Spiked Cherry Lemonade: Foodbuzz Tastemakers

      In the summer there's nothing quite like a cold, refreshing beverage on a hot day.  This summer I've been experimenting with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and have found that my favorites are the ones with fresh fruit in them.  The one problem I have with making beverages is the added calories and sugar that comes from sweetening them.
   
      I recently received a Sweet'N Low Sweetener Gift Pack as part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker program.  I often use Sweet'N Low to sweeten my iced tea because there aren't any calories in it.  I started looking through my refrigerator and found both fresh cherries and a few fresh lemons which would make a fresh tasting lemonade.

    Because I started making my beverage around dinner time I wanted to spike it with a little rum for an extra kick.  This recipe was as easy as muddling the fresh squeezed lemon juice with the cherries and Sweet'N Low and then adding water and rum.  The lemonade came out a beautiful deep pink color.  It was both sweet and tart and was the perfect summer beverage for cooling off in this heat. 

Spiked Cherry Lemonade (a Hezzi-D original)
1/4 c. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/4 c. water
10 cherries, stemmed and seeded
2 packets Sweet'N Low
1 oz. rum

1.  In a cocktail shaker combine the lemon juice, cherries, and Sweet'N Low.  Using a spoon, muddle the mixture until it is well combined.  

2.  Add in the water and rum.  Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

3.  Strain into a glass over ice.  Garnish with a lemon and a cherry slice.

This post linked to:
Trick or Treat Tuesdays, Crazy Sweet Tuesdays, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Totally Tasty Tuesdays, Whatcha Whipped Up, Cast Party Wednesday,