It was a scorcher here the other day. We decided to have a cookout in order to keep the house cool. To go with our cookout, I made some Cherry Limeade. My kids have loved this beverage ever since they got their first taste of Sonic Cherry Limeade. Over the years I have changed this recipe and have finally settled on a version that the family loves.
I start out by pitting and cutting in halves a pound and a half of fresh cherries. I put them in a saucepan with some water, chopped mint, grated lime zest, and some sugar.
I bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer the cherry mixture for about 20 minutes or until the cherries are soft. I remove the mixture from the stove and let them cool.
Once the cherries are cool, I process them in a blender. I strain the cherries over a large bowl and pour the juice into a large pitcher. To the pitcher, I add lime juice, chia seeds that have been soaked in water, and the remaining water. I then stir and serve over ice. A wonderfully refreshing beverage for a hot summer day. Enjoy:)
Cherry Limeade
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pound cherries, washed, pitted, and sliced in half
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
1 cup sugar
4 cups water, divided
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 cup lime juice
Directions:
1. Place cherries, chopped mint, grated lime zest, sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until cherries are soft.
2. Remove cherries from heat and cool. Soak chia seeds in 1 cup of water for at least 30 minutes.
3. Process the cherry mixture in a blender until smooth.
4. Strain the mixture over a large bowl. Discard the pulp. Pour the juice into a large pitcher. Add the chia seeds, lime juice, and remaining water. Stir and serve.
Makes 2 quarts
