Lemonade is a favorite drink to serve in the heat of summer. Adding fresh herbs or ripe fruit is a simple way to add extra flavor.

Here’s a recipe for homemade cherry lemonade. It’s flavored with a sweet cherry simple syrup and plenty of fresh squeezed lemon juice.

Homemade Cherry Lemonade Recipe
1 1/2 cups fresh dark sweet cherries
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
3 cups fresh cold water
Ice cubes
Lemon slices

To make cherry syrup: Remove and discard pits and stems from cherries. Cut cherries in half and place in a medium saucepan. Add sugar and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to boiling over medium heat. Simmer 3 minutes; remove from heat and let cool 30 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve; press cherries to release their juices. Discard cherry solids.

To make lemonade: In a pitcher combine cherry syrup, lemon juice and 3 cups fresh cold water. (Taste for sweetness. Add additional water if you prefer a less sweet lemonade.) Refrigerate until serving. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices.

Makes about 4 1/2 cups

Recipe Links:
Homemade Lemonade

Product Links:
OXO Good Grips Cherry Pitter
Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer, Lemon