With this heat wave, you need a drink to quench your thirst as well as naturally hydrate your body. This lemonade has plenty of water, minerals, and vitamins to replenish your electrolytes. Plus, there are cancer fighting agents and anti-inflammatory properties due to the anthocyanins in deep red cherries.  You will love the sweet and tart flavors of this drink. My daughter says “it is Cherry-licious!”

A friend asked me to suggest some flavorful drinks so she could stop drinking Coke Zero. The last thing you want to drink in this heat is Coke or any type of soda. In addition to drinking fresh lemonade, I recommended trying fresh coconut water or adding lime or other fruits to sparkling or spring water for variety.

This cherry lemonade will cure your sweet tooth and is very healthy for you.  Use sparkling water to add fizz if you prefer. I used spring water in this recipe.

Directions

1) Pit fresh cherries or use frozen organic ones. Add 12 ounces of cherries, 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of cane sugar, and 1/3 cup water to a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool.

2) Puree the cherry syrup in a blender and then pour into a medium strainer to remove the skins. You should have 1 cup of puree.

3) Add 2/3 cup of cane sugar, 2/3 cup of fresh lemon juice, and 4 cups of sparkling or spring water to a pitcher and mix in the puree.

Enjoy with some fresh mint. For a more gourmet drink, add some minty sugar to the rim of the glass.

Why you want to drink this!

• Cherries are rich in potassium, anthocyanins, quercetin, and Vitamin C. Tart cherries contain melatonin and this hormone acts as a sleep aid and is easily absorbed in the body. Cherries may work as well as melatonin supplements if you drink a glass in the morning and evening. These berries also regulate blood pressure due to the potassium and quercetin antioxidant. Cherries are known to reduce gout and inflammation in the body. Studies have shown eating tart cherries for 7 days before a race can reduce muscle soreness. The anthocyanins which make the cherries a deep red color may fight and prevent cancer so enjoy the sweet juicy ones. And, if you are looking to trim your waistline, eat the tart cherries because the anthocyanins may increase your metabolism and decrease fat storage.
• Lemon Juice is rich in Vitamin C to fight free radical damage in your body. They can help prevent cancer and improve your skin. Many companies add vitamin C to their skin care lines.
• Mint is low in calories and very high in minerals and manganese, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and potassium. It improves digestion, stomach aches, headaches and can relieve tension and asthma. Peppermint helps open your air ways to breathe easier. People love the smell of fresh mint. It has a calming effect.

The Ultimate Cookbook

Cherry Lemonade
Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time:10 minutes Chilling time: 20 minutes

1 (12-ounce) package frozen cherries (Kroger or Publix)
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/3 cup water
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
4 cups water

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine frozen cherries, 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons sugar and 1/3 cup water. Let come to a slow simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 20 minutes. Pour fruit into a blender or food processor and puree about 1 minute. Pour through a strainer to remove seeds and pulp. You should have about 1 cup puree. In a pitcher, combine cherry puree, sugar, lemon juice and water. Stir to mix. Pour into ice-filled glasses. Yield: 6 servings

City Grill
Atlanta, Georgia

Per serving: 125 calories, less than 1 gram protein, no fat (percent calories from fat, 0), 33 grams carbohydrates, no cholesterol, less than 1 milligram sodium, less than 1 gram fiber.

References:

https://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/cherry_nutrition_benefits
https://www.livestrong.com/article/527307-fresh-mint-nutrition/
https://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=102