The perfect beverage for a hot day, or just because!
Today I want to talk to you about beverages. I love smoothies and slushes so much. One, because I struggle with water. I want flavor! And two because they are a great way to sneak some extra healthy into the diet. My kids happily down a serving of spinach that is mixed with fruit and coconut milk, but if I put it directly on the plate they are not as willing. So let’s talk about this beverage…
How awesome does this cherry lemon-limeade look? My family was walking home from church, and we have to walk by this yard that is gorgeous. Seriously, gorgeous. The people that live there take excellent care of their yard, and are constantly out planting, weeding, trimming, hedging, etc. Think coy ponds and exotic flowers. So in the front yard there is this huge cherry tree. We walk past it often, and I noticed the cherries were getting ripe, and no one was picking them. I casually asked if they planned to, and they said, “no!” They weren’t planning to put their cherries up this year. I was flabbergasted. What? How could you not? She mentioned they would snag a few for lunch each day, but that was the extent. She then proceeded to pick a handful and hand them to me.
My kids were soooo excited! They picked a bunch too, and then begged me to make something yummy with them. Pie cherries these were not. Bing cherries though. Yum! And healthy.
Let’s talk about how healthy cherries are for a minute. They are high in antioxidants. They have a high water content so great for hydration. They help reduce the risk of cancer, inflammatory problems, and heart disease. Cherries are super high in Vitamin C! And they also have potassium, beta-carotene, Vitamin A, and so much more. Basically they help you get skinny and healthy. Who doesn’t want that? They boost energy levels, and metabolism. I love them. And this drink was an ideal way to use them. But of course, they can be used in pie, as a compote for duck or something else savory and wonderful. Dried on top of salads. As fruit leather. Need I go on?
But for now, this drink is my favorite way to use them.This drink involves water, ice, lemons (Whole), lime juice, and of course, cherries!
I used my Vitamix blender, which is pretty powerful, and annihilates the lemons, so I can put them in whole, but if your blender is not as powerful, feel free to juice the lemons first. Also, you can add some sugar to this to sweeten it up a bit. I found that my cherries were pretty sweet, and I used meyer lemons, which are naturally sweet as well, so just a Tablespoon or so of sugar was all I needed. But you may find you want/need a little more.
Day 25: When Getting a "C" is Better than an A & Cherry Lemon-Limeade
Ingredients
- 6 cups of ice
- 3-4 cups of water
- juice from 3 fresh limes about a cup
- 2 lemons quartered and not peeled
- 1 cup pitted cherries
- Sugar to taste
Instructions
- Fill your blender 3/4 the way with ice (About 6 cups for me)
- Fill it half way up with water (about 3 cups for me)
- Add in your lime juice and lemons
- Blender until a slush
- Add in cherries and pulse for about 30 seconds
- Taste
- Add sugar to get desired sweetness
- Blend for about a minute
- Serve immediately
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
Want to use this recipe in a meal plan?Try PrePear, my FREE Meal Planning App that allows you to save your recipes, plan meals, shop for groceries, and cook simply in one place. Join Here!
So there you have it, an awesome beverage that you make in the blender with fresh ingredients. Cherries are awesome, and part of Day 25’s mini challenge. Or at least they can be.
The health challenge is rapidly coming to an end. Only 3 days left. Thanks to all who participated. Be sure to follow Eazy Peazy in some way so that you can stay up to date on the happenings, and get access to the recipes I develop!
Blog / Facebook /Twitter / Google+ / Pinterest / Bloglovin / Instagram
Day 25 Mini- Challenge: Get some Vitamin C today.
Our bodies need at least 90 mg of Vitamin C per day and the best way to get this is by eating at least five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Cherries are a great source for this needed vitamin, but you can also enjoy things like oranges and guavas! And don’t forget only 3 days left of my easy challenge for tweaking your diet and lifestyle for greater health!
Be sure to check out these other fun beverages too:
Sami says
Kristen says
taylorgilmore says
Rachael says
Rebecca Swenor says
Rachael says
Touristmeetstraveler says
Rachael says
Rena McDaniel-The Diary of an Alzheimer's Caregiver says
Rachael says
katrina g says
Hilary @ The RNY Life says
Rachael says
jonathanmcmullen says
Rachael says
franckxethee says
Rachael says
Katherine Rose Coronel- Rivera says
Rachael says
LaTonya (Detroit Mom) says
Rachael says
John Lopez says
Rachael says
Jhady says
Rachael says
Rosey says
Rachael says
Leira Bhagwani Pagaspas says
Maria Constanza Oller Martin says
Rachael says
huntfortheverybest says