Toast With This!: Watermelon Agua Fresca

Holding onto Summer until the very end (and possibly beyond) means I'm making the most of the late-season ingredients I have on hand, like luscious, sweet watermelon.  I never need a recipe to indulge (straight from the rind will do just fine), but on a recent occasion I decided to turn it into something extra special--and supremely delicious.  A refreshing, summer-y, mocktail of sorts: Watermelon Agua Fresca.  Because that's what you do with leftover melon, right?

Anyway, it couldn't be simpler--or more perfect--to toast the final week or so of the official season.  So here's to late summer indulgence in all its glory and to...

Happy Sipping!

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Ingredients:
Halved watermelon, cubed and seeds removed
Mint simple syrup (recipe follows)
Juice of 1 1/2 to 2 limes

Method:
Add watermelon to a blender and puree until smooth.  Add in 3 tablespoons to 1/4 cup simple syrup and lime juice and blend to combine.  Check mixture for flavor and add more syrup or lime juice, to taste.

Strain mixture through a sieve and chill.  Serve over ice and enjoy!

Mint Simple Syrup
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Fresh mint leaves

Method:
Add sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.  Allow sugar to fully dissolve and remove from the heat.  Add mint leaves to the syrup and steep for at least 15 minutes.  Strain syrup into a container and discard mint.   
  

Toast With This!: Pomegranate, Mint & Ginger Fizz

 

The holidays are just about here--and I couldn't be more excited!  I'm looking forward to reuniting with family and close friends, eating well and creating new memories.  When coming together, I recommend having a signature drink to toast the occasion--and to keep "bar" duty to a minimum.  It's another one of my go-to entertaining tips that makes things lighter, easier--and always festive.

Inspired by flavors that sing of the holidays (pomegranate, citrus, mint and ginger), I fell for this jazzy 'mocktail' recipe--adapted from Martha Stewart--for a beautiful, elegant--and yes, quite delicious, sip.  Add it to your repertoire and you'll be toasting throughout the holidays--and beyond!

Happy Sipping!

Pomegranate, Mint & Ginger Fizz

Ingredients: 
10 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
1 teaspoon sugar
Juice of 1 orange, about 1/4 cup
1/4 cup pomegranate juice
Ginger ale

Method:
In a tall glass, muddle mint leaves and sugar together until the leaves are fully coated and a paste almost forms. Add in orange and pomegranate juices and top off with chilled ginger ale.  Stir slightly to mix, pour into serving glasses and garnish with fresh mint.  Sip and enjoy! 
Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart
  
  

Toast With This!: Cucumber, Mint and Basil Soda

This Cucumber, Mint and Basil soda combines the flavors I love for lots of cool and refreshing sipping in the days ahead.  I'm always in search of a great mocktail, and this one is well-suited for casual and special occasions, alike.  It also pairs well with the fresh flavors of Spring and Summer. 

Get the recipe here and enjoy! 

Happy Sipping!

Photo: Bon Appetit

Toast With This!: Clementine-Mint Sparkler

I love clementines, as well as the refreshment that mint always brings to the table.  This recipe for Clementine-Mint Sparkler brings the two together in a festive, delicious way that's worthy of any celebration.  Enjoy!

Clementine-Mint Sparkler
From Williams-Sonoma Holiday Entertaining 

Serves 2 
Ingredients:
Ice cubes
12 mint leaves, finely shredded, plus
2 whole leaves for garnish
1/4 cup (2 fl oz/60ml) fresh lemon juice
1 cup (8 fl oz/250 ml) fresh clementine juice
1 bottle (24 fl oz/750 ml) sparkling water
Clementine tops or slices for garnish


Instructions:
Fill 2 highball or other tall glasses with ice.  Divide the shredded mint between the glasses.  Pour half of the lemon juice and half of the clementine juice into each glass.  Top with sparkling water and stir well.  Garnish each glass with a clementine top and a whole mint leaf and serve at once.
*Increase recipe for more servings.