HOMEMADE CHERRY LIMEADE

I started making homemade cherry limeade for our annual Fourth of July party, and now it’s become a special summer treat that I find myself making quite often. There’s something about it that is quintessentially summer, and it’s a childhood favorite that adults don’t have to be ashamed to say they adore. Plus, it’s great spiked with vodka for a cool cocktail.

1 (2-liter) bottle lemon-lime soda

1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 8 to 10 limes)

½ cup grenadine

Nugget ice

Maraschino cherries and lime slices for garnish

Makes 8 servings

1. Combine the lemon-lime soda, lime juice, and grenadine in a large pitcher, and stir. Chill.

2. Pour into individual glasses filled with ice, garnishing each with cherries and limes.

MAKE IT AHEAD: You don’t want to make this too far in advance or the soda will go flat, but you can make it just before guests arrive and store it in the refrigerator.