Lime or Lemon Simple Syrup

I know... another recipe with citrus, I just can't help myself this year.  I also have an orange cake recipe and a great salad with oranges waiting in the wings ;-)

This is another take on fruit syrups for fun party drinks or just a very refreshing drink after work.

I was recently given a big basket of Bearss limes also know as Persian limes. They can looks like the photo below or be bright green like a Mexican lime. They have great favor, are very juicy and grow well in our coastal climate.

Here is a very simple syrup recipe that can also be made with lemons.

Lime Simple Syrup

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
strips of zest from two limes
1 1/2 cup lime juice

1) Using a carrot peeler, remove the zest form two of the limes.

2) Stir the sugar and water in a saucepan, add the lime zest and bring to a boil over moderately low heat.

3) Simmer and stir until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes.

4) Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

5) Juice the limes to measure 1 1/2 cups of juice.

6) Add the juice to the cooled sugar water, then strain into a jar. Store in the fridge.

7) Serve with sparkling water or mixed drinks. I use about 1/4 cup of syrup to 1 cup sparkling water.