Homemade Kiwi Limeade

Spring is about 4 days away!  With the change of the season, comes a change in the weather, warmer temperatures, green grass and brightly colored flowers.  I’ve already started seeing little bursts of colors sprouting up along side the roads and it’s so pretty!

Another part of the change in temps means frequent visits to the park with my little guy, firing up the grill and partaking in refreshing beverages.  If my little man and I are out and about between 2:00 and 4:00, it’s not uncommon for us to swing by Sonic and indulge in a drink for happy hour.  He always gets a strawberry slush; he loves sipping on it but he’s especially happy when he sucks up a chunk of strawberry through the straw.  I typically go for a limeade; cherry or cranberry to be specific.  The perfect balance of sweet and tart.

So, with the arrival of spring I thought it would be fun to whip up a limeade at home.  But not one of my regulars, something different.  Then it hit me, what about a kiwi limeade?  Yum, right?  Right!

I’ve been on a bit of a kiwi kick lately, and I thought the bright green, juicy and slightly tart fruit would make a terrific addition to a limeade.  And boy, was I right.

To make this limeade I went through the same process as I used to make my blueberry lemonade and strawberry lemonade.  I really wanted the two flavors to shine and compliment one another without overpowering each other, so I made sure each element was jam packed with flavor.

I started with a kiwi infused simple syrup; kiwi, sugar, water and a little lime.  Next was the kiwi puree.  Lastly was the limeade; fresh squeezed limes, lime zest to really add some extra zing, then sugar and water.

Just like my lemonades, this limeade is the perfect balance of sweet and tart.  You definitely get that tart, lime flavor from the fresh squeezed limes; the tart, juice, pulp and even some zest for some added tartness.  The flavor of the kiwi is evident too thanks to the kiwi infused simple syrup and the kiwi puree.

This bright green limeade is perfect in every way.  Just the right color for a fun spring drink.  Perfectly sweet and tart.  Right when your cheeks start to pucker from the lime, the sweetness from the kiwi kicks on and offsets the tartness.  Cheek puckering is a must, for me, when it comes to limeades, so this one definitely fits the mark.

So, what are you waiting for?  Whip up a pitcher or two of this and get ready to welcome spring with open arms.

And, if you’re looking for a fun and simple drink to sip on for your St. Paddy’s day celebration this would be a fun alternative.  It’s light, refreshing and it’s green.  Make this a hard limeade by adding a splash or two of your favorite vodka or tequila, a little club soda and you could even rim the glass with some green sprinkles for a fun and festive touch.  

Kiwi-Limeade

Ingredients:


For the kiwi simple syrup-
1 Cup water
1/4 Cup + 2 Tbsp sugar
1 Kiwi, peeled and roughly chopped
Rind from 1/4 of a lime

For the Kiwi puree-
2 Kiwis, peeled and roughly chopped
1/4 Cup water
1 Tsp sugar

For the limeade-
Zest of half a lime
1/2 Cup fresh squeezed lime juice
1 Cup water
1/4 Cup sugar

Directions:


For the simple syrup-
Combine water, sugar, kiwi and lime rind in a small saucepan.  Place over medium-low heat, bring to a simmer and allow mixture to simmer until the sugar has dissolved.  Be sure to stir occasionally.  Once the sugar has dissolved remove from heat and allow to cool.

For the puree-
Combine kiwi, water and sugar in a blender, and process until the kiwi is pureed and the mixture is smooth.  Set aside.

For the limeade-
Combine sugar and lime juice in a pitcher and stir until sugar is dissolved.  Add the water and lime zest and stir to combined.  Add the puree and simple syrup to the mixture and stir.  Place in the refrigerator and allow to chill.  Serve and enjoy!

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original