Cherry Limeade (that's actually good for you)

During my struggle over what the heck I was going to do with all the leftover key limes from the Key Lime Pie Cupcakes, it hit me, why not make a beverage? I don't make specialty drinks that often, I'm more of a glass of wine and water type of gal, plus I'd rather use my ingredients for something I can sink my teeth into. The other day however, I had a flashback from when I was in middle school and my friends and I always used to hang out around the local sonic (hey, it was a small town). In the summer time they would always feature their signature drink: The cherry limeade ...sweet Jesus, my 12 year old self was convinced that nothing in this world was more refreshing than that limeade, however, my current 21 year old, calorie conscious self new that that drink probably had more corn syrup in it than anything else. This updated version of the cherry limeade is just as delicious and refreshing plus you get the added benefits of the Rooibos African tea (which also adds to the red color). The lime ice cubes are just a fun decorative option.

Healthy Cherry Limeade

serves 8

3/4 cup lime juice
Sugar substitute equivalent to 1 cup sugar (such as Truvia all natural sweetener)
2 liters lemon lime soda, such as diet sierra mist
1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
8 lime slices (I used key limes in order to fit them in the muffin tins)
1 cup brewed and chilled Red Rooibos Tea

For the lime ice cubes I just took slices of key limes, put them in a mini muffin tin and filled them up with water.

Directions:

1.Brew the tea according to directions on packet, stick in the fridge and let cool or at least come to room temp.

2.In a large bowl, combine lime juice and sugar substitute. Cover and refrigerate. Just before serving, stir carbonated water into lime juice mixture.

3.For each serving, place 1 tablespoon cherry juice in a glass. Add crushed ice and about 1 cup of lime juice mixture. Garnish with a lime slice.