Sipping our way into summer: Three easy, refreshing drinks for any mood
If there’s one thing Midwestern summers know how to do, it’s keep us guessing. One day it’s a perfect 75 degrees with a breeze coming through the screen door, and the next it feels like you could fry an egg on the driveway by noon.
Between backyard cookouts, evenings on the patio, trips to the farmers market, and trying to stay cool without cranking the air conditioning, summer drinks become less of a luxury and more of a survival strategy.
This week’s recipes are three completely different kinds of summer refreshment depending on the mood you’re in. There’s a sugar-free lime mocktail that’s crisp, bright, and perfect for sitting outside after dinner. A creamy lemonade made with sweetened condensed milk that tastes like something you’d get from a nostalgic county fair stand. And, finally, a green monster smoothie that’s cold, creamy, and packed with enough goodness to fuel busy summer mornings.
Whether you’re cooling off after mowing the lawn, hosting friends on the deck, or just looking for something fun to sip while watching fireflies come out at dusk, these drinks are simple reminders that some of the best parts of summer happen right at home.
• My Bizzy Kitchen runs once a month in Food. Follow Biz Velatini on her blog at mybizzykitchen.com, on Instagram @mybizzykitchen and Facebook at facebook.com/mybizzykitchen.
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Sugar-Free Lime Mocktail
For the simple syrup:
½ cup water
½ cup Truvia (or any other non calorie sweetener)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Juice of 1 lime
Zest of one lime
For the drink:
1 can lime seltzer
Optional: Fresh mint and lime wedge for garnish
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and cornstarch until dissolved.
Add in the Truvia (or sugar alternative) and bring to a low boil, stirring constantly.
After about 5 minutes, the sauce should be thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
Stir in the lime juice and zest. Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use two teaspoons per can of seltzer over ice and enjoy!
Optional: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a lime wedge.
Makes: Simple Syrup makes about 15 (2 teaspoon) servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 10 minutes
— Biz Velatini
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Creamy Lemonade
2 lemons, chopped into quarters (small enough to muddle)
¼ cup monk fruit sweetener (or sugar alternative)
2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
1½ cups ice
1½ cups water
Muddle the lemons and monk fruit sweetener in your cup for about 2 minutes to release all of the lemon juice.
Add remaining ingredients and shake until well combined.
Separate into two servings and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Makes: 2 (8 oz.) drinks
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Total Time: 10 minutes
Note: It’s easiest to make these in Mason jars with lids so they are shakeable!
— Biz Velatini
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Green Monster Smoothie
1 frozen banana
1 tablespoon peanut butter
½ cup nonfat Vanilla Greek yogurt
1 cup unsweetened Almond milk
4 cups of spinach
Toss everything into a blender and blend until smooth.
Drink immediately for the best texture!
Makes: 1 smoothie
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Total Time: 5 minutes
— Biz Velatini