Cherry-Lime Cooler

Hands-on time: 5 minutes Total time: 5 minutes Makes: 1 serving

Cool down on a hot day with this tart-sweet drink that is perfect for any occasion. Look for cherry juice in the produce or natural foods section. Simple syrup is made of equal parts water and sugar; it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

¼ cup pitted sweet cherries ¼ cup black cherry juice 2 tsp Simple Syrup (recipe, below) 2 tsp lime juice ⅓ cup sparkling water 2 thin slices lime

In glass, muddle cherries with ladle or wooden spoon.

Add cherry juice, simple syrup and lime juice; stir in sparkling water. Add ice cubes and lime slices.

PER SERVING: about 100 cal, 1 g pro, trace total fat (trace sat. fat), 25 g carb (trace dietary fibre, 21 g sugar), 0 mg chol, 4 mg sodium, 242 mg potassium. % RDI: 2% calcium, 1% iron, 1% vit A, 10% vit C, 1% folate.

CHANGE IT UP Cherry-Lime Vodka Stir in 1½ oz (3 tbsp) vodka to make an adult version.

Simple Syrup

Bring equal parts sugar and water to boil; simmer, stirring, until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Let cool completely before using.

Cherry Ice Cubes

Add 2 pitted cherry halves and small mint leaf to each well of ice cube tray. Top with water and freeze.