If you’ve ever had the Sonic Cherry Limeade, you’ll know just how refreshing and sweet it is. It has that delicious lime flavor, a pop of cherry sweetness from maraschino syrup, and it tastes extra refreshing served over lots of ice (especially that crunchy Sonic-style ice!)
We’ve made this drink so many times on hot afternoons, and it’s always a hit. It comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients, and that cherry lime combo is so refreshing, the whole family can’t get enough.
If you loved this, try Strawberry Lemonade, Homemade Lemonade, Mint Julep, or Orange Julius. And for another Sonic copycat, be sure to check out our Ocean Water recipe.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Quick and Easy Drink. Comes together in just a few minutes with a handful of ingredients.
- Copycat Favorite. Tastes just like the drive in version, maybe even better!
- Balanced Flavor. Sweet cherry and tart lime work perfectly together.
- Easy Assembly. No special tools or steps needed.
Sonic Cherry Limeade Ingredients
- 7UP or Sprite (1 can, 12-ounce): Provides the fizzy, sweet base for the drink.
- Cherries (2): Adds classic cherry flavor and a fun garnish.
- Lime (½ wedge): Adds fresh citrus flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Ice (as needed): Keeps the drink cold and refreshing. Nugget ice works great if you have it.
- Maraschino Syrup (2 tablespoons): Gives that signature cherry sweetness and color.
How to Make Cherry Limeade
LAYER. Place 2 cherries and ¼ lime in the bottom of your drink.
Add ice and then your pop.
GARNISH. Add 2 tablespoons of Maraschino Syrup and juice from ¼ lime.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Use Crushed Ice: Nugget or crushed ice gives it that classic texture. Sonic ice, also known as pebble ice, nugget ice, and pellet ice.
- Fresh Lime Matters: Fresh juice gives the best flavor. There is about 1 tbsp of juice in a quarter lime.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice: As an alternative, use the syrup from the maraschino cherry jar instead of purchasing a bottle of syrup.
- Serve Immediately: Best when cold and fizzy.
- Make it a Slushy: Put the limeade in a quart size ziploc and seal completely. Place the quart bag into a gallon Ziploc. Fill it with ice and rock salt. You will need 1tbsp salt for every 11 large ice cubes. Seal the gallon bag closed. Shake the bag for 5 minutes or until the punch turns to a slushy texture. Add more salt and ice as needed. The bag gets pretty cold, so I suggest putting on gloves or mittens.
Sonic Cherry Limeade Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) can 7UP, or Sprite
- 2 cherries
- ½ lime wedge
- ice, We used Sonic's ice
- 2 tablespoons Maraschino Syrup
Instructions
- Place 2 cherries and ¼ lime in the bottom of your drink.
- Add ice and then your pop.
- Add 2 tablespoons of Maraschino Syrup and juice from ¼ lime.
Notes
- Use Crushed Ice: Nugget or crushed ice gives it that classic texture. Sonic ice, also known as pebble ice, nugget ice, and pellet ice.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less syrup based on your taste.
- Fresh Lime Matters: Fresh juice gives the best flavor. There is about 1 tbsp of juice in a quarter lime.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice: As an alternative, use the syrup from the maraschino cherry jar instead of purchasing a bottle of syrup.
- Serve Immediately: Best when cold and fizzy.
- Make it a Slushy: Put the limeade in a quart size ziploc and seal completely. Place the quart bag into a gallon Ziploc. Fill it with ice and rock salt. You will need 1tbsp salt for every 11 large ice cubes. Seal the gallon bag closed. Shake the bag for 5 minutes or until the punch turns to a slushy texture. Add more salt and ice as needed. The bag gets pretty cold, so I suggest putting on gloves or mittens.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
This Cherry limeade is best when consumed quickly after mixing up, but can be made up to a day ahead of time and kept in the fridge
Store leftover drink in the fridge for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be aware that the carbonation in the soda will diminish with storage.
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This recipe was first shared April, 2014.
Thx I fixed the limeade for a wedding and they loved it lol
Yay!! It is always a hit 🙂 Thank you for making it & letting me know!
Hi l am sweet stuff
I love your copy cat sonic cherry lemonade
But I want to make a full punch bowl of this lemonade
So what all do I need
Sweet. Stuff
What is so special about Sonic’s ice? do they add something to their ice or is it just crushed differently?
It is crushed ice. I wish my fridge made it like that!! It’s the best!
what is Sonic Ice…is it regular ice just crushed in food processor/blender….or should I use the pop to make the ice and crush it…I am diabetic so I know I have to use diet pop….I love your recipes…please keep them coming…ty
Sonic ice is crushed ice. It just melts in your mouth and it’s small and I just love it. Diet soda will work just as good:) Thank you for trying recipes and keep coming back!
Sonic makes a diet cherry limeade here in Dallas!
I love going to Sonic and getting their Limeade it is yummy and I bet you will have lots of fun with your grandma the alligator park is fun
You can probably just use the syrup from a jar of maraschino cherries
You can bet I’m going to make this, maybe grand daughters might like some also. I love Sonics but only get some on happy hour. I’d never been to a sonic either til we moved to Bowling Green, KY area. That was a special treat when we went into town, lived about 30 miles north of B.G. Then we moved to Grand Junction, CO area (live about 15 miles west of G.J. ) and love going to sonic there. Hobby Lobby, Walmart, $tree, other great stores close by. We really loved it when Sonic was having 50 cent corn dogs from 3 to 5. A nice inexpensive lunch for 2 old folks on SS. Wish they’d get corn dogs back for 50cents again. Do love me some cherry limeade tho. We have 2 sonics in town but only one by HL gives refills for free.
Happy summer days. Adorable little girl.
Thank you!! This recipe tastes just like the real thing! Let me know if you give it a try. If you like Sonic Cherry Limeade, you’ll love this!