Cherry Limeade

About a year ago I promised to share my cherry limeade recipe from Dotter’s graduation. I have no excuses for the delay. But I come bearing glad tidings of fresh limes. And cherries. And pretty straws.

Cherry Limeade

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cups fresh lime juice (from about 7-8 limes)
• 12 ounces maraschino cherries (with juice)
• 3-4 cups cold water
• 32 ounces Sprite or 7-Up (optional)

Makes 8+ cups of cherry limeade.

Place one cup of water and one cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Give a whisk and watch closely as you prepare limes so that it does not burn or boil over.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, round up your limes and squeeze the livin’ daylights outta them.

After water & sugar have lightly boiled (I call it a rumble) for a couple of minutes, you will be left with simple syrup. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

Why make an ade with simple syrup instead of simply sugar and water? Although there are recipes for both, I prefer making a simple syrup because it leaves no doubt that you will have a smooth ade when you’re done. Just say no to gritty sugars.

All limes juiced. Check. Place lime juice in a pitcher. Add the simple syrup and cold water.

Stir in an entire jar of cherries.

if you’d like to add some bubbles and increase your limeade, you can add the Sprite.

Add lotsa ice, a couple of cutie paper straws, make sure there is a cherry “spontaneously” floating on top in the perfect location, and enjoy. Next to tulips. You know, ones that match your drink.

P.S. My new favorite appliance is the electric citrus juicer!