Description

This Creamy Vanilla Cherry Limeade Pitcher is a sweet, tangy, and ultra-refreshing summer drink that’s anything but ordinary! Fresh or frozen cherries blend with zesty lime juice and just the right touch of honey before getting topped with a dreamy vanilla yogurt swirl. Serve it non-alcoholic or with vanilla vodka for an easy crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Beautiful in a glass and bursting with layered flavor—this is the pitcher recipe you’ll want on repeat all season long.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cherry Limeade Base:

2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
¼ cup honey or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
1½ cups cold water or club soda
1 cup ice

For the Creamy Swirl:

½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
2–3 tablespoons milk (to thin as needed)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or vanilla syrup

Optional (for Boozy Version):

½ cup vanilla vodka

Optional Garnishes:

Thin lime slices
Maraschino cherries
Fresh mint sprigs

Instructions

Make the Cherry Limeade Base:
Add cherries, lime juice, honey (or sweetener of choice), and cold water or club soda to a blender. Blend until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve if a smoother texture is preferred. Pour into a large pitcher and stir in the ice. Chill for at least 10 minutes.
Add Alcohol (Optional):
If making the boozy version, stir in vanilla vodka after blending.
Prepare the Creamy Swirl:
In a small bowl, whisk together the vanilla Greek yogurt, milk, and syrup until smooth and pourable. Add more milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
Serve:
Fill glasses with ice and pour in the cherry limeade. Drizzle the creamy swirl over the top of each glass and gently stir to create a marbled effect. Garnish with lime slices, cherries, or mint sprigs if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Frozen cherries work just as well as fresh—just thaw slightly before blending.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based yogurt and non-dairy milk.
Taste the limeade base before adding the full amount of sweetener; adjust based on your cherries’ sweetness.
The base can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Add the creamy swirl just before serving.
Garnishes are optional but really elevate the presentation—especially if you’re serving guests!
Recipe easily doubles for larger gatherings—just be sure to use a larger pitcher or beverage dispenser.