Refreshing Frozen Cherry Lime

My Whipped Frozen Cherry Limeade gives you a zingy summer cooler with a smooth, creamy feel thanks to the half-and-half. It hits that sweet-sour spot perfectly, making it your go-to drink when the weather gets hot.

What You'll Need

• Sugar: ½ cup to make a basic sweet syrup mix.
• Water: ½ cup to dissolve the sugar for your syrup base.
• Lime Zest: From 1 big lime or 2 small ones for that fresh citrus kick.
• Lime Juice: ¼ cup squeezed from about 2 limes for that sour punch.
• Tart Cherry Juice: ¼ cup to add some berry zing and pretty color.
• Half-and-Half (Optional): 2 tablespoons if you want that smooth, rich texture.
• Ice Cubes: 2 ½ cups to chill everything and create that slushy texture.

How To Make It

Step 1:

Mix sugar and water in a small pot and heat on medium. Keep stirring now and then until all sugar melts away, usually takes 3-5 minutes.

Step 2:

Add your lime zest to the mix, then take it off the heat. Put a lid on it and let it sit for an hour so the lime flavor soaks in good.

Step 3:

When time's up, pour the mix through a fine strainer and throw away the zest bits. You'll have extra lime syrup you can keep in the fridge for about a week.

Step 4:

Pour 1/2 cup of your lime syrup into a blender along with lime juice, cherry juice, half-and-half if you want it, and all the ice.

Step 5:

Turn that blender up high and let it rip until all the ice gets crushed up and everything looks smooth and slushy.

Step 6:

Pour your frozen mix into four 8-ounce glasses and drink right away. If you're feeling fancy, stick a lime slice or cherry on top.

How to Serve and Store

Drink your Whipped Frozen Cherry Limeade right after you make it to get that perfect slushy feeling. Pop a lime wedge or cherry on top to make it look nice. This drink doesn't keep well once mixed, but you can save any leftover lime syrup in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container. It'll come in handy for more cool drinks later.

Extra Advice

Want it creamier? Just toss in another spoonful of half-and-half before you blend. Looking for something lighter? Skip the cream altogether and enjoy the pure lime and cherry flavors on their own.

Pro Chef Ideas

Ina Garten likes to add a splash of fizzy water after blending to give your limeade some bubbles. Bobby Flay says when they're in season, try using fresh tart cherries instead of juice for an even better flavor punch.

What Makes This So Good

You'll fall for this drink because it nails that perfect mix of lime tang and cherry tartness that cools you down when it's hot out. The half-and-half gives it a silky touch that's rich but not heavy. It's super quick to whip up and you can tweak the sweet, sour, or creamy parts just how you like them.

Mix It Up

Don't do dairy? Try using coconut cream instead of half-and-half for a vacation vibe. Want an adult version? A splash of vodka or rum turns this into a perfect backyard party drink. Feeling adventurous? Switch out cherry juice for raspberry or pomegranate for a whole new taste adventure.