Citric Acid Free Cherry Lime Soda

Total time30 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.5

(14)

A homemade cherry lime soda feels like summer in a glass — deep ruby red, perfectly fizzy, and bursting with real fruit flavor. The secret is a quick stovetop cherry syrup made with fresh or frozen cherries and a touch of honey, which gives the drink a natural sweetness that store-bought sodas just can't match. Fresh lime juice brings a bright, tart lift without relying on any processed citric acid additives, which are often hidden in commercial sodas and flavored drinks. That makes this a genuinely refreshing option for anyone who needs to avoid that common preservative and acidulant. The syrup comes together in minutes, and once it's cooled, assembly is as simple as pouring over ice and topping with sparkling water. Pouring the sparkling water slowly down the side of the glass keeps every sip beautifully effervescent right until the last drop. Garnish with a lime wedge and a few fresh cherries and it looks as good as it tastes.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

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.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!