Refreshing Strawberry Limeade {or Lemonade!}

It’s hot. 

And it will be even hotter this weekend, according to all the predictions.  We’re talking 100+ degree heat.  Now, I’m not going to complain.  I love hot weather, especially dry heat like we have around here.  After living in Florida for 9 years, where it feels like you are swimming through the air because it’s so humid and you feel like you need another shower after 5 minutes outside, the heat here is lovely and dry.  A slight breeze is refreshing and spending time outside in the summer is actually enjoyable.

On the other hand… we no longer have air conditioning.  I also will not complain about this, because it’s really not that bad.  But in the late afternoons and evenings, our living room and kitchen are uncomfortably warm.  Forget cooking anything for dinner on the oven or stove, or we will spend the rest of our evening sweating all over our couch and whining about the heat (because we are now spoiled by air conditioning and have turned into wimps due to modern living.  Whomp, whomp.)

Enter Refreshing Strawberry Limeade.  Because everyone needs a refreshing, fruity, summer-y drink to quench their thirst in the heat.  When I think of strawberry limeade (or lemonade), I usually conjure up a syrupy, sugary, almost thickly over-sweet concoction made with artificial strawberry flavoring and fake coloring.  This is probably because that’s what you will get if you order it in a restaurant.  And, while it might taste okay, it’s nothing special.  And who wants that sticky, sweet mess when it’s HOT outside?? Not me…

So here is a refreshing, thirst quenching, not-too-sweet version made with real fresh fruit.  Nothing artificial here.  Club soda adds just a touch of carbonation, which I think makes it extra refreshing and quenching.  I made it with limes, because I heart limes.  But just swap out the limes for some fresh lemons and you have strawberry lemonade.  Easy peasy.

This Strawberry Limeade is the perfect poolside, lakeside, oceanside, backyard, garden, or whatever it is you do in the summer, accessory.  Make sure all your ingredients are well chilled and serve it over lots of ice to keep it extra cold and refreshing.  Here’s to summer, and hot sunny weather!