Tasty Frozen Cherry Lime

Chilled and creamy, this blended cherry lime sip packs a zesty punch with a sweet kick. The mix of bold flavors and creamy half-and-half makes it super satisfying when the temperatures are high.

Ingredients

• Ice Cubes: 2 ½ cups, for that frosty slush factor.
• Half-and-Half (Optional): 2 tablespoons, blend it in for that smooth, thick vibe.
• Tart Cherry Juice: ¼ cup, brings that zing and deep color.
• Lime Juice: ¼ cup, squeeze two limes for the tang.
• Lime Zest: Use zest from one big lime or two small, for that sharp citrus pop.
• Water: ½ cup, mix with sugar for easy syrup.
• Sugar: ½ cup, makes things sweet in the syrup.

Instructions

Step 6:

Spoon the frozen cherry lime delight into four glasses and drink right away. Want to make it look fancy? Pop on a cherry or slide of lime.

Step 5:

Crank up the blender and mix till it's all icy and dreamy.

Step 4:

Toss in the lime syrup (½ cup), lime juice, cherry juice, half-and-half (if you're using it), plus all the ice, right into your blender.

Step 3:

Strain out the zest using a fine mesh strainer when the syrup's ready. Leftovers? Stash extra syrup in the fridge for about a week.

Step 2:

Once it's off the heat, stir in the grated lime peel. Clamp on a lid. Let it sit for an hour so the flavor soaks in.

Step 1:

Pour sugar and water in a little pot. Heat on medium. Mix sometimes till the sugar's gone—takes about 3 to 5 minutes.

Serving and Storage Tips

Right after you blend, pour this frozen cherry lime sipper and drink up! Top it with a cherry or a lime wedge for some flair. Best to polish off right away, but got leftover syrup? Stick it in a lidded container in the fridge (good for a week). Use it for another round or whip up a different cold drink soon.

Helpful Notes

Craving more creaminess? Add another spoonful of half-and-half before blending. Want it lighter? Just skip the dairy and get that pure cherry-lime kick.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Ina Garten likes to splash in club soda post-blend for bubbly refreshment. Bobby Flay says to use fresh tart cherries in season—really makes the flavors pop.

Why You'll Love This

Every sip balances punchy cherry and tangy lime, making it awesome for chill days. The smooth half-and-half puts a creamy spin on it, but it's still nice and light. You can whip this up in minutes and tweak it any way you like—less sugar, more citrus, up the creaminess, it's up to you.

Variations

Go dairy-free by swapping in coconut cream for a chill tropical taste. Splash in some rum or vodka and you've got a killer summer drink. Want something different? Sub in raspberry or pomegranate juice for a whole new flavor!