Image by PussNBoots

The three components of this dish, cherry, lime, and bourbon, complement each other so well that I’m surprised this drink isn’t a standard summertime picnic fare. To add some sparkle to your drink, substitute sparkling water for plain. On hot August evenings, add extra ice and run it through a blender for a frozen treat.

Cherry-Bourbon Limeade

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups freshly squeeze lime juice
• 1 cup simple syrup
• 4 cups ice water
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups bourbon

In a small bowl, toss cherries and sugar. Set aside to macerate at room temperature for 1 hour.

In a tall pitcher, stir lime juice, syrup, bourbon, and water. Add cherries with their juices and mix well. Serve immediately in tall glasses or champagne flutes.

Serves 6-8.