Chicken Free Cherry Lime Soda

Total time30 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.5

(14)

That deep ruby cherry syrup is the star of this refreshing homemade soda, and once you see it pooling over ice, you'll understand why store-bought cans just don't compare. Fresh or frozen sweet cherries get simmered down with honey and a splash of water until they release a jewel-toned, naturally sweet syrup that smells absolutely incredible. Bright lime juice cuts through the sweetness with just the right amount of tartness, and chilled sparkling water brings the whole thing to life with satisfying fizz. The technique of pouring the sparkling water slowly down the side of the glass is a small but genius move that keeps every sip perfectly bubbly. It comes together with pantry-friendly ingredients and zero complicated steps, making it an ideal drink for warm afternoons or whenever you want something that feels a little special. Garnish with a fresh cherry and a lime wedge and it looks like something you'd pay way too much for at a trendy café.

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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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