I’ve been playing with cherries all week.

They’re so darn pretty but that’s not stopping me from finding some pretty darn unique ways to eat ’em up.

Or should I say drink ’em up?

In the mood for a lil’ non alcoholic drink?

Mmmmmm. Ya.

That’s what I thought.

Off the record – I’ve been hibernating in my air conditioning along with 10 bags of cherries from Whole Foods Market. They’re so nice to me over there – they treated me to cherries this week and I’ve got the stained pink lips to prove it.

Pucker up.

Because this spritzer is a heck of a lotta fun to sip.

Kinda like a mint julep – but without the whole alcohol thing.

And since I can’t drink alcohol – this has become my go-to beverage of the Sweltering Summer of 2012.

Welcome to Manhattan in a heat wave.

Add in some cherries and you’ll be giddy enough to add them to your beverages, too.

I mean, what else were you gunna do with those pretty pink cherries?

If you don’t wanna drink ’em… you can always make a cherry guacamole instead.

But I think you should go for the spritzer.

It’s 90 degrees outside – give yourself a break, will ya?

It’s cheap n’ sweet… and o so very tasty.

Sip up.

Sparkling Cherry Spritzer
Serves: 4
 
Prep
Cook
Total
 
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free
Author: Amie Valpone
Recipe type: Entree

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. honey
  • 2 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 Tbsp. lime zest plus more for garnish
  • 4 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 cups fresh cherries pitted
  • 1 tsp. chia seeds
  • 2 cups sparkling water or seltzer

Instructions

  1. Juice cherries using a juicer or a blender into a large glass.
  2. Strain through a sieve, pushing juice through with a spatula. Discard cherry solids.
  3. Pour cherry juice into a large pitcher. Add remaining ingredients; mix well to combine.
  4. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
  5. Serve chilled with additional lime zest, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Sparkling Cherry Spritzer
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 75
% Daily Value*
Sodium 50mg2%
Potassium 153mg4%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 15g17%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 85IU2%
Vitamin C 8mg10%
Calcium 29mg3%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

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20 comments

  1. Glad I saw this recipe – I have a bunch of frozen cherries and this would be perfect for our holiday parties! thanks!

  2. This recipe is so simple and healthy – and quick to make. A great alternative to soda and other sugary, calorie dense beverages. Question – do you remove the chia seeds or chug them down?

    1. Thanks Tonya; hope you enjoy it. I chug those chia seeds right on down, girl! Hehee…they’re delish. Hope you like it. Have a great day! xo

  3. What a beautiful drink! I love the addition of basil!! 🙂 I hope that you can come and link up that recipe at our Gluten Free Fridays recipe party! Its only a couple of days away! 🙂 Hope to see you then! 🙂
    Cindy

    1. Awe; thank you Cindy; it’s delish and I hope you like it! Your gluten-free Fridays sound so much fun! Thank you so much for the invite.
      xox

    1. You crack me up. I am dying right now; lordy do I miss you! Haha…yes of course! I made this recipe without alcohol but I served it last weekend and many friends added alcohol such as vodka and loved the taste. Hope you enjoy it.
      Thanks for the giggle! Miss you tons and hope all is well, Lori.
      xo