Refreshing Summer Drinks

Summer at last! As Canadians, we do not get to bask in the sun as much as we'd like. When we do, the summer season is always short-lived. To celebrate the warm weather, we have decided to share some drink recipes that are guaranteed to beat the heat all summer! These drinks can be served as mocktails, or (our favourite way of serving them) with a kick of alcohol. These can be made within 5 minutes so you have less time to prepare and more time to enjoy your drinks!

Strawberry Mint Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 4 cups water

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 stems mint leaves

• white rum (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat up the strawberries, 1/4 cup of the water (save the rest for later), and the sugar. Allow to simmer for 3 minutes, until it reaches a jam-like consistency. Add in the mint leaves and simmer for another 2 minutes.

2. Strain the mixture over a pitcher and add in the lemon juice. Add the rest of the water to taste. This will depend on how sweet you want your lemonade to be. Chill for at least 30 minutes or serve right away with ice.

3. For an extra kick, add a splash of white rum to turn this drink into a refreshing mojito cocktail!

Tips:

• Add some lime soda or sparkling water for a fizzy alternative

Citrus Mint White Sangria

Ingredients:

• simple syrup (1 tbsp sugar: 1 tbsp water, melted)

• lemons & limes (thinly sliced)

• mint leaves

• white wine (any preference)

Directions:

1. Melt the sugar and water together in the microwave for 15-30 seconds.

2. Place the fruit slices and mint leaves at the bottom of the glass then pour in the simple syrup mixture.

3. Pour the white wine and enjoy!

Tips:

• Any type of white wine can be used. We opted for Pinot Grigio, but sparkling white wine can add a fun twist to your drink!

• Pop a few frozen grapes to serve as ice cubes without watering the drink down

Whether you want a scene-stealer to serve during your patio BBQ or just want a quick refresher on hot summer days, go ahead and give these cocktails a try. Oh, and our favourite part? These are quick enough to make multiple rounds all day (trust us, it'll leave you wanting more)!

Cheers (pun intended)!