Full Bloom Blog

Summer brings so much goodness with it. Erik loves the heat and swimming. The kids love the time off of school. I love being outside in the gardens, taking family trips, and especially the distinct flavors that come with it. Summer doesn’t taste like summer without some watermelon, something grilled, and lots of ice cream. There is not much that is better than lounging outside with a cold drink soaking up some summer sun (or shade in my case). Whether you’re entertaining guests or just flying solo on the front porch, here are some beverages to try this summer to add a little fun to your hydration.

1. Mint Water

Starting out simple, but oooooh so tasty. Wash your mint and muddle just a couple leaves in the bottom of your glass and add ice and water. Done. Easiest and best drink you have ever made. Feeling really wild and fancy? Slice a cucumber and throw that in too. If it’s possible to make water MORE refreshing, you just did. May I also suggest planting some mint of your own? I grow mine in one of my back garden beds, and prior to planting I was warned that it tends to spread prolifically. What started out as a tiny sprig in the corner of my garden bed has now spread to take over two full beds with no end in sight. I suppose I would mind more if I didn’t like mint so much!

2. Mojitos

If you have ever made it to the Graney residence in the summer time, you have most likely been offered one of these bad boys! Erik started drinking mojitos on our honeymoon in Cabo and he has been a huge fan ever since. Since our honeymoon, we have played around with several recipes but this one happens to be my favorite. Not only does it NOT include making home made simple syrup, but with the right ingredients, it can be ready in about five minutes, no prep. The best part is that you can even make a kid friendly version and just leave out the rum!

• 2 cups SIMPLY limeade
• 1 cup sparkling water
• about 8 large mint leaves
• 2 oz Captain Morgan’s white rum (its our favorite, but feel free to use your go to white rum)
• slice of lime for garnish
• ice

Muddle mint leaves in the bottom of two glasses and top with ice. Measure out limeade, sparkling water rum and combine in a pitcher. Stir thoroughly. Pour mixture over the ice in each glass and garnish with lime wedge. Instantly be transported to summer time, Cabo, or whatever place brings you relaxation. Makes two cocktails.

3. Sweet(ish) Tea

Let me start by saying, I don’t claim to be able to hang with the sweet tea sippin, front porch “setting” southerners on this one. This is my taste of the south via Michigan sweet tea that lives in a giant pitcher in my fridge from April to September recipe. Also, let it be known how CRAZY cheap and easy this stuff is. If you happen to purchase it pre-made, please, read on.

• 3 1/2 Quarts purified water (I’m not trying to be snooty here, but if you use your weird sulfuric tap water here, your sweet tea will be sub par)
• 8 bags black tea
• 1 Cup granulated sugar

Add water to a large pot and place over medium high heat. Add sugar stirring constantly until completely dissolved. Bring mixture to a boil. Turn off heat and add tea bags, allow to steep several minutes. Let it stand to cool to room temperature then pour into a pitcher and refrigerate! Makes one large pitcher.

4. Watermelon Lime Slushy

This one happens to be my kids favorite summer treat. If our bodies are made up of about 60% water; Annabelle’s is at least 40% watermelon. I can’t complain much though because she does not drink much water, so I’ll hydrate her any way I can! You can use these as a mid afternoon treat or as an after dinner break from ice cream. Either way, they’re cold and taste like summer!

• 4 cups cubed and frozen watermelon
• 2 cups SIMPLY limeade
• optional teaspoon granulated sugar or honey

Chop ripened watermelon into cubes and place in a freezer bag. Lay the bag flat in the freezer (as much as possible) and freeze for about 4 hours. Measure out limeade and pour into the pitcher of a blender. Add frozen watermelon and sugar (if using it). Blend on high until smooth. Pour into cups and enjoy! Makes four servings.

5. Sparkling Lemonade

Lemonade is a really big deal in our house. It is quite possibly the most coveted refreshment amongst the Graney kids and they love any opportunity to make it “fancy”. Here is one way to add some fun and variation to your lemonade, but really the possibilities are endless. One of our favorite combinations this year has been FLORIDA’S NATURAL lemonade with lemon sparkling water and a sprig of mint. Yum. (side note, FLORIDA’S NATURAL has partnered with one of our favorite organizations: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and all profits of their lemonade sales got to ALSF. I have posted a link to their website below!)

• one third sparkling water
• two thirds lemonade

Find your favorite glass and fill ‘er up. Bonus points for using a cute straw to stir. Mommas, you may want to swap out sparkling water with a little bubbly or just add a splash of vodka!

Just to leave you with a few more thoughts on summer sips, if you are looking to elevate or spice up any of these beverages or your own favorites, try…

• Adding frozen fruit in lieu or addition to ice cubes. Not only will it keep your beverage cold, but will ad a little flavor without watering it down.
• Add another sprig of mint. It looks lovely and tastes good in just about everything.
• Using a new or different delivery method. I’m pretty sure lemonade just tastes better out of mason jars and sparkling lemonade is yummier in champagne flutes.
• Incorporate flavored sparkling water. Lemon sparkling water in your sweet tea just might change your life. Who knows!?

https://alexslemonade.org