If you need a bright, bubbly drink for a party, this Easy Cherry Lemonade Punch for a Crowd is a simple recipe that looks beautiful and tastes refreshing. It has the sweet flavor of cherry, the tart freshness of lemonade, and the fizzy party feel that makes punch so easy to serve at gatherings.
This is the kind of drink that works well for summer cookouts, graduation parties, baby showers, church gatherings, birthday parties, and family get-togethers. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and looks great in a large pitcher, punch bowl, or drink dispenser.
If you enjoyed our Strawberry Lemonade Punch for a Crowd, this cherry version is another easy lemonade-style punch to keep on hand. It has that same bright party-drink feel, but with a bold cherry flavor and a deeper red color.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Lemonade Punch
This punch is easy to make, pretty on the table, and simple enough for just about any gathering. It does not require any unusual ingredients, and the flavor combination is familiar enough for both kids and adults.
You’ll love this recipe because it is:
- easy to make in minutes
- great for serving a crowd
- bright, fruity, and refreshing
- kid-friendly and non-alcoholic
- perfect for spring and summer parties
- easy to double for larger gatherings
Ingredients
- 1 bottle, 64 ounces, cherry lemonade, chilled
- 1 can, 12 ounces, frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 1 bottle, 2 liters, lemon-lime soda, chilled
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 to 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, optional
- 2 to 3 cups ice
Optional garnish:
- extra lemon wheels
- extra cherries
- fresh mint leaves
How to Make Cherry Lemonade Punch
1. Mix the lemonade base
In a large punch bowl or drink dispenser, pour in the cherry lemonade, thawed lemonade concentrate, and cold water. Stir until everything is fully combined.
2. Add the fruit
Add the maraschino cherries, lemon slices, and fresh or frozen cherries if using. Stir gently.
3. Add the bubbles
Right before serving, pour in the lemon-lime soda. Stir gently so the punch stays fizzy.
4. Serve cold
Add ice just before serving, or serve the ice in glasses on the side so the punch does not get watered down too quickly.
Tips for the Best Cherry Lemonade Punch
Make sure all of your ingredients are chilled before mixing. This keeps the punch cold longer and helps you use less ice.
Add the soda last so the punch stays bubbly and fresh.
If you want the punch to look extra pretty, use a clear drink dispenser and add lemon slices and cherries right before serving.
For a stronger cherry flavor, use frozen cherries along with the maraschino cherries.
If you are planning a larger event and are not sure how much punch to make, check out How Much Punch Do You Need for a Party? before you start mixing.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can mix the cherry lemonade, lemonade concentrate, cold water, and fruit a few hours ahead of time. Keep the mixture chilled in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Wait to add the lemon-lime soda and ice until right before serving.
If you are making this for a large party, prep the fruit and chill the drinks the night before so the punch is quick to assemble.
Easy Variations
Make it less sweet
Use half lemon-lime soda and half sparkling water.
Make it extra cherry
Add frozen cherries to the punch bowl before serving.
Make it for a church gathering
Serve it in a large drink dispenser with cups, napkins, and ice nearby. If you are planning a church meal, picnic, or fellowship event, you may also like our Easy Church Potluck Fruit Punch or Easy Church Picnic Punch for a Crowd.
Make it for a summer party
Serve it with cookout foods, fruit trays, pasta salad, chips, dips, and easy desserts. For another bright summer drink, try our Pineapple Orange Party Punch.
What to Serve with Cherry Lemonade Punch
This punch pairs well with:
- grilled chicken
- burgers and hot dogs
- pasta salad
- fruit trays
- sandwiches
- chips and dips
- cupcakes
- cookies
- brownies
- brunch casseroles
- church potluck foods
For another pretty lemonade-style drink that works well for showers, brunches, and spring parties, try our Easy Pink Lemonade Punch for a Crowd.
Storage
Store leftover punch in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavor will still be good, but the bubbles will fade over time. For the freshest taste, serve it the same day you make it.
If you have leftovers, add a splash of fresh lemon-lime soda before serving again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cherry lemonade punch ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the cherry lemonade, lemonade concentrate, water, and fruit ahead of time. Add the soda and ice right before serving.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. This punch doubles easily for larger parties, church events, and family gatherings.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes. Frozen cherries work well and can help keep the punch cold.
Is this punch non-alcoholic?
Yes. This is a family-friendly, non-alcoholic punch.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 16 to 20 servings
Recipe Card
Easy Cherry Lemonade Punch for a Crowd
Ingredients
- 64 ounces cherry lemonade, chilled
- 12 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 2 liters lemon-lime soda, chilled
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 to 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, optional
- 2 to 3 cups ice
Instructions
- In a large punch bowl or drink dispenser, combine the cherry lemonade, lemonade concentrate, and cold water.
- Stir in the maraschino cherries, lemon slices, and fresh or frozen cherries if using.
- Right before serving, pour in the lemon-lime soda and gently stir.
- Add ice and serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cherry Lemonade Punch for a Crowd is a bright, cheerful drink that is simple enough for everyday gatherings but pretty enough for parties. It is sweet, citrusy, bubbly, and easy to serve in a pitcher, punch bowl, or drink dispenser.
Whether you are planning a summer cookout, birthday party, graduation celebration, baby shower, church gathering, or family meal, this cherry lemonade punch is a simple way to make the table feel a little more festive.
For more crowd-friendly drinks, try our Strawberry Lemonade Punch for a Crowd, Easy Pink Lemonade Punch for a Crowd, or Pineapple Orange Party Punch.