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Cherry Limeade…for reals

home cherry limeade

I have a big ole weakness in my local food loving heart…I love Sonic’s Cherry Limeade. I would drink a quart of it each and every day if I didn’t harbor deep suspicions about it’s red food dye and other likely unnatural components. Plus I’m cheap, and it seems to me that $2.00 for a non-alcoholic drink is just too much.

Naturally there was only one solution, make my own cherry limeade and boy-oh-boy, I nailed it. All you need is fresh limes, sparkling water, simple syrup*, and Lorann natural cherry flavoring. Squeeze the limes and put the juice in a quart container. Add the 1/2 cup of simple syrup and 1/4 teaspoon of cherry flavoring and top off witht he sparkling water. Stir and serve over ice. I guarantee this beverage will put a smile on your face. If you want a diet version I think you could substitute splenda, equal, or truvia for the simple syrup. Best of all there’s no ugly red food dye to worry about.

We even make our own sparkling water with the Soda Club carbonation system. We’ve been using this for over a year and it has saved us so much money and hassle. If you drink sparkling water this is a product to check out.

*Simple syrup is made with equal parts water and sugar. Heat both up in a saucepan, stirring constantly, until the sugar is totally dissolved. Refrigerate.

September 6, 2009 | Filed Under food 

comments

10 Responses to “Cherry Limeade…for reals”

  1. Emily on September 6th, 2009

    Holy cow, I am so glad I’m not the only one with a weakness for Sonic’s Cherry Limeade! As soon as I can afford them, I’m buying a set of varied oils! Have you tried and do you like any of the other flavors?

    I also saw cherry seltzer in the store recently and the first thing I thought of was cherry limeades. Totally on the same wavelength!

  2. MadLisa on September 6th, 2009

    I have no idea what a Sonic Cherry Limeade tastes like, but this sounds nice and refreshing!

  3. Andy on September 7th, 2009

    does any place in Madison carry those flavorings?

    looks great!

  4. Margie on September 9th, 2009

    Really cool! Thanks for the link to cherry flavoring. I’m thinking your Cherry Limeade would be a great base for a cocktail.

  5. Sues on September 13th, 2009

    Yum! I love that your cherry limeade is clear…. definitely sketched out by the bright red colorings :)

  6. Shanna on September 13th, 2009

    I came here following a Google search for “geek treats”, as I’ve been seeking finger-food-friendly snacks and heartier fare to offer for our gaming sessions.

    I love cherry-limeades too, and your recipe would certainly make a better choice than the gamer-standby of Mountain Dew.

    Thank you, THANK you!

  7. Rachel on September 27th, 2009

    I also have a closet weakness for Sonic Cherry Limeade and know it’s not good for me — plus the nearest Sonic is 10 miles away. I love this idea, but I also want to know if these flavors can be found in stores and, if not, are there any good substitutes.

    Thanks for the cool post!

  8. julie on October 8th, 2009

    You know rather than paying that full 2dolla you could go during happy hour which is between 2 & 4 pm drinks are 1/2 price. thats right your sonic limeade could be just $1.00.

    I have to tell you that we love them at my house. We buy the Route 44 size & take it home mix it with the alcohol of the day and make a lovely slushy sonic hard limeade….

  9. natalie on October 8th, 2009

    i love your blog. it is so great! I am so glad i found you. Not even sure how i did, but i’m glad i’m here!!
    natalie

  10. Bev on October 21st, 2009

    My son used to work at Sonic and he said the Limeades were made from Sprite and fruit flavoring. I think I would prefer the ingredients listed above.

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