Introduction

This may be an odd first post but I’ve had this site sitting around for a few years gathering dust while I tried to figured out what to do with it. Eventually this blog will contain a lot of technobabble with some food, photography, and adventure thrown in.

So rather than go on and on about what I will be doing I think I’ll just share a copycat recipe I posted on the old site to kick off this new one.

Welcome aboard.

From July 7, 2017:

A Fine Limeade

The Mrs. and I recently took a trip to North Carolina, specifically the Charlotte and Asheville areas. While there, we noticed a small fast food chain called Viva Chicken near our hotel in Huntersville which was always busy. One night we decided to give it a try.

Next to the cashier, was a big tank filled with a green substance labeled Herbal Limeade. Now I love a nice ice cold glass of limeade even more than lemonade. While the mint sounded like a nice twist I was thrown off when I saw that basil and rosemary were also part of the mix. To me that sounded suspiciously like it was going toward one of those green smoothie drinks that smell like grass. I asked the cashier about it and she just smiled and handed me a sample. I was sold from the first sip, the flavors blend really well together. I strongly urge you to stop in and try the original if you are ever near a Viva Chicken.

After getting back to the Texas heat I found myself craving that drink so went to work trying to recreate it. I’ve come close, not 100% (especially the color) but it gets a thumbs up from the Mrs.

The following recipe is for 1 gallon, it can be relatively cheap or expensive depending on whether you grow your own herbs or not. Sourced completely from Walmart it costs about $8 for the limes and herbs.

Ingredients

Makes 1 Gallon

2 Cups freshly squeezed lime juice (about 15-20 small limes)
3 Cups sugar
10 sprigs (0.5 oz package) of fresh Rosemary
10 sprigs (0.5 oz package) of fresh Mint
10 sprigs (0.5 oz package) of fresh Basil

Directions

The Herbal Infused Syrup

In a sauce pan combine 2 cups water, sugar, and herbs. Optional: reserve 5-10 mint leaves as a garnish.
Place on medium high, stirring occasionally until it boils. Keep it on a low boil until the syrup gains a light green tint and is aromatic.
Remove pan from heat and let cool for 30 minutes.

The Limeade

While the syrup is cooling, squeeze 2 cups of juice into gallon pitcher. Toss in 4-5 used lime quaters/halves for garnish.
Optional: Reserve a few mint leaves, finely chop, then add to the lime juice.
Once the syrup has cooled a bit pour it through a strainer into the pitcher.
Fill remainder of pitcher with cold water and stir it thoroughly. Then place in refrigerator to chill.

Pro Tip

Add some vodka or rum for the perfect Summer cooler.

Hello Herbal Limeade

A Hello World post with a twist of lime.