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Honey-sweetened cherry limeade with vanilla bean; refreshing summer drink.
Lady Maria

Honey Sweetened Fresh Cherry Limeade Vanilla Dream

This homemade cherry limeade is elevated with the delicate floral notes of vanilla bean and the richness of honey, creating a bright, refreshing, and unbelievably delicious drink. Perfect for summer afternoons, this recipe balances tartness and sweetness for a truly magical experience.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh cherries Bing, Rainier, or sweet variety
  • 1/2 cup honey raw, unfiltered preferred
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 4-6 cups cold water
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh cherries, for garnish optional
  • Lime wedges, for garnish optional
  • Sprig of mint, for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Cherry pitter (optional)
  • knife
  • Cutting board
  • Blender or food processor
  • Fine-mesh sieve (optional)
  • Juicer
  • Small saucepan
  • whisk
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Large pitcher
  • Spoon or stirring utensil
  • Refrigerator
  • Glasses for serving
  • Ice cube trays (optional)

Method
 

  1. Pit and halve the fresh cherries. Use a cherry pitter or slice them in half and remove the pit with a knife.
  2. Place the pitted cherries in a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth to create a vibrant cherry puree.
  3. For a smoother limeade, strain the cherry puree through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing down on the solids to extract all the juice. This step is optional.
  4. Juice 6-8 limes, or enough to yield about 1 cup of fresh lime juice.
  5. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of honey with 1/2 cup of water. Split 1 vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan.
  6. Heat the honey mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the honey is completely dissolved. Bring to a simmer and then remove from the heat. Let it cool completely, allowing the vanilla flavor to infuse the honey. Discard the vanilla bean pod.
  7. In a large pitcher, combine the cherry puree (strained or unstrained), lime juice, and vanilla-infused honey syrup.
  8. Add 4-6 cups of cold water, depending on your desired sweetness and tartness. Start with 4 cups and add more to taste.
  9. Stir the limeade thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best taste, chill longer.
  11. Serve over ice, garnished with fresh cherries, lime wedges, and a sprig of mint, if desired.

Notes

For a more intense vanilla flavor, let the vanilla bean infuse the honey syrup overnight in the refrigerator. If you don't have a vanilla bean, substitute 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, adding it to the pitcher with the other ingredients. To make it sparkling, substitute sparkling water or club soda for some of the still water. Store leftover limeade in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the limeade in ice cube trays for later use.