We have officially reached HOT here in the ATX. All things considered, the heat has seemed manageable up to this point but now we're smack dab in the middle of the temperatures that we dread all year. Looking for a quick cooler to kick back with this weekend, nothing sounded quite as refreshing as homemade Strawberry Limeade. Made with or without vodka, this is a cooling, summery drink that is so simple it's silly.
Making the strawberry puree is super simple. Rinse the strawberries and trim off the greens. I just throw them in the little food processor, but you could also use your blender. Pulse until you have a nice, liquid strawberry puree. I suppose some people would strain it, but I don't mind the strawberry bits...in fact I think it lends a nice texture to the limeade. For added zing you could also add a few mint leaves to your strawberries as they puree.
Sparkling Strawberry Limeade
This is the recipe for one drink
2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
2 oz. strawberry puree
1 tbsp simple syrup
2 oz. vodka (if desired)
ice
club soda
mint for garnish
Add ice to a tall glass. Mix the first three ingredients (add vodka now if desired) and pour over ice. Fill remainder of glass with club soda and garnish with mint.
Tweak as desired to please your palate. Around here, I always squeeze a little more lime in mine, but everyone else likes it a little more sweet.