In the small town I grew up in, there was one main road down the middle of town and when we got a Sonic put in next to the gas station, it was a big deal. Watch out everybody, we’re big city now.
My favorite drink has always has been a cherry limeade. So refreshing, bubbly and perfectly tart and sweet. I especially love the cherry and squeezed limes at the bottom to nosh on once the drink is gone.
I don’t frequent Sonic much anymore (unless we get a serious craving for Peach Iced Tea), but a craving for something cherry and lime occasionally still persists. Enter: This smoothie. 5 ingredients, tart and sweet, and perfect as a healthy breakfast on the go.
It starts with loads of cherries and fresh lime juice for that quintessential cherry limeade flavor. Ripe nectarine adds creamy texture and a sweet touch that’s neutral but complements the cherries perfectly. Almond milk adds creaminess, while ice chills everything down.
It’s like a breakfast cherry limeade to-go. Yes, please.
This smoothie is like summertime in a glass. It’s
Creamy
Cold
Citrusy
Cherry-infused
Perfectly tart-sweet
Naturally sweetened
Vegan and gluten-free
& Highly portable
Most mornings we have a smoothie of some form for breakfast and I definitely see this making an appearance in our weekly rotation. Not to mention, it would make an awesome popsicle if you had leftovers. Just sayin’.
Hope you enjoy this smoothie as much as we have. If you make it, you know what to do: Snap a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram so we can be cherry limeade buds. OK? K. Cheers!
Cherry Limeade Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 ripe nectarine or peach (sliced)
- 1 heaping cup fresh or frozen cherries (add less ice if using frozen)
- 3/4 cup almond milk (or sub water or other non-dairy milk)
- 1-2 medium limes (juiced // depending on preferred tartness)
- 1 handful ice
OPTIONAL ADD-INS:
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1 handful spinach
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust flavors as needed, adding more cherries for sweetness and more lime for tart.
- Recipe as originally written yields 2 small smoothies or one large smoothie. Optional: Freeze leftovers into Popsicles.
Suzanne Baker says
Made this on a 100 F day. Delicious. I didn’t have a ripe peach so used roughly equivalent fresh mango and used the juice of one lime. Made enough for the three of us to have a small smoothie in the afternoon. We all loved it!
Yum! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Suzanne! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Traci says
This is such a great tasting smoothie!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Traci! Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Sabrina says
Loved this smoothie. Thank you!
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Sabrina! xo
Sara says
I made this smoothie once before with frozen peaches and cherries, and I was unsure about it. This time, I made it with a fresh ripe peach and fresh ripe cherries, homemade almond milk (using the MB recipe), a handful of ice and juice of 2 limes. It came out tart and delicious, but not very sweet. I froze about half into popsicles and blended the remaining serving with 1 Tbsp Tropeaka vanilla protein powder and it is so delicious. I’m still waiting for the popsicles to freeze, so haven’t tried them yet. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing, Sara!
Iralyn says
Perfect refreshing smoothie for summer and healthier version of the standard “cherry limeade”! I made with only 1 lime (since I was sharing with a toddler), put in the spinach, 1/2 tsp chia + 1/2 ground flax, and used coconut water for the liquid. Will definitely be making again!
Thanks for sharing your modifications, Iralyn- they sound lovely! xo
Sharlen Smith says
So good!! I didn’t have frozen cherries, but I had fresh cherry juice from the tree in our garden. I blended the juice with peaches, limes, and frozen coconut milk cubes. A perfect summer drink!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Sharlen! Thanks so much for sharing!
Sneha says
This was delicious. Perfect combo of sweet and tart. Will be making this again many more times.
Sarah says
Thanks for this smoothie recipe! It is was so refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. I used coconut water for the liquid, and it was delicious!
Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Sarah!
Amanda says
I’ve quit drinking sodas for years but there are times I CRAVE a cherry limeade, especially in 100 degree Texas. I’m happy I found this and can’t wait to try this!!
Yay! Glad to hear this recipe satisfied your craving, Amanda!
Heather says
Is it OK to use canned peach or nectarine? thanks :)
Yes and Yes!
Heather says
Thank you, thank you!
Evie says
wow! This cherry limeade smoothie looks is awesome. I have not tried, I can not resist the Enticement to see! thanks for share…
Julia LeGrand says
This is just yummy! A fun summer treat and easy to make with the Costco bag of frozen organic cherries. My husband is a smoothie convert for these flavors.
cassandra says
Could I use mineral water so I can still get your fizz fix? Lol
Brittney says
This is fantastic! I added about 1/4c of oats just for bulk because smoothies are my lunch. Delicious! My daughter loves it, too.
Kirstie says
This smoothie is AMAZING! I recently purchased a HUGE basket of cherries from the farmer’s market and was on a search to figure out what to do with them. This recipe was one of the many I made with the cherries I bought, and by far my favourite! The taste of these keeps you wanting more. I have made this recipe multiple times over the past two weeks and am still loving it!
Thanks for sharing this!
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Kirstie!
Kyle done says
I’m sure this is good if got high dollar equipment but I don’t have juicer so just chopped lime up and put in blender.and blender didn’t do good job.so had to dump out smoothie because of chunks of lime and cherry were too much
T says
Try putting the liquid in first then add the solid ingredients a little at a time.
Claudipops says
Sorry for my ignorance, but, what is ‘sub water’ please?
joey says
Sub water = substitute water. It’s not a type of water. It’s a command.
sarah says
Just found this recipe! I’m pregnant and have been addicted to cherry limeades! Could you use kefir instead of almond milk or would it make it too thick?
Marla Meridith says
Gorgeous fruity smoothie!
Julia says
I love this! Lime always add such a yummy punch to smoothies. I’ll have to try the cherry-lime combo for tomorrow’s breakfast. :)
Rosanna says
I could eat cherries everyday.. but it’s even better if you can drink your cherries!.. Just made this smoothie with frozen cherries and a frozen peach!.. YUM! Thanks Dana!
hippymomelizabeth says
I love Cherries! And this looks great with all the heat.
Gaby says
Smoothies and blizzards?!! Amazing!!
cheyenne says
sounds delicious, thanks for sharing!
xo, cheyenne
Ana says
I have no idea what the sonic version is like, but in 200% sure that this version is 400% better.
I like your math ;D
Shannon at www.strippedchic.com says
This sounds absolutely perfect to me! I’m now craving cherries!
Anne says
Lovely!!! Love smoothies and this one looks especially inviting. I’m just too lazy to get my blender out… Every time I use it, it starts leaking out the bottom… Uggg. So want this right now.
Debra @ Worth Cooking says
Love those vibrant colors! I am stuck in “banana smoothie” land, so will have to give this a try. Cherry limeade is one of my favorite flavor combos.
Me too! I almost always go for bananas in smoothies. This is a nice, lower sugar departure from that. Hope you enjoy it, Debra!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says
Oh gorgeous! A healthy version of my childhood fav. Yum!
Tomas says
This is delicious! I only had to change the recipe a bit because cherries are long time gone here where I live. I used our home made cherry jam instead in smaller amount (1/2 cup) and added 1/2 cup of water because it was too thick with the jam. Result is probably also sweeter because of added sugar in the jam. Thanks for inspiration!
Of course! Glad you enjoyed it!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
I love this smoothie recipe – why have I never put cherries in a smoothie before? I can’t wait to try this recipe next time I have cherries in the house :)
Millie l Add A Little says
This looks great Dana! I love the combination of flavours – sweet but slightly tart!
dixya@food, pleasure, and health says
i would love this kind of smoothie for breakfast everyday.
Kyla @ Two Cups Cacao says
I love Sonic Cherry Limeades too! When I read this, I swore you were reading my mind. I so wish I had cherries right now, but this looks so crazy good I’m going to have to run to the store to pick some up. Definitely going to try this.
Holly says
I adore Sonic’s cherry limeade, so I really need to try this!
Tammy says
This smoothie is another reason you are my favorite…taking something that sounds amazing, and making it even better! Pinning this, and making it as soon as possible! Summer in a glass!
haha, thanks Tammy! You’re kind. Hope you enjoy it!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I don’t make smoothies enough. Which seems odd because I made them a ton during the winter but now I forget during the hot summer months. This one sounds right up my alley.
Kate @ Almond Butter Binge says
Yay! I have been looking for a new smoothie to mix up my breakfast game, and this one looks so refreshing, especially with that nectarine in there. Thanks for sharing!
Katie says
Sonic for the win! We live across the street for one, and I’ve been wanting to make healthier versions of some of their drinks (cherry limeade is #1 on the list!). Thank you!
Yaya! You’re such a healthy, creative mama :D
Lisa says
Looks amazing! yum!!
Danielle @ Chits and Chats and Chocolate says
I don’t go to Sonic much, but, this does look delicious! I love that you added nectarines!
Yeah, gives it that creamy, sweet texture. Hope you love it!
Tom @ Raise Your Garden says
Wow I was just craving a smoothie. Cherries with a little kick of lime sounds splendid. I actually just purchased peaches as well. I’m making this today!
Just bought peaches? It’s destiny. DO IT!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
I’ve never had a cherry limeade and now you make me feel like I’m missing something! haha. I think I’ll just skip it and go right to this smoothie. I love cherries and lime so I’m sure I’d love this.
Sarah | The Sugar Hit says
This smoothie is KILLER. I dig a cherry limeade, and this is that, but actually good for me? Bonus!
Emma says
Smoothies really nice! Almost tastes like candy. I used frozen sour cherries so mine came out very tart but I added some honey and it was great!
PS. People!!! Please don’t rate the recipes if you haven’t made them!!! I hate feeling like the recipe doesn’t have an accurate rating when so many people will give it 5 stars for “looking good”