Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

This is my most favorite drink in all the world! It is so yummy! It's sweet, sour, fizzy...everything you could ask for in a beverage. It's my go to drink for any event I want to bring something special to, or just my go to drink. If you don't have fresh strawberries, you can always use frozen. Just let them thaw out...or don't. If you want to make a yummy frozen slushy, keep them frozen and blend them up. Hope you enjoy!
Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

2 lbs fresh (or frozen (thawed) if out of season) hulled strawberries
1 1/2 - 2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 bottles of sparkling water (you'll need about a liter a half)

Directions: Slice strawberries and place in blender. Add 1/2 cup sugar. If you want a more sour lemonade, use 2 cups lemon juice, for a little more subtle taste use 1 1/2 cups. Pour lemon juice into blender. Next, make a simple syrup. To do so, boil the last 1/2 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water. Reduce and stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 min. Now add the simple syrup to blender. Blend until smooth.
Pour mixture into a pitcher and add sparkling water slowly. Stir with a large spoon. Chill for about 2 hours or serve over ice immediately because really, it's just too good to wait for.

*credit goes to one of my church leaders from years ago. Greatest thing I ever learned to make :)

Pineapple Basil juice

Pineapple and basil? In a drink? Together? Don't worry, it gets weirder, but even more delicious. Don't judge until you try it.
I remember when I first heard what was in it, I refused to drink it. But now, I seriously chug this stuff. It's so good! It's creamy, it's sweet, it's light and refreshing, and just so addicting! I could drink this everyday. I really wish I could. And bonus! It's super healthy.

Ingredients

1/2 large pineapple (or 1 small pineapple)
1 1/2 inches fresh ginger root
1 lemon
1 cup olive oil (optional)
1 bunch fresh Basil leaves
1 bunch fresh mint leaves
1 cup sugar (I use the organic evaporate cane juice)
1 cup water

The PREP: Cut your pineapple into pieces small enough to blend. Peel and if needed, slice/dice/chop whatever, your ginger root. Peel your lemon and thoroughly wash your basil and mint leaves.
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Split your mixture evenly among two, 2 liter pitchers/jugs. Add 4 cups of water to each pitcher and stir. Serve over ice or chill in the fridge for a couple of hours.

And here's the sugar (evaporated cane juice) I use. I found it at Costco in a 10lb bag.


*The drink can be "gritty" at the bottom from the pineapple and ginger, so if that bothers you, run your drink through a sieve. This step is not necessary, but just a tip for those picky, texture people :) Which would be me.

Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

This is my most absolute FAVORITE drink in the whole world. It's refreshing, sweet, sour, carbonated and all around, delicious. Now, I can't take credit for this sweet, sweet drink. All credit goes to my Young Woman's teacher, Sister Rich. For mutual, occasionally she would have us over for cooking lessons. I wish I would have paid more attention because she is an amazing cook...from what I can remember. Anyways, she gave us a packet of recipes and this was in it. And I've been hooked ever since I first tried it, and you will be too, I promise.

Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

2 lbs fresh (or frozen if out of season) hulled strawberries
1 1/2 - 2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 bottles of sparkling water (you'll need about a liter a half)

Directions:Slice strawberries and place in blender. Add 1/2 cup sugar. If you want a more sour lemonade, use 2 cups, for a little more subtle taste use 1 1/2 cups. Pour lemon juice into blender. Next, make a simple syrup. To do so, boil last 1/2 cup of sugar to 1 cup of water. Boil until sugar has dissolved. Remove from stove and let cool for 5-10 min. Add simple syrup to blender. Blend until smooth.
Pour mixture into a pitcher and add sparkling water slowly. Stir with a large spoon. Chill for about 2 hours or serve over ice immediately because really, it's just too good to wait for.