Artificial Flavors Free Vegan Cherry Limeade with Lime Zest and Ice
Tart, fizzy, and deeply refreshing, this cherry limeade is the kind of drink that makes you feel like summer arrived early. Every sip delivers real fruit flavor — bright lime juice, fragrant zest, and the bold depth of tart cherry — without a drop of artificial flavoring in sight. Store-bought flavored drinks and cocktail mixes are notorious for sneaking in synthetic additives, so making your own from scratch is the cleanest way to get that punchy, vibrant taste you're after. The agave simple syrup comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop, and stirring in fresh lime zest while it's still warm pulls out every bit of citrus oil for maximum flavor. Tart cherry juice gives the whole pitcher a gorgeous ruby color and a fruity complexity that goes way beyond basic lemonade. A gentle pour of sparkling water at the end keeps things bubbly without flattening the carbonation, so each glass stays lively right down to the last sip. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing pitcher drink that tastes like it came from a fancy café — made entirely with ingredients you can actually recognize.
About FigFig 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
4 servings
For the simple syrup
- ½ cup agave syrup
- ½ cup water
For the limeade
- ¾ cup fresh lime juice (from about 6 limes)
- 1 tbsp lime zest (from about 2 limes)
- 1 cup tart cherry juice
- 2 cups sparkling water
For serving
- 2 cups ice
- 4 lime slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the agave syrup and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the agave is fully dissolved, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes until no longer warm to the touch.
- 2
Zest 2 limes directly into the cooled syrup and stir to combine, then juice enough limes to yield 3/4 cup fresh lime juice.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!