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.

In my late teenage years, my best friend Topher and I frequented the local Olive Garden; we were such regulars that we had a favorite waitress. (A decade later, the “Hospitaliano!” pin she gave us is still pinned to lapel of my leather jacket.) Their Sicilian Splash was my beverage of choice, and served as a nice refreshing balance to the heaviness of the entrees. I picked apart the flavors for years before I finally hit on this combination of ingredients. I don’t know if they still serve this drink, but the “impostor” recipe below is close enough to my memories that it takes me right back to those lazy afternoons spent with a dear friend.

Citrus Sparkle

Ingredients:

• 3 cups ice cubes
• 1 1/2 cups white grape juice
• 1 1/2 cups orange soda or orange sparkling water
• 2 cups club soda
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a tall pitcher and stir gently. Pour into tall glasses and garnish with lemon. Serve immediately.

Serves 4-6.