When it gets warm outside, I want a drink that’s sweet and refreshing. My Cherry Limeade Cooler cocktail mixes cherry, lime, and lemon-lime soda for a drink that’s easy to make and honestly just fun to sip.
The taste is light, with a good mix of tart and sweet. This recipe uses simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
If you’re looking for an easy way to add some flavor to your next get-together, this drink totally fits the bill. I’m sharing the steps I use so you can make it at home, too.
Scroll down for the full recipe and a few tips that help me get the best taste.
Cherry Limeade Cooler Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- First up: a cocktail shaker, because you really want to mix everything well.
- A muddler is helpful for pressing the cherries and limes to get all the juice out.
- I use a jigger to measure each ingredient—otherwise I’ll just end up eyeballing it and sometimes that’s a gamble.
- A fine mesh strainer helps get rid of any fruit bits or pulp before pouring the drink.
- For serving, I pick a tall or highball glass.
- I also keep a long spoon nearby to give the drink a final stir, especially after adding ice or soda. It’s a small thing but it helps.
Ingredients
For one cocktail, here’s what I grab:
- Fresh cherries 4-5 pitted
- Fresh lime 1 juiced
- Vodka 2 oz
- Simple syrup 1 oz
- Lemon-lime soda 3 oz
- Ice As needed
- Lime wedge For garnish
- Cherry For garnish
I like to use fresh ingredients if I can swing it. Fresh cherries and lime juice just make the drink taste brighter.
Instructions
- First, I put the pitted cherries in the cocktail shaker and mash them with a muddler.
- Then I pour in the lime juice, vodka, and simple syrup.
- Then, I top the drink with lemon-lime soda and gently stir with a long spoon.
- I finish by garnishing with a lime wedge and a cherry on the rim.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I first taste the Cherry Limeade Cooler, there’s a burst of cherry flavor—sweet, but not over-the-top. The tartness from the lime really stands out and keeps everything in check.
Texture is smooth, with a gentle fizz from the soda. The bubbles are light and don’t overpower the other flavors, which I appreciate.
I also notice a hint of citrus aroma each time I lift the glass. The lime gives it a fresh scent that matches the taste.
The drink feels cool and light on my tongue. Ice keeps it nicely chilled, so every sip is crisp.
When I use fresh lime slices as a garnish, the drink looks and smells even brighter. The colors are clear, and honestly, it’s a pretty appealing cocktail.
Substitute
If I don’t have fresh cherries handy, I’ll grab frozen ones or just use cherry juice. Frozen cherries are great—they can go straight into the drink, no thawing needed.
Cherry juice is super convenient and honestly, it saves a bit of time. For a non-alcoholic twist, I swap out vodka for lemon-lime soda.
Sometimes I’ll use lemonade instead of limeade, especially if I’m in the mood for something a little softer or less tart.
If I’m craving more fizz, I’ll add some sparkling water instead of half the limeade. On days when I want it less sweet, I just use unsweetened cherry juice and skip any extra sugar.
Sometimes I’ll toss in a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange, just to shake up the flavor a bit. I steer clear of those flavored syrups—they tend to make things taste a little too artificial for my liking.
