Last updated on July 1st, 2026 at 05:03 pm
If you love the sweet and tangy flavor of cherry limeade, this canned cherry limeade concentrate is a fun way to preserve that refreshing summer drink and enjoy it long after cherry season ends.
Made with real cherries, bottled lime juice, sugar, and water, this homemade version creates a bright cherry flavor with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Unlike many copycat Sonic cherry limeade recipes that rely on maraschino cherries and artificial color, this recipe uses fresh cherries for a deeper, more natural flavor. It's one of my favorite ways to preserve summer fruit because a few jars of concentrate can turn into countless glasses of homemade cherry limeade throughout the year.
Key Takeaways
- Made with real cherries and bottled lime juice for safe water bath canning.
- Creates a shelf-stable cherry limeade concentrate that stores beautifully in the pantry.
- Mix with water, sparkling water, or lemon-lime soda when ready to serve.
- A great way to preserve fresh cherries during peak season.
- Perfect for hot weather, backyard barbecues, and summer gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
On our homestead, preserving seasonal produce is a big part of how we stock our pantry and reduce food waste. This cherry limeade concentrate recipe was developed and tested in my home kitchen using water bath canning methods to create a shelf-stable drink concentrate with bright cherry flavor and fresh lime. By combining practical canning experience with simple ingredients, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy a refreshing homemade drink long after cherry season has passed.
This cherry limeade concentrate has become a family favorite because it's incredibly versatile. On a hot day, we mix it with ice water for a refreshing drink. For special occasions, it can be combined with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a homemade treat that tastes surprisingly similar to Sonic's cherry limeade.
The best part is that a single pint jar makes multiple servings of cherry limeade, making it a practical addition to your pantry.
What Is Cherry Limeade Concentrate?
Cherry limeade concentrate is essentially a sweetened cherry syrup made with cherry juice, lime juice, sugar, and water. Instead of canning a ready-to-drink beverage, you're preserving a concentrated mixture that can later be diluted to your preferred strength.
Think of it as the homemade version of frozen juice concentrate, except it's shelf stable and ready whenever you need a quick and refreshing summer drink.
Ingredients You'll Need
Fresh Cherries
Sweet cherries work wonderfully for this recipe, but tart cherries can also be used if you prefer a little extra tang. Fresh cherries provide the best flavor, although frozen cherries can be substituted when fresh fruit isn't available.
Bottled Lime Juice
For safe canning, bottled lime juice is recommended because the acidity level is standardized. Fresh lime juice can vary from one lime to another, making it difficult to guarantee a safe final product.
Granulated Sugar
The sugar helps balance the tartness of the cherries and limes while creating the classic cherry limeade flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Water bath canner
- ForJars Canning jars and lids (code HOLLIS saves you 10%)
- Jar lifter
- Fine mesh strainer
- Large stockpot
- Ladle
- Funnel
- Bubble remover
- Clean towels
How To Make Cherry Limeade Concentrate
Start by washing and pitting the cherries. A paring knife works well, or you can use a cherry pitter if you have one.
Place the cherries into the blender and blend until as smooth as possible.
Optionally, strain the blended cherries through a fine mesh strainer to remove any large pieces of pulp or skins.
Return the strained cherry juice to the pot and add the sugar and bottled lime juice. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. There is no need to boil the concentrate.
Ladle the hot concentrate into hot prepared jars, leaving a generous 1-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe the rims, and apply lids and rings until fingertip tight.
Process in a boiling water bath canner.
If you enjoy homemade drink concentrates, be sure to try my Huckleberry Lemonade Concentrate and Cranberry Juice Concentrate recipes. Both are great for stocking your pantry with canning recipes that make it easy to enjoy refreshing fruit drinks year-round while making the most of seasonal ingredients.
Cherry Limeade Concentrate for Canning
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9 cups pitted cherries
- 3 cups lime juice bottled
- 3 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare a boiling water bath canner and heat clean canning jars.
- Wash, stem, and pit the cherries.
- Place the pitted cherries in a blender or food processor and purée until smooth.
- If desired, strain the cherry purée through a fine mesh metal strainer to remove some of the skins and pulp for a smoother concentrate.
- Pour the cherry purée into a heavy-bottom stockpot.
- Add the lime juice and sugar. Heat over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Carefully ladle the hot cherry limeade concentrate into hot prepared jars, leaving a generous 1-inch headspace.
- Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace if needed.
- Wipe jar rims with a towel dampened with vinegar.
- Apply lids and bands until fingertip tight.
- Place jars in the boiling water bath canner and process for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude if necessary.
- Remove jars and place them on a towel-lined counter. Allow jars to cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours.
- Check seals. Remove rings, rinse jars if needed, label, and date before storing in a cool, dark place.
To Serve
- Mix 1 pint of cherry limeade concentrate with 2 to 3 pints of cold water, depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- Serve over ice and garnish with fresh lime slices or cherries if desired.
Video
Notes
- Straining the cherry purée is optional but creates a smoother concentrate.
- Bottled lime juice is recommended for consistent acidity when canning.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for best quality.
- Refrigerate after opening.
- Leave a generous 1-inch headspace to avoid siphoning after canning. This mixture gets very bubbly and can expand during the canning process.
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