Summer is Early

The weatherman on the local news channel said that the rest of this week is supposed to be as hot as it typically is in July!  So it will be hot hot HOT in Florida!  I thought I would share a drink that you can sip to help cool yourself off.  This non-alcoholic drink is great for parties or a get-together, or just make a pitcher to keep to yourself and enjoy.  Fresh mint works best, but it should be easy to find in most grocery stores, especially in the summertime. 

 

Refreshing Summer "No-jito"

Ingredients

crushed ice

12 mint leaves

4 ounces lime juice

2 cups Lemon Juice

2 cups sugar

1 cup water

2 cups lemon-lime soda

garnish with mint and lime slices

Directions

1.  Fill a pitcher 1/3 full with ice, then add mint leaves.

2.  Add the lime juice.

3.  Lightly mash the leaves together with the liquid using a muddle stick or wooden pestle, careful not to    tear the leaves. (or you can use handle of wooden spoon…or the back or metal soup spoon…You want to bruise and crush the leaves to release the essential oils and flavor of the mint, but not tear them into little pieces.

4.  In a separate container or pitcher, combine lemon juice, sugar and water.  Stir to combine until sugar completely dissolves.  Add 2 cups of soda and stir to combine.

5.  Fill the glass with more ice, then add lemonade and extra soda, if needed.

6.  Garnish with mint, serve, and enjoy! 

If you don't like the flavor of lime, you could substitute oranges, or raspberries or fresh cherries.  One of the things I love most about cooking (or bartending and drink making) is that I don't have to always follow the rules and do exactly what the recipe says to do.  Now, some of my students will say this is the exact opposite of what I teach them in class, but that is part of the fun of buying your own ingredients and being the cook, rather than being a cooking student!  A fun little "Adult Rule" I have learned to use at my leisure.  LOL.