Summer is here, and with it comes the need for refreshing drinks that quench our thirst and brighten up our days. One of the most underrated fruits when it comes to summer drinks is the tart cherry. Its sweet-tart flavor adds a delightful twist to traditional summer beverages like lemonade and iced tea, making it a perfect ingredient for hot weather. In this article, we’ll share 20 refreshing tart cherry juice recipes that will keep you cool and satisfied all season long.
From classic combinations like banana and almond butter smoothies to fizzy limeades and spritzers, our list has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a healthy drink to power your summer workouts or just want a tasty pick-me-up after a long day at the beach, we’ve got you covered.
So, grab a glass of ice-cold water (or not – these recipes are meant to be enjoyed straight away!) and let’s dive into our collection of tart cherry juice recipes perfect for summer.
Tart Cherry Juice Smoothie with Banana and Almond Butter
This refreshing smoothie combines the sweet and creamy flavors of banana and almond butter with the tangy tartness of cherry juice. Perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen tart cherry juice
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 2 tbsp almond butter
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the sliced bananas, almond butter, and unsweetened almond milk to a blender.
2. Pour in the frozen tart cherry juice.
3. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy.
4. Add ice cubes if you want a thicker consistency.
5. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the desired texture is achieved.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend and enjoy!
Sparkling Tart Cherry Limeade
Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a refreshing pick-me-up any time of the year, this Sparkling Tart Cherry Limeade combines the sweetness of cherry juice with the brightness of lime and the fizz of sparkling water.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups tart cherry juice
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 liter sparkling water
– Ice cubes
– Sliced limes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine tart cherry juice and freshly squeezed lime juice.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Add ice cubes to the pitcher and stir again.
4. Pour in the sparkling water and stir gently.
5. Serve immediately and garnish with sliced limes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Tart Cherry and Pomegranate Mocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing and fruity mocktail featuring tart cherries and pomegranate juice. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion where a bubbly drink is desired.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tart cherry juice
– 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup sparkling water
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the tart cherry and pomegranate juices.
2. Stir in the lemon-lime soda and sparkling water until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding honey if desired.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This mocktail is ready in no time.
Iced Tart Cherry Green Tea
This recipe combines the subtle sweetness of green tea with the tangy flavor of tart cherries, perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart brewed green tea (cooled)
– 1 cup tart cherry juice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Slices of lemon and lime for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled green tea and tart cherry juice.
2. Stir in the granulated sugar until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve the Iced Tart Cherry Green Tea over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with lemon and lime slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in no time.
Tart Cherry Lemonade with Fresh Mint
This recipe combines the tartness of cherries with the brightness of lemon and the cooling sweetness of fresh mint, creating a unique and revitalizing summer drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen tart cherries
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cherry pits and stems (if using frozen cherries, omit this step).
2. Add lemon juice and sugar; stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add water and stir to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, add chopped fresh mint leaves and stir gently.
6. Serve over ice cubes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Tart Cherry and Ginger Spritzer
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing and flavorful spritzer, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tart cherry juice (unsweetened)
– 1/2 cup ginger ale
– 1/4 cup sparkling water
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– Slice of fresh ginger for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tart cherry juice and ginger ale.
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
5. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill and enjoy
Tart Cherry Coconut Water Refresher
A refreshing and revitalizing drink perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up. This Tart Cherry Coconut Water Refresher combines the natural sweetness of coconut water with the tanginess of tart cherries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup coconut water
– 1/2 cup frozen tart cherry juice
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large glass, combine coconut water and frozen tart cherry juice.
2. Stir until the juice is fully dissolved.
3. Add honey if you prefer your drink sweeter.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
5. Stir well to chill the mixture.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Tart Cherry and Orange Sunrise Juice
Start your day with a refreshing and revitalizing juice that combines the sweetness of oranges with the tanginess of tart cherries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen tart cherries, pitted
– 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the tart cherries and water to a blender or juicer.
2. Blend or juice until the mixture is smooth and the cherries are fully broken down.
3. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any pulp or sediment.
4. Squeeze in the freshly squeezed orange juice.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding honey if desired.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Serve over ice cubes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a quick and easy recipe that’s ready in under 10 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious Tart Cherry and Orange Sunrise Juice!
Tart Cherry Berry Blast Smoothie
A refreshing blend of tart cherries, mixed berries, and creamy yogurt, this smoothie is perfect for a hot summer day or as a healthy pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen tart cherries
– 1 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries)
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup almond milk
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine frozen tart cherries, mixed berries, Greek yogurt, and honey.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add almond milk and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as desired.
5. Serve immediately, or add ice cubes and blend again if you prefer a thicker, colder smoothie.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
Tart Cherry and Pineapple Cooler
A refreshing summer drink that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the tartness of cherries, perfect for hot days or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tart cherry juice
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pitcher with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the tart cherry juice and pineapple juice.
3. Add the lemon-lime soda and stir gently to combine.
4. Stir in the chopped fresh mint leaves.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready to serve as soon as it’s assembled.
Enjoy your Tart Cherry and Pineapple Cooler on a warm day or anytime you need a refreshing pick-me-up!
Tart Cherry Chia Seed Drink
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of tart cherries with the nutty flavor of chia seeds, making it a perfect pick-me-up for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tart cherry juice (unsweetened)
– 2 tablespoons chia seeds
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds and 1/4 cup of the water to create a gel-like mixture. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large pitcher, combine tart cherry juice and remaining 1 3/4 cups of water.
3. Add the chia seed mixture to the pitcher and stir well.
4. If desired, add honey to taste and stir until dissolved.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 2-3 servings
Tart Cherry and Cucumber Detox Juice
Kickstart your day with a refreshing and rejuvenating juice that combines the sweetness of tart cherries with the cooling properties of cucumber. This detoxifying drink is perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon boost.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh tart cherries, pitted
– 2 cups cucumber slices (about 1 small to medium-sized cucumber)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Add the tart cherries, cucumber slices, and lime juice to a juicer.
2. Juice all the ingredients until well-combined and smooth.
3. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any pulp or fibers.
4. Stir in the water and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This is a raw juice recipe, so no cooking time is required.
Enjoy your delicious and detoxifying Tart Cherry and Cucumber Juice!
Tart Cherry Vanilla Almond Milk Shake
A refreshing twist on traditional milkshakes, this Tart Cherry Vanilla Almond Milk Shake combines the sweetness of vanilla with the tanginess of tart cherries and the creaminess of almond milk.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups frozen tart cherry mix
– 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine frozen tart cherries, vanilla almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker shake. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the desired consistency is reached.
4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (blending time)
Tart Cherry and Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic
This refreshing tonic combines the sweet-tart flavor of tart cherries with the tangy zip of apple cider vinegar, making it a perfect pick-me-up for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tart cherry juice
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Sparkling water (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large glass, combine the tart cherry juice and apple cider vinegar.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. If desired, add honey or maple syrup and stir until dissolved.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
5. Top with sparkling water, if desired, for added fizz.
6. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: None! This tonic is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Tart Cherry and Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic!
Tart Cherry and Blueberry Antioxidant Smoothie
This Tart Cherry and Blueberry Antioxidant Smoothie is a delicious way to support your body’s natural defenses. With the combined powers of tart cherries, blueberries, and spinach, you’ll be sipping on a superfood-packed drink in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen tart cherries
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 cups spinach leaves
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. Add the tart cherries, blueberries, spinach, and banana to a blender.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in the chia seeds and honey (if using).
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as desired.
5. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This smoothie is ready in just a few minutes of blending.
Enjoy your antioxidant-rich treat!
Tart Cherry and Mango Tropical Drink
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing and fruity drink that combines the tartness of cherries with the sweetness of mangoes. Perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a taste of sunshine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tart cherry juice
– 1 cup mango puree
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the tart cherry juice, mango puree, and pineapple juice. Stir well to mix.
2. Add the coconut milk and honey to the pitcher. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
3. Fill glasses with ice and pour the drink over the ice.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None required – just chill and serve!
Tart Cherry and Watermelon Hydration Juice
Stay refreshed and rejuvenated with this sweet and tangy juice recipe that combines the benefits of tart cherries and watermelon. This revitalizing drink is perfect for post-workout hydration or a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup tart cherry juice
• 2 cups watermelon chunks (about 4 cups cubed)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the tart cherry juice and watermelon chunks.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice and blend for another second or until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding honey if desired.
5. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (all blending)
Enjoy your refreshing Tart Cherry and Watermelon Hydration Juice!
Tart Cherry and Peach Iced Tea
Satisfy your thirst with a refreshing blend of tart cherry and sweet peach flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 1 cup fresh or frozen tart cherries, pitted
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 lemon slice (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the water and tart cherries. Let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
3. Add the diced peach to the cherry juice and stir gently.
4. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
5. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Just before serving, add ice cubes and a lemon slice (if using) to each glass.
Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is a quick and easy infusion process.
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Tart Cherry and Peach Iced Tea!
Tart Cherry and Kiwi Green Smoothie
Boost your energy with this refreshing and nutritious smoothie, packed with the tartness of cherries and the sweetness of kiwis.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen tart cherry juice
– 1 ripe kiwi, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon honey
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine tart cherry juice, kiwi, banana, and chia seeds.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add honey to taste and blend again.
4. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
5. Pour into a glass and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend and serve.
Enjoy your refreshing Tart Cherry and Kiwi Green Smoothie!
Tart Cherry and Honey Yogurt Parfait Drink
Elevate your morning routine with this refreshing and healthy drink that combines the sweetness of honey, the tartness of cherries, and the creaminess of yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup tart cherry juice (unsweetened)
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt and honey until well combined.
2. Add the tart cherry juice to the yogurt mixture and stir until smooth.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Pour the parfait drink over ice cubes (if desired) and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
This recipe makes one serving, but can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd. Enjoy!
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing tart cherry juice recipes! From classic lemonade to fruity smoothies and revitalizing spritzers, we’ve got you covered. Try our Tart Cherry Juice Smoothie with Banana and Almond Butter for a creamy treat, or go bubbly with Sparkling Tart Cherry Limeade. Other highlights include Iced Tart Cherry Green Tea, Tart Cherry Lemonade with Fresh Mint, and many more. With 20 recipes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect way to quench your thirst and enjoy the sunshine.
