Description
Sparkling Cherry Lemonade is a refreshing and tangy drink perfect for hot days. Made with fresh or frozen Northwest cherries, zesty lemon juice, and sweetened with sugar, this sparkling beverage combines natural fruit flavors with fizzy club soda for a delightful thirst-quencher. Easy to prepare and customizable for sweetness, it’s ideal for serving at gatherings or relaxing on a warm afternoon.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base
- 3 cups (about 1 lb) fresh or frozen Northwest cherries
Juice and Sweetener
- 1 cup lemon juice (from about 6 medium lemons)
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to 3/4 cup if preferred)
To Serve
- 6-8 cups club soda (to taste)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Ice (as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare Cherries: Pit the fresh or frozen Northwest cherries and place them in a blender or food processor.
- Blend Fruit Mixture: Blend the cherries until smooth, breaking them down into a purée consistency for maximum flavor extraction.
- Mix Lemonade Base: In a pitcher, combine the cherry purée with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add Club Soda: Gradually pour in 6 to 8 cups of chilled club soda to the mixture, adjusting the amount based on your desired level of fizz and dilution. Stir gently to combine without losing carbonation.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice and garnish with lemon slices. Pour the sparkling cherry lemonade over the ice and serve immediately for optimal refreshment.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen cherries if fresh are not in season; thaw before using for best blending results.
- Adjust the sugar quantity to suit your preferred sweetness level or use a sugar alternative for a lighter option.
- To enhance the drink, add fresh mint leaves or a splash of sparkling white wine for an adult twist.
- For a smoother texture, strain the cherry purée before mixing with lemon juice, if desired.
- Serve immediately after adding club soda to retain maximum carbonation.
