Ginger Free Cherry Lime Soda

Total time30 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.5

(14)

That deep ruby cherry syrup is the star here — simmered down with honey until it's glossy, fragrant, and packed with real fruit flavor. Paired with bright fresh lime juice and a generous pour of sparkling water, this drink hits that perfect balance of tart, sweet, and refreshing. So many store-bought sodas and flavored sparkling waters sneak in ginger as a "natural flavor," making them a minefield if you're trying to avoid it — this one is completely homemade, so you know exactly what's in every sip. The syrup comes together in just one small saucepan, and once it's strained and cooled, assembly is as simple as pouring over ice. It's the kind of drink that looks stunning without much effort, especially with a few fresh cherries and a lime wedge perched on the rim. Make a double batch of the syrup and keep it in the fridge — it's just as good the next day.

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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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