This Whipped Frozen Cherry Limeade is a refreshing blend of fresh lime juice, tart cherry juice, and a touch of half-and-half, all whipped together with ice to create a deliciously creamy and tangy summer drink. Perfect for cooling off on a hot day, this limeade has a balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a smooth, frosty texture. The addition of half-and-half adds a creamy twist, but you can leave it out for a lighter version. Serve it in tall glasses with a slice of lime or a cherry on top for a delightful presentation.
This Whipped Frozen Cherry Limeade is a tangy and refreshing summer drink, with a creamy twist from the addition of half-and-half. The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors makes this drink a hit on a hot day.
INGREDIENTS
- Sugar: ½ cup, used to create a sweet simple syrup.
- Water: ½ cup, combined with sugar to make the simple syrup.
- Lime Zest: Zest of 1 large lime or 2 small limes, adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Lime Juice: ¼ cup, freshly squeezed from 2 limes, provides a tangy base.
- Tart Cherry Juice: ¼ cup, for a pop of tartness and vibrant color.
- Half-and-Half (Optional): 2 tablespoons, adds a creamy texture to the drink.
- Ice Cubes: 2 ½ cups, to make the limeade slushy and cold.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Stir in the lime zest, then remove the saucepan from heat. Cover and let the mixture steep for 1 hour to infuse the lime flavor.
- Step 3:
- After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the zest. You'll have extra lime simple syrup; refrigerate any leftovers for up to 1 week.
- Step 4:
- Add 1/2 cup of the lime simple syrup, lime juice, cherry juice, half-and-half (if using), and ice to a blender.
- Step 5:
- Blend the mixture on high until the ice is crushed and the texture becomes slushy and smooth.
- Step 6:
- Divide the Whipped Frozen Cherry Limeade among four 8-ounce glasses and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with a slice of lime or a cherry on top for a decorative touch.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Whipped Frozen Cherry Limeade immediately after blending to enjoy its refreshing slushy texture.
- Garnish each glass with a lime slice or a cherry for added presentation.
- This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but any extra lime syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Use it for future limeades or other refreshing drinks.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add an extra tablespoon of half-and-half to the blender before mixing.
- For a lighter version, you can omit the half-and-half and enjoy the tart cherry and lime flavors on their own.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten suggests adding a splash of club soda after blending for a bit of fizz in your frozen limeade.
- Chef Bobby Flay recommends using fresh tart cherries when they’re in season for an even more vibrant cherry flavor.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- This drink is a perfect balance of tangy lime and tart cherry, making it a refreshing option for warm weather.
- The creamy texture from the half-and-half adds a unique twist, making it indulgent yet light.
- It’s quick to make and easy to customize, so you can adjust the sweetness, tartness, or creaminess to your liking.
VARIATIONS
- For a non-dairy version, use coconut cream instead of half-and-half for a tropical twist.
- Add a splash of your favorite spirit, like vodka or rum, to turn this limeade into a refreshing summer cocktail.
- Try using other fruit juices like raspberry or pomegranate for a new flavor profile.