summer refresher: raspberry limeade

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain. I’m not going to get too down on this weather since after weeks and weeks of blissful sunshine, I’m sure the tinder dry forests and thirsty crops could use a bit of moisture. But back when it was hot outside, my friends and I took a little roadtrip to Westham Island for a little berry picking. You can read all about our trip on Hag’s blog, The Urban Repast (sadly now defunct). My own version will come out next week on the Food Network blog. I’ll keep you posted for when it makes it’s debut.

But, oh the berries! We picked lots of them: raspberries, boysenberries, tayberries and black currants. While picking, I had dreams of berry pies, baked goods studded with ruby goodness, and even just the thought of tossing them into some granola and yogurt made me giddy. But the very first thing I made from the raspberries when I got home was some raspberry-limeade. Judging by colour alone, the ruby red liquid is truly stunning. Taste-wise? Oh boy, it’s good. Really, really good. Refreshing and not too sweet (but if you prefer a sweeter -ade, please add more sugar syrup!), it’s the perfect refresher for a hot day.

20 comments to “summer refresher: raspberry limeade”

  1. 1
    Kristen   July 30, 2008 at 9:25 am

    When I was a kid, I would wait all summer long for the local Brigham’s ice cream shop to offer raspberry lime rickeys.

    This looks even better. Yay!

  2. 2
    VeggieGirl   July 30, 2008 at 10:08 am

    Oooh, such a gorgeous drink – yum!

  3. 3
    Librarian Lee   July 30, 2008 at 1:50 pm

    I can’t wait to make it – and I hope I’m not the first to wonder what is simple syrup.

  4. 4
    kickpleat   July 30, 2008 at 1:55 pm

    mmm, raspberry lime rickey is definitely a better name for this drink, kristen!

    thanks veggiegirl!

    i know, hag, the colours! so pretty.

    librarian lee, i added instructions for the simple syrup. everyone should have a jar in their fridge!

  5. 5
    bellcurves   July 30, 2008 at 2:35 pm

    oh i bet this is good! fresh berries are the best part of summer, not to mention everything you can make with them.

  6. 6
    Bijoux   July 30, 2008 at 2:49 pm

    I could use a drink like that right now!! The colour is stunning. I bet the taste was very refreshing too! I have all the ingredients to make this drink…what am I waiting for?!

  7. 7
    hag   July 30, 2008 at 12:06 pm

    I am so happy…I saw these images on your flickr and loved them..the colours!…and now the recipe! Yea!
    Thanks for the mention, too!

  8. 8
    Patricia Scarpin   July 31, 2008 at 6:10 am

    You have combined two things I love deeply. I want this now! 🙂

  9. 9
    Carrie   July 31, 2008 at 6:22 am

    I have a ton of recipes for drinks requiring simple syrup that I’ve been putting off trying only because I assumed making simple syrup would be a hassle. But if it’s that easy, I need to make up a jar tonight. All the more reason to buy rum and make mojitos, too! 🙂 Thanks for sharing the limeade recipe…and the simple syrup refresher)!

  10. 10
    Dawn   July 31, 2008 at 6:43 am

    I haven’t been berry picking in decades. As a child, I used to go berry picking with my great-grandmother in washington state. Great memories of bringing the berries home to bake a pie. She was so patient with me rolling out the dough and making messes. We had to let the pie cool on the window ledge before slicing into it. I would just stare at the pie all the while blowing on it; so impatient waiting to eat it.
    Your summery drink and short story brings back good memories. 🙂

  11. 11
    eatme_delicious   July 31, 2008 at 12:37 pm

    Ooo berry picking, fun! I’ve never heard of tayberries.

  12. 12
    EB   July 31, 2008 at 10:51 am

    Toss in some booze and I’d be one happy camper!

  13. 13
    cookinpanda   August 1, 2008 at 6:15 am

    Great flavors, great summery drink!

  14. 14
    Cookie baker Lynn   August 1, 2008 at 1:31 pm

    Perfect drink for summer, even if it’s a wee bit cloudy.

  15. 15
    Lydia   August 1, 2008 at 1:31 pm

    Amazing! So making this.

  16. 16
    kickpleat   August 4, 2008 at 9:01 am

    bellcurves, this is delicious. mmmm.

    bijoux, this drink is super refreshing. perfect summer drink!

    well, enjoy, patricia 🙂

    carrie, don’t let the simple syrup stop you. it is super easy! think of all those great summer drinks you can make…mojitos included 😉

    thanks dawn, i have similar memories of baking raspberry pies with my grandmother.

    eb, go right ahead!

    eatme, you should go. tayberries are delicious!

    thanks, cookinpanda!

    and so you should, lydia.

    hey, lynn, it’s a natural pressed fruit drink. it’s deliciously cloudy. mmmm.

  17. 17
    kitchenbelle   August 5, 2008 at 10:15 am

    I love the butterfly vintage glass! So pretty!

    comforttable.wordpress.com

  18. 18
    Ashley   August 17, 2008 at 10:23 am

    this looks awesome and really refreshing! can’t wait to try it out 🙂

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