Sparkling Cherry Limeade

In case you need a little relief from this heat wave…

Sparkling Cherry Limeade
Printable Recipe

1 pound cherries, pitted
10 ounces sugar
10 ounces water
Grated zest of 3 limes
10 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
2 quarts soda water, chilled

Combine the cherries, sugar, water, and lime zest in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cherries are tender. Remove from the heat and let cool. Puree in a food mill using the finest disc. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, stir in the lime juice, and chill.

Stir together the cherry-lime syrup and soda water in a large pitcher. Serve immediately over ice.

Serves 8 to 10. Combine the cherry-lime syrup and sparkling water just before serving. If you won't be serving it all at once, make just what you need by mixing 1 part syrup with 2 parts soda water. Good spiked with a little vodka. Syrup keeps for several days tightly sealed in the refrigerator.