Spiked Cherry Limeade

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A yummy sweet-tart cocktail that will cheer up anyone, this cherry limeade goes down easy and is easy to make.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American, Southern

Keyword: spiked cherry limeade, Summer

Servings: servings

Calories: 210kcal

Author: Katie

Equipment

Large pitcher
Long spoon for stirring
Measuring cup
Sharp knife

Ingredients

1 12-ounce can frozen limeade concentrate (thawed in fridge)
1 cup vodka (your preferred brand or flavor)
40 ounces water (or the amount specified on the limeade concentrate package)
1 cup grenadine
fresh lime slices (for garnish)
maraschino cherries (for garnish)

Instructions

Combine the limeade base. In a large pitcher, add the thawed limeade concentrate. Then, pour in the vodka and 40 ounces of water, or the amount specified on your limeade concentrate package, to make sure the perfect balance of flavors. Stir well to combine.
Add the grenadine. Slowly pour the grenadine along the side of the pitcher, allowing it to settle slightly below the limeade. Use a long spoon to gently stir, just enough to mix the flavors slightly while keeping the beautiful gradient effect intact.
Prepare the garnishes. Using a sharp knife, cut enough fresh limes into rounds so that you have a few slices for each serving. Adjust the number of slices based on your personal preference for garnishing.
Serve. Fill each serving glass halfway with ice cubes. Place a couple of lime slices over the ice in each glass. Slowly pour the cherry limeade over the ice, allowing the layers to remain slightly separated. Finally, add some maraschino cherries to each glass for a sweet finish. Before serving, gently stir each drink to blend the flavors just a bit while keeping the layers visually distinct.

Notes

For a perfectly chilled limeade, make sure to keep the limeade concentrate, water, and vodka in the fridge before mixing. This makes the drink more refreshing from the start.

Since vodka is a key ingredient, using a mid-range or higher-quality brand will make a noticeable difference in taste. Cheap vodka can have a harsh flavor that might overpower the limeade and grenadine.

When adding vodka and grenadine, you should use a measuring cup to make sure you add the right amount of each ingredient and keep the flavors in balance.

When you're adding grenadine, stir the mixture slowly and gently to maintain the beautiful gradient effect in the drink, with the grenadine settling slightly below the lighter limeade.

If available, use larger ice cubes or ice spheres instead of smaller ones or crushed ice. Larger ice melts slower, which prevents the drink from getting diluted quickly while you enjoy it.

Want a non-alcoholic version? Don't add vodka, and use 1 ½ cups more water. This will maintain the drink's taste and freshness without any alcohol.

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