Is there anything more refreshing than a Cherry Lime Rickey on a hot summer day? ๐๐ This classic mocktail combines the sweetness of cherries, the tartness of lime, and a splash of sparkling water, creating a perfectly balanced drink thatโs both cooling and delicious. We first tasted this drink at a family gathering, and ever since, it has become our go-to refresher. Whether youโre lounging by the pool, hosting a barbecue, or simply craving something bright and refreshing, this drink is the answer.
We love how simple yet flavorful this Cherry Lime Rickey is. Itโs a fun twist on a traditional soda, and with just a few ingredients, youโll be sipping your way to bliss in no time!
๐ Why We Love the Cherry Lime Rickey
โ Refreshing & Sweet โ The cherries add the perfect natural sweetness without being too overpowering.
โ Citrusy & Zesty โ The lime gives this drink a tangy kick that keeps it lively and vibrant.
โ Customizable โ You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less syrup.
โ Non-Alcoholic โ This drink is perfect for any occasion, whether youโre relaxing solo or entertaining guests.
๐ก Fun Fact: The Cherry Lime Rickey dates back to the early 20th century, making it a timeless classic thatโs still loved today!
๐ Fresh Cherries โ The Star Ingredient
The cherry is the star of this mocktail, and itโs what gives the Cherry Lime Rickey its beautiful color and sweet flavor. We use fresh cherries for that vibrant, juicy taste, but you can also use cherry juice if you donโt have fresh cherries on hand.
When preparing the cherries, make sure to pit them first. We recommend using a cherry pitter for a quick and easy job, but if you donโt have one, a simple knife can do the trick.
๐ก Pro Tip: If you want to make your drink extra fancy, freeze some cherry halves and use them as ice cubes! Theyโll keep your drink chilled without watering it down.
๐ Fresh Lime โ The Perfect Zesty Twist
Lime is essential to making this drink really come to life. The fresh lime juice provides that zesty, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cherries. You canโt have a Cherry Lime Rickey without it!
We always squeeze fresh lime juice into our drinks for the best flavor. The lime zest is also a great addition if you want to amp up the citrusy aroma.
๐ก Fun Tip: Add a lime wedge to the rim of your glass for a decorative touch, and give your guests an extra squeeze of lime if they prefer a bit more tartness.
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๐ฅค The Sparkling Base โ Bubbles Make Everything Better
To bring everything together, we top off our Cherry Lime Rickey with sparkling water. The bubbles from the sparkling water make this mocktail extra refreshing and light, which is exactly what you want on a warm day.
If you like things a little sweeter, you can use club soda or a sparkling drink thatโs lightly flavored, but we prefer the clean taste of plain sparkling water. It lets the cherries and lime really shine.
๐ก Pro Tip: If you want a bit more sweetness, add a small splash of simple syrup or agave nectar to balance out the tartness from the lime.
๐น How to Serve the Cherry Lime Rickey
The best part about this drink is that itโs not only delicious but also beautiful. Serve it in a tall glass filled with crushed ice for the ultimate refreshing vibe. You can even muddle a few cherries at the bottom of the glass for an extra burst of flavor.
To make it extra fancy, garnish the drink with lime slices, fresh mint leaves, or even a maraschino cherry on top. The colors will pop, and the garnishes will add an extra touch of elegance to your presentation.
๐ก Fun Tip: Make this drink ahead of time and serve it in a pitcher for easy entertaining. Just keep the ice separate so it doesnโt dilute the flavor.
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๐ Cherry Lime Rickey โ Perfect for Any Occasion
This Cherry Lime Rickey is perfect for any occasion, whether youโre sipping it at a summer picnic, hosting a garden party, or simply enjoying a relaxing evening. Itโs a versatile drink that can be enjoyed by everyone, from kids to adults. Plus, itโs non-alcoholic, making it a great choice for those who prefer to skip the booze.
We also love how this drink can be easily customized to suit different tastes. Want to make it a little sweeter? Add more cherry juice or simple syrup. Prefer a tangier kick? Add extra lime! This drink is totally yours to personalize.
๐ก Fun Tip: If youโre serving a crowd, make a big batch of the Cherry Lime Rickey and pour it over ice when guests arrive. Itโs easy to make in advance and perfect for a summer soirรฉe.

๐น Cheers to the Perfect Summer Drink
We hope you enjoy this Cherry Lime Rickey as much as we do! Itโs the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing, making it the ideal drink for any warm day. Whether youโre lounging by the pool, hosting a barbecue, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, this mocktail will quickly become your go-to.
So, grab some cherries, squeeze that lime, and enjoy this delicious, bubbly treat! Cheers to a drink thatโs as refreshing as it is tasty! ๐๐๐น
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cherries pitted
- 2 oz fresh lime juice about 2 limes
- 4 oz gin
- 1 tbsp simple syrup optional, adjust to taste
- Soda water
- Ice
- Lime slices and cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Lime Rickey: In a cocktail shaker or glass, muddle the fresh cherries until they are well crushed and the juices are released.
- Add the lime juice, gin, and simple syrup (if using) to the shaker or glass.
- Fill the shaker or glass with ice and shake or stir well until the mixture is chilled and combined.
- Serve the Rickey: Strain the mixture into two glasses filled with ice.
- Top each glass with soda water and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish: Garnish each glass with a lime slice and a few whole cherries.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Cherry Lime Rickey
๐ Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Cherry Juice?
Yes! Fresh cherries are a great option. Just muddle them well before mixing with the lime juice and soda to release the flavor. You can also blend them for a smoother drink.
๐ Can I Use a Different Citrus Instead of Lime?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different citrus flavor, lemon works beautifully in this recipe as a substitute for lime.
๐ฅค Can I Make This Drink Without Soda Water?
Yes! If you donโt have soda water, you can use club soda, sparkling water, or even ginger ale for a different twist on the drink.
๐ฏ Can I Make This Drink Sweeter?
Definitely! If you like a sweeter drink, you can add a little more simple syrup, honey, or agave syrup, depending on your taste.
๐ฟ Can I Add Herbs to This Drink?
Yes! Fresh mint or basil pairs wonderfully with the cherry and lime flavors. Just muddle a few leaves in with the cherries for a refreshing herbal twist.
๐ก๏ธ How Do I Make a Larger Batch for a Party?
You can easily batch this drink for a crowd by multiplying the ingredients and serving it in a large pitcher. Add the soda water just before serving to keep it bubbly.
We hope these tips help you make the perfect Cherry Lime Rickey! Cheers! ๐๐๐ฅค
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