With the presence of a global pandemic, the need for boosting immunity is higher than ever. This Tart Cherry-Lime Spritzer is the perfect tonic for the sick-season. Tart cherries and limes are high in Vitamin C which are a key player in preventing oxidative damage to the body so your immune system can focus on more important things. Research has shown that foods that are high in Vitamin C can potentially shorten the length of cold symptoms by a couple days. Anthocyanins in the tart cherries act as antioxidants and are known to be anti-inflammatory. This is ideal for preventing the common inflammatory symptoms of sickness such as stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough. With such symptoms being quite irritating to individuals, mint is an analgesic, which means it is good for soothing minor pain. Spring is here, and this drink is a fun way to keep your body fighting the best it can.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 limes, zested and juiced
32 fl oz tart cherry juice
38 fl oz plain sparkling water
½ cup honey
½ cup water
Leaves of 3 sprigs of mint
Ice
Instructions:
Combine sugar and zest 1 lime. In a bowl, add a shallow amount of water and dip the rim of a glass into the water, then the sugar and zest. Repeat for each glass.
In a small saucepan, heat water and honey. Mix until honey is fully dissolved. Remove form heat and let cool for 3 minutes.
Mix tart cherry juice, sparkling water, honey mixture, and lime juice in a medium pitcher or punch bowl. Add mint leaves (reserve for garnish). Stir well.
Place ice evenly among glasses. Pour spritzer evenly in each glass. Garnish with mint leaves if desired.
Total time: 10 minutes
Yield: 9 8 fl oz servings
Copyright 2020, A. Canlas, Original recipe
