Raspberry Jalapeno Limeade

We are at the point in the Summer, right around my birthday where it is really hot here. Well, I consider it really hot. With the Minnesota humidity it is just downright sticky, and you start sweating within minutes of being outside. That doesn't stop me from going out of course. I would much rather run and walk outside than workout indoors. I do tend to get super sweaty though, and if I stand in one place I start dripping sweat into puddles around me. I was at that point after my run last Wednesday and I decided that I wanted nothing more than an ice cold lemonade or limeade. Unfortunately I had to shower and get ready for work so I didn't have time for that. But I told myself I would make one when I got home.

I decided on limeade since I already had some limes on hand and wouldn't have to buy anything to make it. I could have just made plain limeade, but where is the fun in that? I like fancy home made drinks. Especially ones involving citrus and berries. So I went for raspberry limeade since I had some raspberries as well.

I love it when I have all of the things I need already for a recipe and don't need to do any extra shopping. Raspberry limeade on its own would have been good but I threw some jalapeno in there for a kick as well. I love spicy things, and I love drinks that are infused with them, so I was super excited. Also, I should add this is sugar free, because I used stevia to sweeten it. So you will still feel good after drinking it no sugar high.

It was really easy to make and within 5 minutes I was sipping on a super delicious fancy raspberry jalapeno limeade! It almost made me forget about being a bit too warm all day and made me feel refreshed! If you are craving something sweet and refreshing to quench your thirst, give this a try!

Raspberry Jalapeno Limeade

Makes 2 drinks

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh, organic raspberries
• 4 slices fresh jalapeno
• 4 cups filtered water
• 2/3 cup fresh organic lime juice
• 1 1/2 tsp liquid stevia (or to taste) or 2 Tbsp maple syrup if you don't prefer stevia
• ice and lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mash the raspberries with the jalapeno in the bottom of a large glass measuring cup with the handle end of a wooden spoon until they are smaller pieces (or alternatively, use an immersion blender to make it easier).
2. Add the filtered water, the lime juice and the stevia (or maple syrup) and stir until well blended.
3. Add desired amount of ice and lime slices to two tall glasses, and pour the limeade into them. If you would like it to be free of chunks of fruit, pour it through a fine meshed strainer first.
4. Serve!