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.
So refreshing! I shall be making these often. Thank you.
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the drink!
I just made this!! My Wife and I both LOVED this recipe. thanks
You’re welcome! So glad you both enjoyed it!
Our Sonic closed a few years ago so when I saw this recipe, I knew I needed to try it.
It’s my go to – but now I need an ice machine. 😄😄
due to covid summer activities have been super limited. One way we stay busy is trying out cool drinks. We love sonic and were going to try out your slushy tip!
A refreshing drink that requires very little. Taste like the real thing!
I am so excited to have this recipe..thank you! We love it! It’s so refreshing & perfect all summer!
Favorite happy hour drink at Sonic! This tastes just like it! So excited to make it all summer long!
I just made this!! My husband and I both LOVED this recipe. thanks
Isn’t it great?! Glad you both liked it!
Sonic ice is pebble ice, IT’s airy, they sell pebble ice machines on amazon
Sonic ice is the best!
Sounds yummy will definitely try this weekend
It is!! Hope you like it!