Blend up this easy, no-sugar added Cherry Lime Slush for a refreshing and healthy summer drink!
The deep, rich color of cherries hints at the abundant nutrients inside. My sugar optional Cherry Lime Slush recipe is the perfect way to enjoy them!
Before I get into the recipe, I want to add a few tips on creating refreshing and healthy summer drinks. I like to call them slushies but slush pops in every now and then too.
How to make a healthy slushie
- Use frozen fruit. Many recipes use fruit and ice. That’s fine but I say skip the extra step. Frozen fruit provides the same icy effect. Plus it’s less watery.
- Use a high-powered blender. A good machine will easily puree cherry skins (for example) so that you get a smooth drink.
- Add enough liquid. I like to use flavored sparkling water to add a bit of fizz and flavor to my slushies but you can also use club soda or fresh lime or lemon juice. Add more liquid for a thinner drink and less for a thicker, spoonable slushy!
- Skip the sugar. You can in fact cut back on or skip the sugar in this recipe altogether. Start by tasting the fruit. If it’s super sweet, you won’t need any extra sweetener.
What’s the best fruit for a slushie?
- Fresh seasonal fruit. Buying fruit in season means you’re likely getting sweeter, tastier fruit. So, buy up a bunch of fresh peaches, blueberries, grapes, or cherries this summer to use throughout the year.
- Frozen fruit. I mention buying and freezing fresh summer fruit above but there’s no shame in walking to the freezer aisle at the store and buying what’s on sale. Frozen mango, pineapple, and strawberries are all delicious options!
This recipe is a great way to use up extra fresh cherries. After using cherries to make muffins, hand pies and eating fresh ones every chance I could, I ended up with a few bags of leftover cherries recently.
To freeze cherries: Rinse the cherries. Pit. Arrange in a single layer on a parchment or silicone mat lined baking sheet. Freeze the cherries until solid. Remove the cherries and store in a freezer-safe bag or other container.
Now, you have plenty of frozen cherries to use for smoothies, slushies and more!
Now (when it’s 97 degrees outside) is the perfect time to sip and savor this Cherry Lime Slush!
Reminiscent of that icy, syrupy sweet concoction that spins at the local convenience store, I wanted it to taste like a Slurpee. Luckily, this recipe can be made in much less time than it takes to get to the store or that drive-up burger place which shall remain nameless.
OK. Sonic. I’ll admit. I’ve never had Sonic’s Cherry Limeade but I’ve always wanted to try it. Now, there’s no need. This one satisfies my craving for something sweet, healthy and refreshing!
I pitted and froze my cherries at the peak of the season and they are super sweet so I didn’t need any sugar. Using frozen cherries removes the need for ice too.
If your cherries are super sweet, try the recipe first without the sugar. You may be pleasantly surprised by the flavor plus you get to drink more that way. It’s basically an easy way to drink your cherries… maybe while sitting on the deck with a book and wishing the summer will never end.
Easy, healthy slushies for the summer
Cheers!
Cherry Lime Slush
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen dark sweet cherries
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes juiced)
- 2 cups lime sparkling water
- ¼ cup sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender. Puree until smooth. Serve and enjoy immediately.
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
this looks amazing. Love that color!
Marisa
Thanks, Jessica! The color is unbelievable!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This + poolside + sun = perfect 😉
Marisa
Couldn’t agree more!
athletic avocado
I love that this is so easy to make! looks so refreshing 🙂
Marisa
It is so refreshing! I still have a bunch of frozen cherries left so I’ll definitely be making it a few more times before the summer ends.
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats
Cherry Lime Slushes are the best. This looks great
Marisa
Thanks, Melanie!