Ginger Cherry Limeade Spritzer Food

LIME SPRITZER

Steps:

• For the simple syrup: Heat the sugar, water, lime zest, and ginger in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat to boiling. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, and then remove from the heat. Add the lime juice and let the flavors infuse the syrup for at least 15 minutes while it cools. Strain the syrup, if you wish, and keep in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• For the drink: Rub a lime wedge around the lip of the glasses to moisten and then dip in salt or sugar to decorate the glasses, if desired. Pour 1 or 2 tablespoons of the lime syrup into each glass and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a wedge of lime.
• Cook's Note: Sparkling wine can be used instead of water, if desired.

CHERRY-LIME SPARKLER

Steps:

• Place the pitted cherries in a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar, lime juice and salt. Stir until the cherries are evenly coated. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to macerate the cherries.
• Drain the cherry mixture, collecting and reserving all the juice. Thread the macerated cherries amongst 8 cocktail skewers and set aside for garnish.
• Stir together the reserved cherry juice and seltzer in a small pitcher.
• Fill 8 highball glasses with ice cubes. Pour the cherry sparkler over the ice and garnish each glass with a skewer of cherries and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.

GINGER LIMEADE

Steps:

• In a pitcher, whisk together all the ingredients until the sugar dissolves. Let steep at least 1 hour to bring out the ginger flavor. Serve over ice.