If you’re looking for the ultimate refreshing summer drink, this Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail Recipe is perfect for your BBQ plans. It’s bright, tangy, slightly sweet, and incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. The combination of cherries and fresh lime juice creates a bold, vibrant flavor that rivals any fancy cocktail—without the alcohol.
Planning a backyard cookout? This mocktail is the perfect refreshing contrast to smoky, savory dishes like these Thai BBQ Pork Spare Ribs—a match made for summer BBQs.
What is Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail Recipe?
A Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail is a non-alcoholic version of the classic Rickey cocktail, made with cherry syrup, fresh lime juice, and bubbly club soda. It’s a refreshing, fizzy drink perfect for summer gatherings, brunches, or anytime you want a crisp, citrusy beverage.
Jump to:
- What is Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail Recipe?
- Why This Recipe Works
- Why This Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail Recipe Is Better Than Store-Bought
- What is My Take on a Refreshing Summer Mocktail?
- Ingredients
- Key Ingredients
- How to Get the Best Flavor
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Variations
- What to Serve With Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail Recipe
- Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Storage + Make Ahead + Meal Prep
- Closing Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail Recipe
- Recipe
- Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail
- 💬 Comments
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Why This Recipe Works
- Uses real fruit for authentic flavor
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart
- Easy homemade cherry syrup base
- Naturally refreshing with lime and bubbles
- Great for parties, BBQs, or meal prep drinks
Why This Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail Recipe Is Better Than Store-Bought
Store-bought mixes often contain artificial flavors and tons of preservatives. This homemade version:
- Uses fresh lime juice instead of concentrate
- Has natural cherry flavor from real fruit
- Lets you control sweetness
- Tastes brighter, fresher, and more vibrant
What is My Take on a Refreshing Summer Mocktail?
This recipe leans into bold citrus flavor while keeping the cherry notes rich and slightly jammy. Unlike overly sweet mocktails, this one is crisp and balanced—perfect for hot weather and versatile enough to pair with savory dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen black cherries
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- Club soda/ lime seltzer
👉 Scroll down to the recipe card for a printable version of ingredients and instructions.
Key Ingredients
- Frozen black cherries – provide deep, rich fruit flavor
- Fresh lime juice – adds brightness and acidity
- Honey + sugar – creates a balanced sweetness
For a creamy dessert pairing after your drink, try this silky Instant Pot Flan
Step By Step Instructions
Step1: In a medium-sized saucepan, add cherries, honey, lime juice, and sugar, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Step2: After simmering for 10 minutes, remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Once cooled. Use a potato masher to mash the cherries.
Step3: Once mashed, strain the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer. Use the back of a large spoon to squeeze all the juice through the strainer.
Step4: Place the strained juice in the refrigerator and cool until completely cooled.
Step5: In a highball glass. Add 1 ½oz cherry juice and 6 oz of club soda or lime seltzer for extra lime flavor. Stir and fill with ice.
Cherry mixture makes about 10 drinks.
How to Get the Best Flavor
- Use fresh lime juice only (no bottled)
- Chill the cherry syrup completely before mixing
- Use high-quality seltzer for better fizz
- Adjust sweetness to taste
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not straining thoroughly (leads to pulp-heavy drink)
- Using warm syrup (kills carbonation)
- Over-sweetening the mixture
- Skipping the mash step (reduces flavor extraction)
Variations
- Add fresh mint for a cherry lime mint mocktail
- Use sparkling water with flavors like berry or citrus
- Add a splash of orange juice for complexity
- Turn it into a cocktail with vodka or gin
What to Serve With Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail Recipe
Pair this refreshing drink with savory, bold dishes:
- These crispy and flavorful Beef Empanadas
- Juicy and authentic Authentic Tacos De Pollo
- Bright and zesty Tacos De Camaron
The Cherry Ricky is the perfect Mocktail to serve for Memorial Day or Fathers Day Celebrations.
Expert Tips
- Make the cherry syrup ahead for quick assembly
- Store syrup in a squeeze bottle for easy pouring
- Add ice last to preserve carbonation
- Garnish with lime wedges or cherries
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, fresh cherries work great—just pit them first.
Up to 5 days refrigerated.
You can substitute with a sugar alternative, but flavor may vary.
Storage + Make Ahead + Meal Prep
- Store cherry syrup in the fridge up to 5 days
- Do not mix with soda until ready to serve
- Can be frozen in ice cube trays for later use
Closing Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail Recipe
This Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail Recipe is everything you want in a summer drink—refreshing, vibrant, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you're hosting a party or just cooling off on a hot day, this mocktail delivers bold flavor with every sip.
Did you make this Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail Recipe? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how they turned out!
Recipe
Cherry Lime Rickey Mocktail
Ingredients
- 2 cup black cherries frozen
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup lime juice fresh
- club soda or lime seltzer
Instructions
Cherry Lime Syrup
- In a medium-sized saucepan, add cherries, honey, lime juice, and sugar, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- After simmering for 10 minutes, remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Once cooled. Use a potato masher to mash the cherries.
- Once mashed, strain the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer. Use the back of a large spoon to squeeze all the juice through the strainer.
- Place the strained juice in the refrigerator and cool until completely cooled.
Mocktail
- In a highball glass. Add 1 ½oz cherry juice and 6 oz of club soda or lime seltzer for extra lime flavor. Stir and fill with ice.
Expert Tips:
- Make the cherry syrup ahead for quick assembly
- Store syrup in a squeeze bottle for easy pouring
- Add ice last to preserve carbonation
- Garnish with lime wedges or cherries
Comments
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