Sprite Punch

This weekend we hosted a little BBQ with friends.  It was kind of a big deal.  We have some friends that are moving away and we wanted to have a special 'going away' party.  Everyone was bringing their own meat to grill and a side to share.  I was in charge of drinks for everyone.  I had oodles of water bottles (that we pretty much forgot to tell people we had) but the real hit was this delicious punch.  About an hour before the BBQ started I was searching online for a fun recipe for a drink I could put in my new punchbowl.  It had to be simple.  It had to include Sprite, since I had six 2-litres and it had to be yummy.  I stumbled upon this recipe and knew it was the one!  I couldn't believe how easy it was.  My kids actually put it together for me.  Everyone loved it and I'm definitely going to be making it again!  I mean, come on, it only has 2 ingredients!!

Sprite Punch
2 cans frozen condensed fruit punch
1 1/2 2-litres of Sprite (chilled)

Place frozen fruit punch in punchbowl.  Pour Sprite over the top and gently stir.  Add ice.  Serve and enjoy.

Easy Raspberry Lemonade Spritzer

This is the drink I made for Whitney's shower.

1 (12 fl. oz.) can frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate
3 cups water
3/4 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1 (12 fl. oz.) can or bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
1 cup crushed ice (Shauna made her famous "ice ring" with lemons frozen in it)
1 cup fresh raspberries, garnish
18 mint leaves, for garnish (optional, but really good!)

In a large punch bowl, combine raspberry lemonade concentrate, water and lime juice.  Stir in lemon-lime soda and ice.  I like to put the raspberries and mint (washed and torn up into small pieces) in the punch bowl as well so it infuses it with their flavors, but you can just garnish each glass with a fresh raspberry and a mint leaf.

Classic Lemonade

1 3/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1 1/2 cups lemon juice (6 to 8 lemons)
8 cups cold water or sparkling water
Lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish

In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup water until almost boiling.  Remove from heat.  Add the sugar and lemon zest and stir until the sugar is dissolved.  Cover and refrigerate until cold.

In a pitcher, stir together chilled syrup, lemon juice and remaining 7 cups water.  Serve the lemonade in a tall glass over ice.  Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs, if desired.

Cucumber Limeade

If you have a garden that is overflowing with cucumbers, and you have already made enough salads to last a lifetime, here's another way to use up some of those delicious green veggies. I got this recipe from my friend Heather, who says they've been making it for years. How have I never heard of this idea? But don't worry, I have made up for the lack of cucumber limeade in my life. Enjoy this perfectly refreshing summer drink anytime, but its also a super easy and cheap drink to use for a baby/bridal shower.

Cucumber Limeade

1 Cucumber

1 Frozen Limeade {12 oz.}

1 Sprite Zero, 2 Liter*

Lots of Ice

Cut cucumber in thin slices. Place in large water pitcher and top with limeade and Sprite. Stir until limeade has dissolved. Add lots and lots of ice, and enjoy!

*{You can use normal Sprite as well. I use Zero because I don't notice any flavor difference, and the lack of extra sugar is a bonus.}

Orange Julius

This is one of our favorite quick treats!

6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups milk

6-12 ice cubes

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix in blender until smooth.

Cherry-Lime Punch

Alison requested this recipe I served at our Christmas party and at Christmas dinner.  I made this up when I hosted a shower for a friend this past summer.

1 liter Cherry 7-Up

1 can frozen limeade concentrate

2 limes sliced

6-12 maraschino cherries (optional-they sink to the bottom so I don't always add them)

Mix everything together! Keep concentrate frozen and add to the Cherry 7-Up just before serving. I like to pre-cut the limes earlier in the day if I am taking this somewhere or will be busy.  This is easy to double, triple, etc. Serves about 8.

*If the lime concentrate is too strong add 1/2 can to 1 liter soda pop.