Cranberry Limeade

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4-8 limes)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
• Simple syrup made with 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water
• An additional 1 1/2 cups water
• Ice

Heat 1 cup of sugar & 1 cup of water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil so that the sugar is completely dissolved, remove from heat. If you want an added zing to your limeade, zest a couple of the limes before juicing & add the zest to the sugar water while it's heating. Once the syrup has cooled, strain out the zest with a fine mesh strainer before using.

While your simple syrup is cooling, juice the limes. Add lime juice, 1 1/2 cups of cold water, the simple syrup, and a few ice cubes to a serving pitcher. Depending on when and how the limeade is to be served, and how strong you want it, you can add more ice and water. For example, if you want to serve it right away, and it is still a bit warm from syrup, add lots of ice. If it has had a chance to cool down and chill in the refrigerator, but is still too strong, add a bit more water until the strength is to your preference.
If the cranberry limeade is too sweet for your taste, add some more lime juice and water until you reach your desired level of sweetness, & use less sugar the next time you make it.
Makes about one quart.

Terri C