Barley Free Cherry Lime Soda

Total time30 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.5

(14)

That deep ruby cherry syrup swirling through a glass of fizzy lime soda is genuinely one of the prettiest drinks you can make at home, and it tastes even better than it looks. Fresh or frozen sweet cherries get simmered down with honey and a splash of water until they release a rich, jewel-toned syrup that's bright and naturally sweet. A squeeze of fresh lime juice cuts right through the sweetness, giving the whole drink a tart, refreshing edge that keeps you coming back for another sip. Because this recipe is built entirely from fruit, honey, and sparkling water, there's nothing hidden to worry about — no grain-derived additives, no malt-based flavorings, just clean, simple ingredients you can see and trust. Pouring the sparkling water slowly down the side of the glass is a small step that makes a real difference, keeping every sip perfectly effervescent. Garnish with a couple of fresh cherries and a lime wedge and it looks like something from a craft cocktail bar, no bartender required.

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Ingredients

2 servings

For the cherry syrup

1 cup fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted
¼ cup water
2 tbsp honey

For serving

3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
1 ½ cups sparkling water, chilled
1 cup ice cubes
2 lime wedges (optional)
4 fresh cherries, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1
Combine the pitted cherries, water, and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally and pressing the cherries gently with a spoon, until the cherries have softened and released their juice and the liquid is a deep ruby color, about 5 minutes.
2
Pour the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer set over a small bowl or measuring cup, pressing the solids firmly to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the solids. Let the cherry syrup cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.

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