Lime Zest Cooler (Rick Bayless)

• servings: 1 quart, 4-5 servings

Ingredients

8 large dark green limes

3/4 to 1 cup sugar (or even a little more, if desired)

Directions

1. Steeping the lime zest - using a very fine, rasplike grater - not a citrus zester - remove the limes’ green zest (no white). Add 1 quart water, using a little of it to rinse into the bowl any zest that has clung to the grater. Let stand 1 hour.

2. Finishing the drink - strain the zest mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing firmly on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Add enough sugar to sweeten the drink to your taste, stirring until dissolved. Cover and refrigerate until serving time. Serve over ice.