That's Refreshing

On a hot day like today (and supposedly the days to come), there's nothing as thirst-quenching as an ice cold drink. I thought it was so sweet today when the owner of a chic little coffee shop next door came by our work and gave us all a glass of their famous berry lemonade. Ice cold and decorated with blueberries and mint, this twist on a summer classic just about made my day!

Here's Good Housekeeping's recipe for the summer's most refreshing Berry Lemonade.

Ingredients:

• 8 cup(s) cold water
• 2 cup(s) sugar
• 3 cup(s) (from 15 to 16 medium lemons) fresh lemon juice
  
• 3 strip(s) (3 inches by 1 inch each) lemon peel
• 1 cup(s) raspberries
• 1 cup(s) blackberries
• Ice cubes
• Seltzer or club soda

1. Prepare sugar syrup: In 4-quart saucepan, heat 4 cups water with sugar and lemon peel to boiling over high heat, stirring occasionally. Cover saucepan and boil 3 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat.
2. Meanwhile, in food processor, pulse berries until pureed. Pour into medium-mesh sieve set over large bowl and press berry mixture with back of spoon to remove seeds; discard seeds.
3. Remove peel from syrup; stir syrup into berry puree with lemon juice and remaining 4 cups water. Makes 13 cups. Pour into large pitcher with tight-fitting lid. Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 3 hours or up to 2 days. Serve over ice. Add seltzer to taste; garnish with berries and lemon slices.

Sounds amazing, doesn't it?

If you're particularly healthy and would prefer a smoothie-type refreshment, O Magazine offers this fruity recipe:

Watermelon Agua Fresca Smoothie

• 3 cups diced seeded watermelon , chilled
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of sea salt
• Agave nectar (optional)

Directions: Combine the watermelon, strawberries, lemon juice, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth. Sweeten with agave nectar, if you like.

I just like that it's so quick and easy! Less time away from tanning!