Strawberry and Lime Refresher

Summer is just over the horizon (only 2 weeks away till the official start for us Southern Hemisphere peeps.)  So a refreshing and fruity drink is just the thing - call it agua fresca or a spritz!  Storm season has started early, and we've been having huge storms with hail and horizontal rain and winds.  So summer storm season is looking dodgy to say the least - eek! :=)   

FYI, I'm a member of the Tweed Regional Art Gallery which is just over the border in New South Wales.  We usually head down there three or four times a year.  So on our most recent excursion in October, we had lunch at the adjoining café/restaurant - where we had their housemade sodas (as they call them).  I loved the strawberry version I had, and decided to make my own, basing it on the citrus cordial I usually make. 

my version - so pretty! and so pink!

their version at Apex Dining

Sherrys' Recipe:

Makes 1 big jug:

ingredients:

1 cup (250 mL) simple sugar syrup, made with 1 scant cup of sugar and 1 cup water   see Notes

3 limes - zest and juice of 2 limes (= c. 50 mL/1.7 oz) and 1 lime for slicing - do the zesting then the juicing 'cos a floppy lime ain't easy to zest

c. 275g./10 oz fresh strawberries = 1 cup of pulp

1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

750 mL/25 oz sparkling water/mineral water for serving

fresh strawberries and lime slices, for serving

freeze-dried strawberries for serving (optional)

strawberries

Method:

First make the sugar syrup by stirring the sugar into the water (in a small saucepan) 

Stir till dissolved, then let it simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, and allow to cool right down

Hull the strawbs and cut into big chunks

Then purée them in a food processor or blender, and push them thru a sieve a couple of times (maybe 3 times) to get rid of the seeds and funny bits :)

Now grab yourself a big jug (glass is good 'cos you can see the pretty)

Pour in the sugar syrup, add lime zest and juice, the strawberry puree and the vanilla extract

Give it a really good stir with a muddler or a long wooden spoon

And add the sparkling water, then throw in the lime slices and freeze-dried strawbs.

Give it all another really big stir, chill it for a bit, and then serve in icy glasses

Leave out the sparkling water and add in some vodka and/or champers for an adult twist!

lime

Notes:

Use whatever sugar you fancy - I used white caster sugar, but you can use any kind you have

Obvs. you can use whatever fruit you have - this would be equally good with other berries, or citrus slices or your fave fruit - even a veg. like rhubarb!

ingredients gathered

make up your sugar syrup and let it cool

zest and juice 2 limes  (don't you just love my Japanese knife?)

purée your fruit

ready for the sieving

push the purée thru a sieve a couple of times (or 3)

ready for mixing

I made a small jug-full to begin with

it looks so pretty too!

yes it's very refreshing indeed!

I put some of the base drink in the fridge for later - just add sparkling!