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Tropical Dragon Fruit Smoothie

Tropical Dragon Fruit Smoothie is a refreshing smoothie made with pineapple, mango, banana, strawberries, dragon fruit and a pinch of honey. 

Since making that Dragon Fruit Sorbet a couple weeks ago, my mind has been set on creating some more amazing recipes with this tropical fruit. With summer vacation just beginning, smoothies are high on the to-do list for breakfast and snacks with the kids. This smoothie is a huge hot with the whole family. It’s colorful, sweet, refreshing and healthy! 

Nutrient Dense Smoothie

Each serving of this Tropical Dragon Fruit Smoothie contains about 4 servings of fruit rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals! 

Dragon Fruit

A mild tasting fruit (much like a kiwi) rich in iron and calcium and loads of antioxidants. The outer layer is bright in color and the insides can either be white or bright pink/red. I used the bright pink/red so a white dragon fruit will result in a different color smoothie but taste just as fantastic! Dragon fruits are easy to prepare. Simply cut the fruit in half lengthwise and scoop out the inside to dice. 

Pineapple

Pineapple is a delicious fruit high in fiber and magnesium. 

Mango

Mango is a sweet fruit high in vitamin C with a fruity aroma. Picking a good mango from the store is much like picking a good avocado. Color isn’t a great indication of ripeness. Instead, you want to feel the fruit and give a gentle squeeze. Mango should have slight give to it but not be too soft or too firm. 

Banana

Bananas are a great source of potassium, manganese, vitamin B12 and more. Bananas are a food I feed my active family before workouts to aid in water balance. 

Strawberries

Strawberries contain high amounts of vitamin C and are rich in antioxidants. They add a natural sweetness to the smoothie and boost of color. 

Tropical Dragon Fruit Smoothie

Tropical Dragon Fruit Smoothie is a combination of some of the healthiest and most flavorful tropical fruits readily available. My favorite thing about this particular smoothie is that you can taste each individual fruit. The mango comes through, the pineapple is subtle, banana thickens the smoothie and adds just enough flavor and the dragon fruit with strawberries make this smoothie beautiful. Add a pinch of honey for extra sweetness according to your personal taste. 

Tips & Tricks

Prepping Smoothies is easy and convenient. Just label each bag, add the contents you want frozen and toss in freezer. You can make 4 smoothie packs with two servings in each with this shopping list. 

  • 1 pineapple
  • 2 mangos
  • pint strawberries
  • 2 dragon fruit
  • 4 bananas (not frozen)
  • honey (not frozen)

Tropical Dragon Fruit Smoothie, tropical smoothie, pre workout smoothie, dragon fruit recipe, breakfast, summer recipe
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Tropical Dragon Fruit Smoothie

Tropical Dragon Fruit Smoothie is a refreshing smoothie made with pineapple, mango, banana, strawberries, dragon fruit and a pinch of honey. 

Course Breakfast, lunch
Keyword Banana, dragon fruit, Mango, Pineapple, Smoothies, strawberry
Servings 2 Servings
Author Amber

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup pineapple diced and frozen
  • 1 cup mango diced and frozen
  • 1 cup dragon fruit diced and frozen
  • 1 cup strawberries hulled and frozen
  • 1 banana
  • honey

Instructions

  • Wash and dice the pineapple, mango, strawberries and dragon fruit. Place into freezer for a minimum of 2 hours.
  • Place the frozen fruit into blender with 1 peeled banana and a a drizzle of honey. Blend until smooth.
  • Serve in 2 glasses.

Strawberry Lemonade

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Strawberry Lemonade is made with fresh strawberries, lemons, honey and a little sugar for a refreshing beverage this summer. 

The weather is heating up and summer is coming! I love summer. I love the sunshine, the heat, flip flops and swimming with the kids. Most of all though, I love lounging outside and enjoying time with friends and family. This beverage is the perfect lounging outside on a hot day kind of drink. 

Strawberry Lemonade

Strawberry Lemonade is both sweet and tart with a strong flavor of strawberry that is just so delicious. This is a great non-alcoholic beverage for the family or you can add a shot of vodka to make it an adult beverage after a long, hot summer day. 

Tips & Tricks

Strain

You can use a sieve to strain the blended strawberries to remove the seeds and pulp. This is an optional step but I find when you are having a gathering, it is best to strain because not everyone likes pulp. Plus, the step is simple and only takes a minute. 

Sugar

You can make this lemonade as sweet as you like. You will need some sugar to cut back on the tartness of the lemons. Strawberries already have a lot of natural sugar and honey is also added so 1/4 cup to 1/2 extra sugar should be plenty. 



 

Strawberry Lemonade, summer beverage, strawberry drink, how to make lemonade, non alcoholic beverage
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Strawberry Lemonade

Strawberry Lemonade is made with fresh strawberries, lemons, honey and a little sugar for a refreshing beverage this summer. 
Servings 8 servings
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 1 pound strawberries hulled
  • 1 1/2 cups lemon juice aprox 7 lemons
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 6 cups water
  • ice
  • lemon slices garnish
  • mint garnish

Instructions

  • Wash and hull the strawberries and  juice the lemons. 
  • Place strawberries, honey and lemon juice into blender. Blend well. 
  • Send mixture through a sieve to strain or add directly to a pitcher of ice. Add 6 cups water. 
  • Add sugar to taste. I like it with 1/2 cup but you can add less or more depending on your personal taste. 
  • Add lemon slices and mint to garnish. Stir well and serve. 

What is your favorite part about summer? Let me know in the comments below. 

Avocado Kiwi Smoothie

Avocado Kiwi Smoothie is made with fresh avocado, cucumber, kiwis and plain yogurt for a healthy breakfast or lunch that isn’t too sweet. 

Typically, I am all about those super fruity and sweet smoothies like the Triple Berry Smoothie, but sometimes I just want something nutrient dense and makes me feel good and full for a long time. I love this smoothie because it does those things. Here is a breakdown on what the ingredients are doing for our body!

Avocado

Low in sugar, high in fiber with 20 vitamins and minerals. Avocado may be high in calories and fat but it is monounsaturated fatty acids that are healthy and your body needs! 

Kiwi

Kiwis are always tasty and healthy with loads of Vitamin C. Your immune system will thank you. 

Cucumber

Cucumber has a mild taste and is super refreshing known to help with hydration. 

Yogurt

The benefits of yogurt can differ from brand to brand. Look for a high calcium yogurt that is fortified with Vitamin D for bone health. Yogurt also has probiotics to help with your gut health. 

Avocado Kiwi Smoothie

Avocado Kiwi Smoothie is smooth and creamy with a strong avocado flavor and just a hint of tangy kiwi. The cucumber and yogurt is added for health benefits and to also thicken the smoothie into a really nice consistency. A great smoothie to start your day with! 

Avocado Kiwi Smoothie is made with fresh avocado, cucumber, kiwis and plain yogurt for a healthy breakfast or lunch that isn’t too sweet | smoothie recipes | avocado recipes | healthy smoothies | breakfast ideas
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Avocado Kiwi Smoothie

Avocado Kiwi Smoothie is made with fresh avocado, cucumber, kiwis and plain yogurt for a healthy breakfast or lunch that isn't too sweet. 
Course Smoothie
Keyword breakfast, drink, Smoothies
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 1 avocado Pit removed and peeled
  • 4 kiwis peeled
  • 1 cucumber peeled
  • 2 cups plain yogurt
  • 1 cup ice
  • 1 Tablespoon honey optional

Instructions

  • Wash and peel all the fruit. Rough chop them and add to blender. 
  • Add plain yogurt and ice. You can add honey if you want a sweetener. 
  • Blend until smooth and creamy. 

 

Irish Mule

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An Irish Mule is made with Jameson whiskey, freshly squeezed lime and ginger beer topped with a lime slice and a sprig of mint for garnish.

Saint Patrick’s Day is just around the corner! Is there a better way to celebrate than with some Jameson Irish Whiskey? We put a little spin on a Moscow Mule which is typically made with vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, a lime wedge and mint.  Swap the liquor with some Jameson and the result is ahhh-mazingly delicious and appropriate anytime of year- not just Saint Patrick’s Day!

Irish Mule

An Irish Mule is really refreshing and has great spicy kick thanks to the ginger beer. The splash of lime juice helps balance out the cocktail. The mint is optional and serves as an aromatic but looks nice and of course, smells nice too.

Irish Mule, Jameson Mule, Moscow Mule, St Patricks Day cocktail, Jameson cocktail, ginger beer, ginger beer cocktail
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Irish Mule

An Irish Mule is made with Jameson whiskey, freshly squeezed lime and ginger beer topped with a lime slice and a sprig of mint for garnish. 
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Jameson Whiskey
  • 6 ounces ginger beer
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice
  • ice
  • 1 lime slice garnish
  • mint sprig garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a mule mug with ice. Add Jameson and lime juice. 
  • Top with ginger beer and garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of lime. 



Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

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Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is made with whole milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, maple syrup and white chocolate chips for a hot treat that is a must-make this fall season!

What screams fall more than pumpkin spice?

…….well……

…….hmmm……

…….uhm……

Oh that’s right- nothing! This Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is a nice twist from a regular hot chocolate with the added pumpkin and perfect to serve for a crowd on Thanksgiving, prepare while the kids are out trick-or-treating or any other upcoming gathering this season. I am making this again for my family when we head out to the pumpkin patch in the next couple weeks as a warm treat when we get back home to sip as we carve pumpkins. I cannot wait!

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is really easy to cook up in the slow cooker. You simply dump all the ingredients in, let it cook on low for 3 hours and stir as often as possible.

When the chocolate has melted and the liquid is heated thoroughly, you can serve with a dollop of whipping cream and some cinnamon sugar sprinkled over top. Add a cinnamon stick for a garnish if you would like and enjoy.

 

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
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Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, hot chocolate for a crowd, Thanksgiving recipe, pumpkin spice recipe

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is made with whole milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, maple syrup and white chocolate chips for a hot treat that is a must-make this fall season! 

Yields: 10 servings

  • Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
  • 8 cups whole milk (1/2 gallon)
  • 15 ounces pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • 12 ounces white chocolate chips
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • Garnish
  • Whipping cream
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • Cinnamon stick
  1. Place the whole milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice and chocolate chips into a 4 quart crock-pot. I actually used my 3 quart crock-pot but it was a tight squeeze so a bit larger would be ideal.
  2. Place on low for 3 hours stirring every so often. Once the chocolate chips have melted and liquid is hot, you can serve.
  3. Make the cinnamon sugar by adding sugar and cinnamon into a bowl and mixing.
  4. Serve the pumpkin spice hot chocolate by filling a mug 3/4 the way full, top with whipping cream, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon sugar and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
  • Preparation time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 3 hours

Are you a big pumpkin spice lover like myself? If so, you are going to fall in love with this Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate.


Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer

Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer

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The Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer is made with fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries muddled with vodka and poured over ice with a lemon-lime sparkling water for a refreshing cocktail with few calories and a lot of flavor.

Hot summer days call for a cocktail with simplicity, low calorie and leaves you completely refreshed. This Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer does just that! Bonus that this cocktail is also beautiful and would be great for hosting a get together with girlfriends.

Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer

This Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer is really simple to create. All you need:

Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer
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The Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer is made with fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries muddled with vodka and poured over ice with a lemon-lime sparkling water for a refreshing cocktail with few calories and a lot of flavor. 

  • 2 blueberries
  • 2 raspberries
  • 1 strawberry
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 6 ounces sparkling water lemon-lime
  • ice
  • Garnish
  • 1 Strawberry
  • 1 lime slice
  • 2 blueberries
  • 2 raspberries
  1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 2 blueberries, 2 raspberries and 1 sliced strawberry.
  2. Add 2 ounces vodka and 2 ounces sparkling water.
  3. Shake and strain into a glass over ice.
  4. Top off with more sparkling water.
  5. Garnish with a couple more berries, slice of lime and strawberry.
  6. Serve.


Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. #CelebratorySips #HenrysSparklingSips #HenrysHardSparkling #CollectiveBias

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules are made with fresh strawberries, mint, ginger beer, lime juice, vodka and Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water for a beautiful seasonal cocktail with fewer calories.

Spring has finally arrived in Cincinnati after a very long winter! Good-bye snow boots and bulky coats. Hello sunshine and flip-flops! The temperature has been perfect the last couple weeks and I am itching to start entertaining our friends this season with some Honey Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa and ice cold Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules. 

These Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules have a little twist from the classic version, which is using a little less ginger beer and adding in that light Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water for a truly refreshing beverage without the calories that a lot of cocktails contain. It is almost bikini season after all!

Why add Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water to your Moscow mule? 

  • Creates a light, refreshing and down-right delicious cocktail.
  • No sugar with only 88 calories to keep that beach body in check.
  • Low carb with no artificial flavors or colors.
  • Contains as much alcohol as beer but with fewer calories.

Find more recipe inspiration for Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water by clicking HERE. 

Make sure to try Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water in all the yummy flavors or just grab a variety pack to find your favorite. I want to hear about your own creative cocktail concoctions that are keeping you and your friends cool this season. Let me know how you are drinking Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water in the comments down below.

Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water comes in: 

  • Lemon Lime
  • Strawberry Kiwi
  • Passion Fruit
  • Variety pack

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule

Your friends are all going to love this Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule and it is really simple to make. Start by slicing some fresh strawberries, slice limes into wedges and also some slices for garnish. Mint is a great aromatic and flavorful addition to this drink but completely optional. These Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules are a hit regardless!

Each glass will get one jigger of vodka (grab your favorite), one sliced strawberry, one mint leaf and freshly squeezed lime from a wedge. Muddle all those ingredients together well to infuse the flavors into the vodka.

Fill the glass with ice and one more sliced strawberry, followed by three ounces of ginger beer, and fill the remainder with Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water Lemon Lime. Garnish with a lime slice and mint.

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule
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Msg 4 21+, #ad, Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule, Summer cocktail, #CelebratorySips #HenrysSparklingSips #HenrysHardSparkling #CollectiveBias

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules are made with fresh strawberries, mint, ginger beer, lime juice, vodka and Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water for a refreshing seasonal cocktail with fewer calories. 

Yields: 1

  • 1 jigger (1.5 ounces) vodka
  • 3 ounces ginger beer
  • 3 ounces Henry's Hard Sparkling Water Lemon Lime
  • 1 lime wedge
  • 2 strawberries
  • mint (optional)
  • ice
  1. Slice the strawberries and lime.
  2. In a copper cup or glass, add vodka, the juice from 1 lime wedge, 1 mint leaf and 1 sliced strawberry. Muddle ingredients together.
  3. Fill glass with ice and add the other sliced strawberry.
  4. Add 3 ounces ginger beer.
  5. Top with Henry's Hard Sparkling Water Lemon Lime (3 ounces worth).
  6. Garnish with a lime slice and mint.
  • Preparation time: 3 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 172

Cheers to warmer weather ahead! Time to make some great memories with friends and Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water! 

Summer Iced Tea Punch

Summer Iced Tea Punch

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Milo’s Tea Company, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #MakeItWithMilos  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Summer Iced Tea Punch is made with pineapple juice, ginger ale, Milos Tea and fresh fruit for a deliciously refreshing beverage for these hot days ahead.

I am beyond excited for summer and spending time with my family. We hang out by the pool frequently, ride bikes around the neighborhood or even visit an amusement park to ride some roller coasters often. However, the highlights of summer is always the grill outs with  neighbors to eat some great food, share some s’mores over the fire and cooling off with some ice cold drinks.

I am sure your summer is also packed full of outdoor fun! If you are planning festivities for Memorial day, 4th of July, neighborhood block parties, or just grilling out with friends and family, this Summer Iced Tea Punch is an awesome beverage to bring to the party that will please everyone.

Milos Tea is THE go-to beverage for summer parties and gatherings. Milos Tea is fresh brewed with natural ingredients without any added preservatives and you will taste the difference with this award winning tea. Try a glass of Milos Tea on ice with a lemon slice or create a punch for a crowd with the Summer Iced Tea Punch!

What’s the story behind Milos Tea?

Milo’s was founded as a restaurant in 1946 by Milo and Bea Carlton after Milo returned from serving his country in World War II. Being a military family ourselves, we always stand behind those who serve so hearing Milo served our country makes this company extra special. In 1989, Milo’s began selling their fresh brewed Famous Sweet Tea to local Birmingham grocery stores. Today, Milos Tea Company is a third generation family owned business and Milo’s beverages can be found in thousands of retailers across the United States.

I found Milo’s at my local Meijer in the refrigerated juice section but they are available in lots of retailers. Find a store near you by using the store locator. 

Summer Iced Tea Punch

Let’s mix up some Summer Iced Tea Punch! All you need is ginger ale, fresh or frozen fruits, pineapple juice and Milos Tea. I picked Milos Famous Sweet Tea but you can reach for the Milos Famous No Calorie Sweet Tea or the Milos Famous Unsweet Tea and the punch will be equally refreshing and just as tasty.

Prepare your fruits. I sliced a couple kiwis, diced some pineapple chunks, sliced strawberries and picked up fresh raspberries and blackberries. You can use ANY fruit you like! You just want strawberries and pineapple? Go for it! Once the fruit is sliced and diced, pour the ginger ale, pineapple juice and Milos Tea into a pitcher, followed by the fruits and top with ice to stay cold.

Summer Iced Tea Punch
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#ad, Summer Iced Tea Punch, punch for a crowd, #MakeitwithMilos, @drinkmilos, #Pmedia

Summer Iced Tea Punch is made with pineapple juice, ginger ale, Milos Tea and fresh fruit for a deliciously refreshing beverage for these hot days ahead. 

  • 3 cups Milos Tea
  • 3 cups ginger ale
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen fruit (use a mix of your favorites such as kiwi, pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)
  • ice
  1. In a large pitcher, add 3 cups of Milos Tea, 3 cups ginger ale and 1 cup pineapple juice. Stir ingredients together.
  2. Prepare your fruits by cutting pineapple into chunks, slicing strawberries and slicing kiwis.
  3. Toss 2 cups worth of fruit into the pitcher.
  4. Fill pitcher with ice.
  5. Serve.
  6. Garnish each glass with an umbrella for extra fun!

How do you celebrate summer? Are you obsessed with the 4th of July or have cook outs with friends every weekend? Let me know in the comments below about your summer plans and how you drink your Milos Tea!

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Milo’s Tea Company, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #MakeItWithMilos  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Blackberry Mint Julep

Blackberry Mint Julep

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. Maker’s Mark® is a trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc. and is used with permission. #CelebratorySips #MintJulepMonth #CollectiveBias

This Blackberry Mint Julep is made with a homemade blackberry simple syrup, fresh blackberries, lemon juice, mint and Maker’s Mark® whisky for a refreshing beverage suitable for a hot summer day or The Big Race in May.

With The Big Race starting soon, I was feeling really inspired to make a drink that reflected my neighboring Kentucky.  Nothing is more Kentucky than a mint julep! So, I made a classic Maker’s Mint Julep with a twist by adding some fresh blackberries and a homemade blackberry simple syrup for a delicious take on a Kentucky favorite.

Why choose Maker’s Mark®:

  • Every bottle of Maker’s Mark® is aged to taste, not age.
  • 90 proof.
  • Woody oak, caramel, vanilla and wheat aroma.
  • Sweet taste that is balanced with vanilla, caramel and a fruity essence.
  • Smooth and subtle finish.

*Fun Fact*

Each bottle of Maker’s Mark® is hand-dipped in a red wax, leaving each bottle with a different drip pattern. When looking for a quality bourbon, reach for that bottle with the signature red wax!

Get more recipe inspiration and see how others are celebrating The Big Race!

Click HERE for more recipes.

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Blackberry Mint Julep

Get out your lucky wide brimmed sun hat and make sure you are stocked up on ice because we are making Blackberry Mint Juleps for The Big Race!

Start your Blackberry Mint Juleps by making the blackberry simple syrup. Add equal parts sugar, water and fresh blackberries to a pan and bring to a low simmer for a few minutes. I like to use an avocado masher to express all that yummy blackberry juice from the berries to pack the most flavor into the syrup. Once the syrup has simmered a few minutes, remove from heat and let cool 15 minutes. Strain and store the blackberry simple syrup in the refrigerator.

Time to mix some Blackberry Mint Juleps! Drop 6 fresh mint leaves into a julep cup or Collins glass.

Now, add in 1/2 part of the homemade blackberry simple syrup.

Pour 2 parts worth of Maker’s Mark® whisky into the glass followed by three fresh blackberries.

Slice a lemon in half and remove seeds. Squeeze 1/2 part of lemon juice into the glass.

Muddle the mint leaves and blackberries on the bottom of the glass. Make sure to crush the mint well to really infuse all the delicious flavors into your Blackberry Mint Julep.

Fill the glass up with ice and garnish with a mint sprig to serve. I recommend crushed ice over cubed ice because a mint julep is best when ice cold. You may also add in some more fresh blackberries and mint leaves as you fill the glass with ice to add in more color. Plus, I love picking out those liquor soaked ice cold berries from my drink to eat as I am enjoying this Blackberry Mint Julep.

Blackberry Mint Julep
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#ad Blackberry Mint Julep, Kentucky cocktail, whisky, bourbon, #CelebratorySips #MintJulepMonth #CollectiveBias , Maker’s Mark®

This Blackberry Mint Julep is made with a blackberry simple syrup, fresh blackberries, lemon juice, mint and Maker’s Mark® whisky for a refreshing beverage suitable for a hot summer day or The Big Race in May.

  • Blackberry Simple Syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • Blackberry Mint Julep
  • 2 parts Maker’s Mark® whisky
  • 1/2 part blackberry simple syrup
  • 1/2 part lemon juice, fresh squeezed
  • 3 blackberries
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • ice (preferably crushed)
  1. Make your blackberry simple syrup on the stovetop by bringing 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup blackberries to a low simmer for 3 minutes. Smash the blackberries. Let cool for 15 minutes and strain.
  2. Add the 2 parts Maker’s Mark® whisky, 1/2 part blackberry simple syrup, 1/2 part lemon juice, 6 mint leaves, and 3 blackberries in a glass.
  3. Muddle the mint and blackberries to infuse the flavors into your beverage.
  4. Fill glass with ice.
  5. Garnish with a mint sprig.

 What is your favorite Maker’s Mark® cocktail for summertime? Let me know in the comments below!

Kiwi Cooler

Kiwi Cooler

The Kiwi Cooler is a refreshing drink made with freshly squeezed orange juice, kiwis, lemon and blended with ice.

Kiwi CoolerAlthough it is still winter, spring is near and I am ready to sit on the back deck with a cold drink and absorb some sunshine. This Kiwi Cooler is the perfect drink to quench thirst and revitalize.

Kiwi CoolerThis Kiwi Cooler recipe comes from this months recipe from a great group of food bloggers in Recipe Swap Club. I was tasked with picking a recipe from Simply Food with Nayna. Nayna has been blogging since 2008 and there are a TON of recipes to pick from! You will find tastes from all over the world from Greek to Indian and French to Caribbean and beyond.

Get more recipe inspiration from Nayna at Simply Food by clicking HERE.

Kiwi CoolerAfter looking at about 100 recipes and arguing with myself about what I want to make because everything sounded so good, I picked the Kiwi Cooler to recreate. I am just really ready for warmer weather and this is such a simple recipe. Kiwi is usually a hard flavor to pull out in recipes… it usually gets lost with other flavors overpowering it but you can really taste the kiwi in this!

Kiwi Cooler
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Kiwi Cooler

The Kiwi Cooler is a refreshing drink made with freshly squeezed orange juice, kiwis, lemon and blended with ice. *a drop of green food coloring was placed inside this drink for photo purposes.

  • 1 large orange
  • .5 lemon
  • 3 kiwis
  • .5 cup water
  • ice
  • pinch of sugar or honey
  1. Cut your orange, lemon and kiwis in half.
  2. Peel all the kiwis but half of one which will be sliced for garnish.
  3. Juice the orange and half the lemon, place into blender.
  4. Place the peeled kiwis into blender.
  5. Add half a cup of water and a few ice cubes.
  6. You can add in a pinch of sugar or honey if you want to sweeten up your drink a bit.
  7. Blend well and pour into a glass with a few more ice cubes. Add a kiwi slice garnish.

What you need:

  • A juicer. I use an affordable one like this here.
  • A good blender like the Ninja.

Kiwi CoolerKiwi Cooler