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The flavors of this Cherry Lime Simple Syrup Recipe will remind you of childhood and classic cherry limeades. Combining the bright tastes of cherries and zesty summer limes, this syrup is perfect for soda drinks, cocktails, lemonade, and more.
Cherry and lime are one of those classic summer American flavor combinations that’s just so refreshing during the hot summer months, and this syrup is quick and easy to make.
I first shared this recipe in 2011. It really needed an update, and a place of its own. It shared the page with my Small Batch Cherry Lime Jam for many years. So, I’ve updated the photos, information, and recipe for you here.
With the heat where I live, I add all sorts of drinks to my days to help stay hydrated. If you want to mix up your drink rotation too, be sure to try my Strawberry Basil Lemonade, which uses my Basil Simple Syrup, Lavender Lemonade, and Cinnamon Simple Syrup which is great in Orange Cinnamon Moscow Mules.
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Please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe. I read all the comments myself and I try to help as soon as I can. I have readers from all levels of comfort and experience in the kitchen on my site, and I’ve tried to answer some of your questions already in the post. But if I’ve missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and ask.
What can I use this syrup in?
Besides pouring the syrup into club soda or Sprite or 7Upfor a simple carbonated drink, drizzle it into lemonade or limeade.
Add it to an Italian soda. Pour it over shaved ice for a frozen treat.
You could think of this as a super simple cherry lime rickey – just pour the syrup into soda water!
Brush it on a cake, or use it as a topping for ice cream.
The stewed cherries make a great addition to yogurt too!
Cocktails
This simple syrup is great in a cocktail. Mix it with vodka and serve over rocks.
The flavors of cherry and lime go really well with amaretto, bourbon, Grand Marnier, and rum.
Also, try mixing with a red wine, particularly a sparkling wine.
I think that cherries and lime are a match made in heaven! If you do too, be sure to check out my cherry lime mocktail drink.
How to make cherry simple syrup
To make this cherry lime syrup you only need a few ingredients.
Be sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card for full ingredient amounts and instructions.
Place sugar, water, and lime zest in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, let the sugar dissolve, and boil for one minute.
Take off of the heat, and add in the cherries.
Let steep for 20 minutes and strain out the solids.
The syrup will keep in the fridge for a few weeks.
What kind of cherries should I use?
Use your favorite cherries! Or use what’s on sale at the store or Farmer’s Market.
I’ve used Bing cherries, Rainier cherries, frozen cherries, fresh cherries. Heck, you could even use maraschino cherries in this. Have fun with it!
How to Freeze Cherries
Since I bought a big bag of cherries to make this, I had a bunch leftover. I froze the leftovers for use later, and wanted to share how to do it.
- Wash the cherries.
- Remove the stems and pit the cherries. I like this cherry pitter from Amazon. You can also slice the cherries in half with a knife, cutting around the pit, and remove the pit with your fingers.
- Spread pitted cherries in a single layer on a rimmed cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place cherries in freezer.
- Once the cherries are frozen, place them in freezer ziptop bags.
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Recipe
Cherry Lime Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- zest of one lime
- ½ cup pitted cherries
Instructions
- Place sugar, water, and lime zest in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, let the sugar dissolve, and boil for one minute. Take off of the heat, and add in the cherries. Let steep for 20 minutes and strain out the solids.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations, and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
Patricia
Hi, If I used frozen cherries should I defrost them first?
Debi
Patricia, Yes, I’d suggest defrosting them first. You could even put them in the fridge the night before to defrost them.