There’s nothing quite like the first sip of a Cherry Limeade Spritz on a hot day—tart limeade melds with bubbly soda and a burst of cherry sweetness for an instant mood lift.
This effortless drink transforms pantry staples into a vibrant, party-ready refresher.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless assembly — just pour and stir in minutes
Sparkling tartness — limeade concentrate meets crisp lemon-lime soda
Cherry pop — maraschino cherries and their juice add color and sweetness
Customizable fizz — adjust soda type or amount to taste
All-ages appeal — perfect for parties, BBQs, or a solo treat
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Frozen limeade concentrate — tart, citrusy base
Lemon-lime soda — Sprite, 7-Up, or equivalent for effervescence
Maraschino cherries + juice — sweet, jewel-red bursts
Fresh lime — for bright garnish
Pebble ice (optional) — keeps every sip icy cold
Pro Tips Before You Start
Chill thoroughly — keep all ingredients cold for maximum fizz.
Pour soda slowly — stir gently to retain carbonation.
Use pebbled or crushed ice — enhances that slushy sensation.
Reserve some cherry juice — drizzle extra for a sunset-gradient effect.
Prep a batch ahead — mix concentrate and soda, then add cherries just before serving.
How to Make Cherry Limeade Spritz
Step 1: Chill Ingredients
Refrigerate limeade concentrate, soda, and cherries until thoroughly cold.
Step 2: Combine Base
In a large pitcher, pour the soda, thawed limeade concentrate, and maraschino cherries with their juice.
Stir gently.
Step 3: Serve Over Ice
Fill glasses with pebble or crushed ice.
Pour the limeade spritz into each glass.
Step 4: Garnish & Enjoy
Slice fresh lime into wedges.
Garnish each glass and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with BBQ sliders or grilled seafood
Offer alongside a fruit and cheese platter
Serve with light snacks like tortilla chips and salsa
Variations & Substitutions
Soda swap — use flavored sparkling water or ginger ale
Fruit twist — add raspberries or orange slices for extra color
Herbal note — muddle mint or basil in the pitcher before adding soda
Mocktail upgrade — replace half the limeade with coconut water for tropical flair
Storage & Leftovers
Pitcher on standby — keep assembled spritz in the fridge up to 2 hours before cherries soften.
Stir before serving — flavor may settle; give a quick, gentle stir.
No long-term storage — best enjoyed fresh for peak fizz and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lime juice instead of concentrate?
You can—mix ½ cup fresh lime juice with ½ cup sugar, dissolve, then use in place of the concentrate.
Why is my drink flat?
Stir gently and pour soda slowly over ice; avoid vigorous mixing that releases carbonation.
How many servings does this make?
This recipe fills about 8–10 tall glasses, depending on ice volume.
Can I make it in a punch bowl?
Absolutely—just scale ingredients proportionally and add ice before serving.
What glassware is best?
Highball or Collins glasses showcase the color and hold plenty of ice.
Is pebble ice necessary?
Crushed or cubed ice works too; pebble ice maximizes chill and texture.
How do I keep cherries from sinking?
Stir them in gently; they’ll float more if you leave some juice to coat the fruit.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Limeade Spritz is the epitome of easy entertaining—bright, bubbly, and endlessly adaptable.
Keep it on hand all summer for instant refreshment and smiles!
