Have you discovered the timeless charm of shrub? A shrub is an old fashioned, fruit-infused vinegar that is sweetened and is used to flavor carbonated water or cocktails. It’s perfect for brunch as a refreshing stand-in for champagne or as a thirst-quenching summer afternoon beverage! Start your strawberry shrub when strawberries are in peak season...Read More

This not-too-sweet beverage is a delightful melange of flavors and is quite refreshing. INGREDIENTS: 4 cups rhubarb, cut into 3/4-inch pieces (about 1 lb.) 2 cups strawberries, halved 3-inch piece ginger root, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces 1 cup sugar (or sweetener of your choice) 1 vanilla pod, sliced 4 cups fresh drinking water...Read More

While visiting Australia during the hottest of summer months, I discovered chilled lemon barley water and found it to be one of the most refreshing, thirst-quenching drinks to enjoy when the weather is unbearably hot. And, it contains magnesium that helps regulate glucose, as well as fiber and lignans. Keep this on hand for hot...Read More

There’s no denying the enormous health benefits and hydration that watermelon provides. When the temperatures soar, it’s time to make a pitcher of this super-delicious beverage and keep it on hand to sip on all day.    INGREDIENTS: 2 cups seedless watermelon, cut into small chunks 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup agave or mild...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup sugar 2 cups drinking water 6 – 7 lemons 6 cups cold drinking water 1 cup drinking water Reserved lemon rinds Optional: Fresh mint sprigs METHOD: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup drinking water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Remove from...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 liter (1000 ml) Everclear alcohol 10 medium to large lemons 1 1/2 liters of water (6 1/3 cups) 3 pounds of sugar (6 1/2 cups) METHOD: Scrub the lemons thoroughly with a vegetable brush and hot water; rinse well. Pat the lemons dry. Using a vegetable peeler, remove all the lemon peel from...Read More

The addition of cucumber to traditional lemonade makes a refreshing sweet-tart beverage that is perfect for a hot afternoon. INGREDIENTS: 2 English cucumbers 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 4 cups water 3/4 cup sugar* Ice METHOD: Peel cucumbers and chop them into 1-inch chunks. Place 2 cups water, half the cucumber pieces, and sugar...Read More

Fruit-based “cool waters” are sold throughout Mexico from giant glass jars, their vivid hues as inviting as their luscious flavors. Almost any ripe fruit—cantaloupe, pineapple, mango, watermelon, papaya, and more — is transformed into a refreshing cool drink by simply puréeing it with water and sugar. Feel free to combine fruits; one delicious blend is...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup sugar 2 cups water 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice   1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or (or 1 pint raspberries) 2 cups cold sparkling water or club soda Whole strawberries, mint sprigs for garnish METHOD: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring...Read More

This icy-cold slushy made with sweet watermelon is the perfect refreshment for hot summer days! INGREDIENTS: 4 cups cubed seedless ripe, sweet watermelon 10 ice cubes 1/3 cup fresh lime juice 1/4 cup white sugar 2 small sprigs of fresh mint, leaves removed 1/8 teaspoon salt METHOD: Place watermelon and ice into a blender. Add...Read More