✔ Updated · step photos, the real ingredients and a party pitcher version
This copycat Sonic cherry limeade is just Sprite, fresh lime, cherry syrup and lots of crushed ice, and it's ready in 5 minutes. I make it all summer when I want that fizzy, sweet-tart drive-in sip without the drive.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Use real lime wedges, not bottled juice. Squeezing them right into the glass and leaving them in is what gives it that fresh, slightly bitter Sonic edge.
Why You'll Love This Cherry Limeade
- Tastes like the drive-in, fizzy, tart and cherry-sweet.
- Just 5 ingredients, no blender, no syrup to cook.
- Easy to switch up, swap the cherry for any flavor you like.
What's in a Sonic Cherry Limeade?
It's simpler than you'd think. The drive-in version is lemon-lime soda (Sprite), fresh lime wedges, cherry syrup and a maraschino cherry over their soft nugget ice. There's no secret powder or mix, which is why this copycat tastes so close.
Copycat vs. drive-in, side by side:
| Drive-in | My copycat | |
|---|---|---|
| Soda | Sprite | Sprite or any lemon-lime soda |
| Lime | Fresh wedges | 3 squeezed wedges plus 1 to garnish |
| Cherry | Cherry syrup and a cherry | Maraschino syrup and 2 cherries |
| Ice | Nugget ice | Crushed or nugget ice |
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- The ice matters. Sonic is famous for its soft, chewable nugget ice. Crushed ice is the closest at home, and it chills the drink fast without watering it down too quickly.
- Keep everything cold. Cold soda poured over cold ice stays fizzy. Warm soda foams up and goes flat in minutes.
- One stir only. Stirring hard knocks the bubbles out. I give it one slow turn with the straw and let the syrup swirl on its own.
- Diet version. Use Sprite Zero or any zero-sugar lemon-lime soda and a sugar-free cherry syrup. It drops to around 20 calories.
- Other flavors. Swap the cherry syrup for blue raspberry, strawberry or watermelon syrup, or skip the syrup for a plain lime-only limeade.
Copycat Sonic Cherry Limeade
1
20-ounce drink5
minutes190
kcal5
minutesA copycat Sonic cherry limeade: fresh lime wedges squeezed and dropped into a glass of crushed ice, topped with cold Sprite (or any lemon-lime soda) and cherry syrup, finished with maraschino cherries. Fizzy, tart and sweet in 5 minutes.
Ingredients
1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
2 cups crushed or nugget ice
12 ounces cold Sprite or other lemon-lime soda
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry syrup (from the jar) or cherry syrup
2 maraschino cherries
Directions
- Squeeze 3 of the lime wedges into a 20-ounce glass and drop the squeezed wedges in too.
- Fill the glass to the top with crushed or nugget ice.
- Pour in the cold Sprite slowly so it doesn’t foam over, leaving about an inch of room.
- Drizzle in the cherry syrup and give it one gentle stir so the red swirls through without knocking out the fizz.
- Top with the maraschino cherries and the last lime wedge, add a straw and serve right away.
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Grown-Up Cherry Limeade (Contains Alcohol)
For adults of legal drinking age only. Add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka or white rum to the glass before the soda and stir once. This version contains alcohol, so please drink responsibly and never drive after drinking.
The recipe card above is already a mocktail, so everyone else gets the classic cherry limeade.
More Copycat Drinks
Need a snack with it? My fried pickles are a great salty partner. For more sips, try my McDonald's-style sweet tea or a caramel frappuccino.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sonic limeades carbonated?
Yes. Sonic-style limeades are made with Sprite, a lemon-lime soda, so they're fizzy. My copycat uses Sprite or any lemon-lime soda for the same bubbles. For a still version, use lemonade or limeade concentrate mixed with water instead.
What is in a Sonic cherry limeade?
The drive-in drink is lemon-lime soda, fresh lime wedges, cherry syrup and a maraschino cherry over ice. That's exactly what I use at home: Sprite, 3 squeezed lime wedges, 2 tablespoons cherry syrup and 2 cherries.
Can I use 7UP instead of Sprite?
Yes. Any lemon-lime soda works, including 7UP, Sierra Mist-style sodas or store brands. Club soda or sparkling water make a much less sweet version, so add an extra tablespoon of cherry syrup.
How do I make cherry limeade for a crowd?
In a pitcher, combine the juice of 3 limes, 6 more lime wedges and 1/2 cup cherry syrup. Right before serving, add a 2-liter bottle of cold lemon-lime soda, stir once and pour over glasses of crushed ice. Makes about 6 drinks.
Can I make an adult cherry limeade?
Yes, for adults of legal drinking age: add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka or white rum to a 20-ounce glass. That makes it an alcoholic drink, so label it clearly at parties and keep the regular cherry limeade for kids and anyone not drinking.
