Cherry Lemonade
To go with the cherry tiramisu, we also made a simple cherry lemonade using fresh cherries, lemon juice, and just enough sweetness to balance the tart flavors. It turned into such a refreshing summer drink—bright, fruity, and full of the beautiful color of ripe cherries.
Cherry Lemonade
Ingredients (makes about 8 cups / 1 standard 2‑quart pitcher)
2 cups fresh cherries, pitted (about 10–12 ounces)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
4 cups cold water (adjust to taste)
Ice
Lemon slices and extra cherries for garnish (optional)
Fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
Pit the cherries and place them in a blender.
Add the granulated sugar and the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the blender.
Blend on high until smooth, about 45 seconds.
Pour the cherry-lemon concentrate into a standard pitcher. Add 4 cups cold water and stir well. Taste and adjust: add more water for a milder flavor or 1–2 tablespoons more sugar if you prefer sweeter.
Chill in the refrigerator or serve immediately over ice. Garnish with lemon slices, whole cherries, and mint if desired.
Notes
For a slightly fizzy version, replace 2 cups of the water with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
To make a richer color and deeper cherry flavor, use dark sweet cherries (Bing or Lambert).
This recipe stores in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
