A Vodka Cherry Limeade is the homemade adult version of your favorite summer refreshment! The combination of lime, cherry, and vodka is refreshing and tangy, with just the right hint of sweetness. It’ll make you feel like a kid again, but with the perks of being an adult 😉

about this vodka cherry limeade cocktail

Do you ever get into those modes where you seem to reminisce every five seconds?

I don’t know if it was seeing one of my best friends get married a couple weeks ago or simply the summer kicking in, but I feel like memories are flooding me at every single turn. 

Lately, I have been dreaming about those lazy summers that I would spend out of school but not old enough to have to worry about working.

Back then, Sonic was THE place to go and I was ALL about the Sonic cherry limeade that came in the biggest size possible (alongside a burger and fries of course).

We would sit around their benches and tables, giggling about what happened at the pool that day or gossiping about our latest crushes.

I just remember vividly being SO refreshed by that classic summer drink with the cherry flavors and tart lime… So I’m revamping the favorite recipes, just for us adults! The boozy cherry limeade vodka combination is just out-of-this-world tasty.

ingredients

vodka – when choosing a vodka for this cherry vodka limeade, I always advise that you pick the best vodka that is in your price range. There’s no need for it to be the top end that you might use for a martini where vodka is the star of the show since this is a mixed cocktail.

I recommend Tito’s or Absolut (splurge for Absolut Elyx if you can!). I do not recommend using a flavored vodka like cherry vodka or limeade vodka (apparently it’s a thing?).

limeade – choose your favorite limeade! I love Santa Cruz Organic Limeade! I can find it in any grocery store here in Colorado, but I know it might not be widely available. 

Simply Limeade is another tasty option, but you can use whatever brand is your favorite.

grenadine – I know you can make this syrup at home, but I prefer to buy it. You can find it at your local grocery store or any liquor store.

lemon lime soda – we all have a lemon lime soda preference, and I am a Sprite kinda gal. Choose whatever lemon lime soda you prefer to drink since you’ll have extra on hand!

cherries – I love to have a few maraschino cherries for garnish (along with lime wedges), just to get the look perfectly on point. Fresh limes are a great garnish too, whether in wedges or wheels.

this recipe’s must-haves

As you’ll see below, you need to literally shake things up to make this cocktail! I personally recommend a sturdy Boston cocktail shaker if you’re looking for something to add to your home bar.

Be sure you have a cocktail strainer to strain the drink into a glass and a bar spoon to stir it all up with. 

I like to serve these cocktails in mason jars because it’s a simple, yet rustic presentation that always looks awesome. 

More summer cocktail recipes: Grilled Lemon Lime Mojito / Salted Watermelon Grapefruit Paloma / Peach Tequila Sunrise Punch / Orange Dreamsicle

here’s how to make a vodka cherry limeade

shake

First, you start with shaking up the base ingredients for the cocktail up with some ice to get the ingredients nice and chilled. Not to mention well combined.

strain

Next you strain that mixture into a mason jar filled halfway with crushed ice. I mean, crushed ice is kind of a must when it comes to making a cherry limeade right? It’s oh-so Sonic 😉

add bubbles

The finishing touch is the bubbly lemon-lime soda to give the cherry limeade that final burst of refreshing coolness. Finish it off with some more ice and a pretty cherry & lime wedge garnish!

tips for success

get a good quality limeade. this is not the time to break out the frozen concentrate. Invest in a tasty limeade because it’s one of the stars of the show!

make it a punch! serving a crowd? Try making this a punch by quadrupling the recipe. The measurements for this are 2 cups vodka, 2 cups limeade, 1 cup grenadine, and 1 cup lemon lime soda. Mix it all together in a large pitcher filled with ice.

what kind of limeade should I use?

My personal favorite brand is Simply Limeade (i.e. the peeps who make Simply Orange). It’s refreshing, really flavorful, and it has all-natural ingredients.

You can use any brand you like of course, or you can make homemade limeade if that’s your jam!

can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Since this is a bubbly cocktail, I do not recommend making it ahead of time because it will lose the bubbles! This recipe is very simple to make, so it’s best to make right before serving.

is this drink sweet?

As someone who doesn’t love overly sweet drinks, I don’t find this drink too sweet. However, if you are looking for something that is less sweet, you could use a lemon lime flavored sparkling water instead of the lemon lime soda.

You could also use plain sparkling water with a splash of lemon juice and lime juice if that’s all you have on hand!

can I make this recipe non-alcoholic? 

Yes you can make this a mocktail! Simply skip the vodka and add a couple extra ounces of soda to balance it out. Perfect for the days when you don’t want to drink, or if you want something fun for the kiddos to drink!

Need some more inspiration for happy hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with a vodka cherry limeade

This vodka cocktail is perfect for all your favorite meals and appetizers, especially those that are fresh off the grill! You can serve it up with any of your favorite summer recipes.

If you are looking for some inspiration, here are some ideas to get you started with your menu planning:

If you want to make it a true Sonic-esque experience, serve up crunch cheeseburger sliders for appetizers or a french onion burger for dinner!

Cover all your bases with some spicy savoriness to pair with these drinks for a party! Chipotle chili cheese dip is a fantastic pairing for a party or an afternoon casual hangout on the patio.

Finally, if you make this spiked cherry limeade recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

It really means the world to me!