Looking for a refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm days? The Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail brings together tart cherries and zesty lime in a sparkling, alcohol-free beverage that everyone can enjoy.
This simple mocktail combines fresh cherry juice, lime juice, and club soda to create a perfectly balanced drink that’s both sweet and tangy. The vibrant red color makes it as beautiful as it is delicious.
The Cherry Lime Rickey has roots in the classic Lime Rickey, a popular drink from the early 1900s. This modern, non-alcoholic version keeps the refreshing qualities while adding the natural sweetness of cherries, making it perfect for gatherings, summer parties, or just relaxing at home.
Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Highball or collins glass
- Muddler
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Bar spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Ice bucket
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
For two servings of Cherry Lime Rickey mocktail:
- 8-10 fresh cherries pitted (or 2 oz cherry juice)
- 2 fresh limes
- 2 tbsp simple syrup
- 12 oz soda water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cherries and lime wheels for garnish
Simple Syrup: Mix equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves, then cool.
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Muddle the cherries: Put pitted cherries in the bottom of the glass and gently muddle to release their juice.
- Add lime juice: Cut limes in half and squeeze juice into the glass, about 1 oz per serving.
- Add sweetener: Pour in 1 tablespoon simple syrup per glass.
- Mix and top: Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine flavors, then top with soda water.
- Garnish: Add a fresh cherry and lime wheel to the rim of each glass.
Serve immediately while the drink is fizzy and cold.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
This Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The cherry provides a sweet, fruity base while fresh lime juice adds a bright, zesty kick.
When you take your first sip, the initial taste is a pleasant sweetness from the cherry syrup or grenadine. This quickly gives way to the tangy lime notes that refresh the palate.
The carbonated water creates a light, effervescent texture that makes each sip lively and refreshing. The bubbles help carry the flavors across your taste buds.
Flavor Profile:
- Primary: Tart lime, sweet cherry
- Secondary: Light carbonation, subtle sweetness
- Finish: Clean, refreshing with lingering fruit notes
The drink’s beautiful red-pink color hints at its cherry flavor, while the lime wedge garnish adds a pop of green and extra citrus aroma.
This mocktail works well as a palate cleanser between meals or as a cooling beverage on hot days. The lack of alcohol makes the fruit flavors more pronounced.
For those who prefer less sweetness, reducing the cherry syrup amount creates a more tart, lime-forward drink. Adding more syrup creates a dessert-like experience.
The Cherry Lime Rickey tastes best when thoroughly chilled and served immediately to maintain its bubbly character.
Substitutes
Don’t have the exact ingredients for a Cherry Lime Rickey? No problem! You can make tasty swaps that keep the spirit of this refreshing mocktail.
For the cherry juice, try cranberry juice or pomegranate juice. These options provide similar tartness and beautiful color.
Lime juice can be replaced with lemon juice for a different citrus kick. The ratio remains the same – about 1 ounce per serving.
For a sugar-free version, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of simple syrup.
Want to add extra flavor? Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a few drops of almond extract to enhance the cherry notes.
The garnishes can be changed too. No fresh cherries? Use frozen ones or skip them.
Lime wheels can be swapped for lemon or even orange slices for a different look.
