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sonic cherry limeade recipe

Sonic Cherry Limeade Recipe

A refreshing homemade copycat of Sonic's iconic cherry limeade with fresh lime juice, maraschino cherry juice, and fizzy lemon-lime soda. Perfect for summer gatherings and tastes just like the drive-in favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Serving
Calories: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice approximately 4-5 limes
  • 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice from the jar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar or simple syrup
  • 4 cups cold Sprite or 7UP chilled
  • as needed ice cubes
For Garnish
  • 4-5 maraschino cherries
  • as needed lime wedges

Equipment

  • cocktail shaker or mason jar
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Prepare Your Limes
  1. Roll your limes on the countertop with gentle pressure before cutting. This simple technique helps release more juice from each lime. Cut them in half and squeeze using a handheld juicer or reamer until you have 1/2 cup of fresh juice. Room temperature limes yield significantly more juice than cold ones!
Create Your Flavor Base
  1. In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lime juice, maraschino cherry juice, and sugar. Stir vigorously for about 30 seconds until the sugar is completely dissolved. For an even smoother mix, you can use simple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
Add Your Carbonation
  1. Slowly pour in the chilled Sprite or 7UP. Pour along the side of the pitcher to preserve as much carbonation as possible. Gently stir with a long spoon to combine the flavors without losing the fizz. The carbonation is what gives this sonic cherry limeade recipe its signature refreshing quality.
Prepare Your Glasses
  1. Fill tall glasses with ice cubes. For the most authentic experience, use crushed ice if possible. Sonic's signature pellet ice is part of what makes their drinks so special, but regular ice works perfectly fine too!
Serve and Garnish
  1. Pour your cherry limeade mixture over the ice in each glass. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and a few maraschino cherries. For an extra touch, slide the lime wedge onto the rim of your glass just like they do at Sonic.