Cherry Limeade Cupcakes

This was an idea I came up with after looking at all the drinks they serve at Sonic. I don't go to Sonic but I see all the commercials and thought it would be fun to try making something different.
I cheated and used a cake mix (because I am on crutches at the moment) but they turned out great. The cupcakes are very tangy and tart and the cherry butter cream adds a nice compliment. I love the bright green color but you don't have to add in the food coloring if you don't want to. My son wanted to and we thought it looked like Shrek.

Cherry Limeade Cupcakes

1 Lemon Cake mix ( I used Betty Crocker)
3/4 c key lime juice
3/4 c water
3 eggs
1/4 c cooking oil
4 drops green food coloring (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
I add everything at once into my Kitchen Aid mixer and mix for 30 sec on low then 2 min on med high.
Put liners in 24 muffin tins and fill each one 2/3 full.
Bake for 15-18 min depending on your oven.
Cool for about an hour or two before frosting.

Cherry Butter Cream
1/2 c butter softened
1/2 c Crisco shortening
1 1/2 lb powdered sugar
1/3 c milk
4-6 drops red food color (optional)
1 T Lorann Cherry flavored oil

Cream butter and Crisco together. Gradually add powdered sugar and alternate with a little milk. You may not need all the milk or you may need more. Depends on the weather.  Add in cherry flavor and food color. Beat for 5 min.
Note: If you have too much milk and your frosting is too wet then add more powdered sugar. I rarely measure for this recipe. I just wing it. :)