Cherry Lime Refresher

You'll only need a handful of simple ingredients, most of which are easy to find in any supermarket.
Frozen cherries - I use two 350g bags of frozen black (dark in the US) cherries. They're available all year round, usually cheaper than fresh cherries, and make a beautifully rich, fruity syrup.
Water - Combined with the cherries, this forms the base of the homemade syrup.
Lime juice - Just a small amount adds a fresh citrus tang that balances the sweetness of the cherries. Bottled lime juice works perfectly, or you can squeeze it from a fresh lime if you prefer. We're not adding much to the syrup as you'll get more lime flavour infused into each glass when you add the lime slices.
Caster sugar - Sweetens the syrup and helps give it that glossy, syrupy consistency. Caster sugar dissolves quickly, making it ideal for this recipe.
Sparkling water - This is what transforms the syrup into a refreshing, fizzy drink. Use chilled sparkling water for the best results.
Fresh lime slices - Added to each glass before serving, they bring an extra burst of fresh lime flavour and make the drink look even more summery. If you can't add lime slices, you can add lime juice to taste on serving.
Ice - will keep the drink perfectly cold and refreshing, especially on hot summer days.

Yes, absolutely. If you only have granulated sugar, it will work just fine. I use caster sugar because its finer crystals dissolve more quickly, helping the syrup come together a little faster and giving it a smooth finish.

Granulated sugar may take an extra minute or two to dissolve while the cherries are simmering, but once it's fully dissolved, you shouldn't notice much difference in the finished syrup or the flavour of the drink. Just make sure all the sugar has dissolved before removing the syrup from the heat.

It's completely up to you. Even after blending, the syrup will have a little natural cherry pulp, which gives it a lovely homemade texture. If you prefer a smoother, café-style syrup, simply pour it through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or jug before decanting it into an airtight bottle or jar for storage. Either way, it tastes just as delicious.

I haven't tested this recipe with still water, but you're welcome to give it a try. The sparkling water gives the drink its light, fizzy, refresher-style feel, so using still water will create more of a cherry lime cordial than a refresher. It'll still be fruity and refreshing, just without the bubbles.

I'd definitely recommend adding fresh lime slices if you can, as they infuse the drink with extra citrus flavour while you sip. That's why I've only added a small amount of lime juice to the syrup itself-the fresh lime slices provide the perfect balance to the sweetness of the cherries.

If you don't have any fresh limes, you can simply add a few extra drops of lime juice to each glass instead. Of course, you can also leave the lime out altogether if you prefer a sweeter drink, but you'll lose some of that fresh, tangy flavour that makes this refresher so well balanced.

Once the syrup has cooled completely, pour it into a clean, airtight bottle or jar and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks, making it perfect for mixing up quick, refreshing drinks whenever you fancy one. Give the bottle a gentle shake before using, as some of the natural cherry pulp may settle at the bottom over time.

Yes, older toddlers can enjoy this drink as an occasional treat. It does contain added sugar, so I wouldn't recommend it for children under 2 years old. For toddlers aged 2 and over, it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

If you're serving it to little ones, you can also make it a little lighter by using a smaller amount of the cherry syrup and topping up with extra sparkling water or still water if you prefer.

This recipe is naturally suitable for a variety of diets, making it a great homemade drink to share with family and friends.
Vegetarian - This recipe contains no meat, fish or animal-derived gelatine, so it's suitable for vegetarians.
Vegan - Made with fruit, sugar, water and sparkling water, this refresher is suitable for a vegan diet.
Gluten-free - None of the ingredients contain gluten, making this recipe suitable for those following a gluten-free diet. As always, double-check the labels on your sparkling water and lime juice if you're catering for someone with coeliac disease.
Dairy-free - There are no dairy ingredients in this recipe, so it's naturally dairy-free.
Nut-free - The recipe doesn't contain any nuts, although it's always worth checking ingredient labels if you're cooking for someone with a severe allergy due to manufacturing processes.

Please note that this recipe does contain added sugar, so it isn't suitable for low-sugar or sugar-free diets without making substitutions.