Cherry Bright Side

Tart cherry has a deeper, sourer character than a sweet cherry soda. Lime sharpens that further, and sparkling water gives the juice some breathing room. This is a good fit if you enjoy a drink that makes your mouth water a little. Start with unsweetened juice if that’s what the recipe calls for, then taste the finished mix; cherry juice strength varies enough to change the whole balance.

Ingredients

• 6 oz Sparkling water
• 2 oz Tart cherry juice
• 1/2 oz Lime juice

Make it

1. Add the fruit and herbs to a glass. Gently press soft fruit or herbs to release their flavor.
2. Stir in the juice, any optional salt or sweetener, and the water. If using sparkling water, add it last and stir once.
3. Add ice if you like. Let infused water stand for 5 minutes for a fuller flavor.

Benefits

Lime · a little vitamin C

Beside cherry, lime offers a little vitamin C, used by your body for normal immune function, as well as a lively citrus tang.

A sparkling setting for cherry

Pairing cherry with lime puts a deep, tangy cherry flavor into a fizzy glass, with bubbles making the texture part of the pleasure.