Easy Peasy Cherry Limeade!

Well if you have read my blog you know Ive close to Seattle, WA.  Well upon visiting friends in Texas I discovered cherry limeade while eating at Sonic!  Sadly we do not have Sonics here so I finally decided to make my own!

First my juice version that my kids LOVE!

INGREDIENTS

1 can frozen lime concentrate (makes 52 fl oz)

1 packet cherry kool-aid drink mix

2 cups sugar (splenda should work too, though I haven’t tried)

3/4 cup water

SUPPLIES

small sauce pan

spoon

16 oz glass

CHERRY SYRUP INSTRUCTIONS (this also makes great snow cone syrup!)

In the small sauce pan combine the water & sugar (or splenda).  While stirring bring to a full boil.  Then remove from heat & carefully stir in the kool-aid.   Put in a glass & allow to cool.  This makes about 2 cups of cherry syrup which is more then you need, but it stores in the fridge well.

MAKING THE DRINK

Make the limeade following the directions on the can.  When completely dissolved & well mixed add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of cherry syrup & mix well.  If it is going to be served with ice 1/2 works better.  Without ice or with re-useable ice cubes 1/3 is normally more than enough.  Everyone’s taste is different & it’s best to add a little at a time until you get the taste you want!  Always serve cold!

Knock-Off Sonics Cherry Limeade!

INGREDIENTS

1 can or 12oz of regular or diet lemon lime soda (like Sprite)

crushed ice

2 teaspoons lime juice OR  a fresh lime.

1 packet cherry kool-aid drink mix

2 cups sugar (splenda should work too, though I haven’t tried)

3/4 cup water

SUPPLIES

small sauce pan

spoon

16 oz or larger glass

CHERRY SYRUP INSTRUCTIONS (this also makes great snow cone syrup!)

In the small sauce pan combine the water & sugar (or splenda).  While stirring bring to a full boil.  Then remove from heat & carefully stir in the kool-aid.   Put in a glass & allow to cool.  This makes about 2 cups of cherry syrup which is more then you need, but it stores in the fridge well.

MAKING THE DRINK

Put the crushed ice in the glass (how much really depends on the glass & you might want to play with it).  Add 2 teaspoons of lime juice or squeeze in the juice of 1 lime wedge (I normally cut a lime into 6 wedges) & 3 tablespoons of the cherry syrup (again everyone’s taste is different & you can try adding it last to add a little at a time until you get the taste you want!).  Finally carefully poor in the soda & stir gently!  Always serve cold!