I’ve had a craving for a sweet, fizzy drink during these warm (and getting warmer!) early summer days, yet I want to avoid the high fructose corn syrup-laden options available at the drive-in burger places. Liquid Stevia Extract is the perfect drink sweetener and makes a wonderful alternative “soft drink” at home.

This version of Cherry Limeade is not tooth-achingly sweet like the commercial version, but it’s still delicious and refreshing. I think it’s quick and easy enough for a child to make.

I plan to try this basic recipe with other juices too; I think cranberry-lime could be tasty, or strawberry-lemon, or maybe pomegranate-blood orange for more exotic twist. Let me know in the comments if you make a variation, and how it comes out!

Sparkling Cherry Limeade Recipe

fresh juice of one lime
½ cup cherry juice
10 drops Liquid Stevia Extract (regular or vanilla)
1 cup plain mineral water or club soda
ice cubes

Into a pint glass, squeeze the juice of one lime. Add cherry juice and 10 drops Liquid Stevia Extract. Add mineral water and ice cubes to fill glass. Stir to combine.

Lime and cherry juices are both tart, so take a sip and add more stevia, a couple drops at a time, and stir to reach desired sweetness level. Makes 16 ounces.