Classic Cherry Lemonade - Pair with Cherries and Lemonade

 

Classic Cherry Lemonade

This is directly inspired by the song title and lyrics ("Big bowl of cherries, cold lemonade"). It's the quintessential refreshing summer drink, perfect for sipping "under umbrellas" and enjoying a relaxed, happy moment.

This vibrant and refreshing Classic Cherry Lemonade is a perfectly sweet and tart beverage that Lola is sure to enjoy! It features a homemade cherry syrup mixed with zesty lemon, creating a delicious drink free of any ingredients Lola dislikes.

Yields: Approximately 6 servings (about 8 cups) Prep time: 15 minutes Chill time: 30 minutes minimum

Equipment:

  • Medium saucepan

  • Fine-mesh sieve

  • Large pitcher or drink dispenser

  • Lemon juicer (manual or electric)

  • Measuring cups

  • Liquid measuring cup

  • Measuring spoons

  • Whisk or long spoon

  • Knife

  • Cutting board

  • Serving glasses

  • Refrigerator

Ingredients:

For the Cherry Simple Syrup:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (no need to thaw if frozen)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 cup water

For the Lemonade Base:

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 6-8 medium lemons, using a lemon juicer)

  • 5-6 cups cold water (adjust to desired tartness)

  • Ice, for serving

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh cherries

  • Lemon slices (using a knife and cutting board)

  • Fresh mint sprigs

Instructions:

Making the Cherry Simple Syrup:

Step 1.) In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of water.

Step 2.) Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring with a whisk or long spoon until the sugar dissolves.

Step 3.) Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, gently mashing the cherries occasionally with the back of a spoon to help release their juice. The syrup should thicken slightly.

Step 4.) Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully pour the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve set over a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup, pressing the solids gently with the back of a spoon to extract all the liquid. Discard the cherry pulp. Let the cherry syrup cool completely.

Preparing the Lemonade Base:

Step 5.) While the syrup cools, juice the lemons using a lemon juicer to yield 1 1/2 cups of fresh lemon juice.

Combining and Serving the Lemonade:

Step 6.) In a large pitcher or drink dispenser, combine the cooled cherry simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and 5 cups of cold water. Stir well with a long spoon to combine.

Step 7.) Taste the lemonade using a spoon and adjust. If it's too tart, add more cold water, a 1/2 cup at a time. If it's not sweet enough, you can dissolve a little more sugar in a small amount of warm water and add it, or simply add more cherry syrup.

Step 8.) Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill the lemonade for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Step 9.) Serve the Classic Cherry Lemonade over ice in serving glasses. Garnish with fresh cherries, lemon slices, and fresh mint sprigs if desired.

Tips for Success:

  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Using fresh-squeezed lemon juice is crucial for the best flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice.

  • Sweetness Adjustment: Cherries vary in sweetness, so always taste the lemonade before serving and adjust the sugar or water as needed.

  • Make Ahead: The cherry simple syrup can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

  • This lemonade is also great with a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist!

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