would love to see your creations!

Cherry Lemonade

This cherry lemonade is refreshing, fruity, and so easy to make with just four ingredients. It's the ultimate summer drink that's both delicious and good for you!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Chill Time 2

Total Time 2 20

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 116 kcal

Equipment

1 Large saucepan
Wooden spoon or any large mixing spoon
Potato masher
Sieve
1 Large jug to serve the drink

Ingredients

2 lemons sliced
300-400 g cherries washed (unpitted)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar or to taste
1.5 lt water for concentrate
additonal water to dilute

Instructions

In a large saucepan, combine cherries, lemon slices, sugar, and 1.5 liters of water. Stir to mix.
Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and continue to boil for 10 minutes.
Turn off the heat. Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the cherries and lemons.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large jug or container. Discard solids.
Chill the cherry lemonade concentrate in the fridge until completely cool.
To serve, dilute the concentrate with cold water until the flavor is just right for you. Add more sugar if needed.
Serve chilled or over ice. Enjoy!