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Homemade Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee

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Homemade Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee is the perfect mixture of vanilla syrup, caramel sauce, strongly brewed coffee and some half-and-half to bring the coffeehouse into your own home. 

My go-to coffeehouse order is an iced coffee with a little creamer and a bit of caramel sauce. No matter the time of year or the weather outside, I love my iced coffee. Iced coffee also happens to be a better option for lower calories and lower sugar than many other menu items. I’m looking at you White Chocolate Mocha (which I also happen to love). This Homemade Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee is perfect to make at home to not only control what goes in your beverage but also saves you a ton of money. 

Homemade Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee

Homemade Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee is absolutely delicious with a strongly brewed coffee (hello motherhood, I am ready), a little caramel sauce for just the right amount of flavor, creamy half-and-half and vanilla syrup. Yes, you can use a sugar free vanilla syrup to cut back on sugar where possible and perhaps save it for a few bites of one of those sprinkled donuts pictured. HEY, you deserve a treat every once in awhile. 

Try this recipe for Banana Oat Muffins to pair with your Homemade Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee for a great start to any morning! 

What is the difference between iced coffee and cold brew? 

This recipe calls for iced coffee. You simply brew coffee grounds extra strong with hot water as normal and let it cool to room temperature. Make a pitcher for the week and store in the fridge.

Cold brew takes 12-24 hours to make because you actually soak the coffee grounds in cold water. You can absolutely use either technique but I like the iced coffee method a little better because who wants to wait on that brewing process? 


Homemade Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee, iced coffee at home, how to make iced coffee, what is the difference between iced coffee and cold brew
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Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee

Homemade Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee is the perfect mixture of vanilla syrup, caramel sauce, strongly brewed coffee and some half-and-half to bring the coffeehouse into your own home. 

Course drink
Keyword coffee
Prep Time 3 minutes
Brew Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 Drink
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 1 cup coffee strong
  • 1 Tablespoons vanilla syrup
  • 1 Tablespoons caramel sauce
  • 1 Tablespoons half and half
  • ice

Instructions

  • Brew a cup of coffee extra strong. Let cool down.
  • Fill a 16 ounce cup full of ice.
  • Add 1 Tablespoon caramel sauce, 1 Tablespoon vanilla syrup and 1 Tablespoon half-and-half.
  • Fill cup with coffee.
  • Drink up.

Notes

Depending on your preference, you can double the amount of caramel sauce, vanilla syrup and half-and-half for a sweeter treat. 

What is your go-to order at the coffeehouse? Let me know in the comments below and maybe I can recreate the recipe for you soon! 

Cherry Basil Lemonade

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Cherry Basil Lemonade is a refreshing seasonal drink made with a fresh cherry syrup in a sweet and sour lemonade with more fresh cherries and basil. 

Cherries are in season right now and they have been perfectly sweet and great for snacking, in desserts or to make a refreshing drink. Cherries are not just delicious but are also healthy. They offer Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and even a little protein. With the anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties cherries contain, they should be on your shopping list this season. 

Cherry Basil Lemonade

Cherry Basil Lemonade is slightly sour as lemonade often is but with a nice sweetness from the cherries. Basil is added for a nice aroma and the peppery flavor. 

Also try this recipe for Strawberry Lemonade made with fresh lemons. 


 

Tips & Tricks

Cherry Pit

There are multiple techniques to pit a cherry including using a Cherry Pitter. I prefer the pastry tip method. This involves pushing a pastry tip through the center of the cherry quickly to remove the pit. Visit The Spruce Eats for details on this method and others. 

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is one of those things everyone should know how to cook. A basic simple syrup is equal parts water and granulated sugar. From there, you can develop SO MANY different syrups. I like to use fresh fruits to to reduce the sugar and lemon juice to add extra flavor over water. Bring the ingredients to a simmer for 8 minutes or so and then strain through a sieve. Let cool, place into a sealed container and store in the refrigerator. Use simple syrups in bar cocktails, iced teas and other cold beverages, to make sorbet, to make candied citrus fruits and more. 

Check out this recipe for a Magnolia Lemon Pie with Candied Lemons. 

Cherry Basil Lemonade , mocktail, summer drink, lemonade, cherry simple syrup, kid-friendly drink, seasonal recipe
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Cherry Basil Lemonade

Cherry Basil Lemonade is a refreshing seasonal drink made with a fresh cherry syrup in a sweet and sour lemonade with more fresh cherries and basil. 

Course Drinks
Keyword Basil, cherry, drink, Lemonade, Summer
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Author Amber

Ingredients

Cherry Basil Lemonade

  • 12 cherries pitted and halved
  • 12 basil leaves
  • +/- 3 cups lemonade
  • 4 whole cherries garnish
  • cherry simple syrup

Cherry Syrup

  • 1 cup cherries pitted and halved
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 1 lemon juiced

Instructions

Cherry Syrup

  • Remove pits of 1 cup worth of cherries and cut into halves. Place into a saucepan on a medium heat.
  • Add sugar and the juice from 1 lemon. Bring to a low simmer for 8 minutes stirring often.
  • Strain through a sieve to make the simple syrup.

Cherry Basil Lemonade

  • Divide the simple syrup into 4 glasses.
  • Fill each glass with ice.
  • Chop 12 basil leaves and divide into glasses.
  • Pit 12 cherries and cut into halves. Divide into each glass.
  • Top with lemonade and garnish with a cherry. Basil sprig garnish is optional.

What are some of your favorite recipes that use fresh cherries? Let me know in the comments below. 

Fresh Strawberry Mocktail

Fresh Strawberry Mocktail is a non-alcoholic cocktail made with a fresh strawberry syrup, sliced strawberries and sparkling water that is simple, pink and beautiful. 

Fresh Strawberry Mocktail

Fresh Strawberry Mocktail is so refreshing and easy to make. Sparkling water is one of my favorite drinks to mix fruits with or alcohol. Yes, you can add a shot of vodka to this also to make a delicious lower calorie cocktail! You may also like this Strawberry Lime Vodka Tonic for another refreshing summer cocktail. 

Strawberries

The use of fresh strawberries adds antioxidants and more nutritional value over a store bought strawberry syrup. Plus, the flavor the fresh strawberries is unbeatable. Below are some nutrition benefits of strawberries. 

  • High in Vitamin C
  • Powerful antioxidants to decrease inflammation and fight free radicals. 
  • Low calorie
  • High fiber to keep you regular. 
  • Potassium to regulate blood pressure. 
Fresh Strawberry Mocktail, mocktail recipe, pink cocktail, pink beverage, strawberry drink, strawberry sparkling water, strawberry syrup, non alcoholic mothers day drink
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Fresh Strawberry Mocktail

Fresh Strawberry Mocktail is a non-alcoholic cocktail made with a fresh strawberry syrup, sliced strawberries and sparkling water that is simple, pink and beautiful. 
Course drink
Keyword Mocktail
Servings 4 servings
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound strawberries hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • sparkling water
  • more strawberries garnish
  • ice

Instructions

  • Wash, hull and slice strawberries. 
  • Add strawberries to a saucepan on a medium heat with 1/4 cup sugar. Heat until sugar dissolves and heat down to a low simmer for 8 minutes. Whisk every so often forming a syrup. 
  • Place the syrup through a mesh strainer and let the liquid cool. 
  • Separate the syrup into 4 equal portions into glasses. Fill with ice and some sliced strawberries. 
  • Fill each glass with sparkling water and serve. 

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

Pomegranate Iced Tea Punch

Pomegranate 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 #PassTheMilos http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Pomegranate Iced Tea Punch made with Milo’s Tea, pomegranate juice and ginger ale garnished with fresh pomegranate arils, orange slices, cranberries and a sugared rosemary sprig for a festive non-alcoholic drink everyone will enjoy this holiday season.

The holiday season is in full swing and this Pomegranate Iced Tea Punch is the perfect drink for all your upcoming get-togethers. The holidays are all about creating memories and traditions and this Pomegranate Iced Tea Punch will become your families new go-to drink that pairs perfectly with all those traditional dishes like the turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce.

I just made myself very, very hungry. 

The one ingredient in Pomegranate Iced Tea Punch extra special is our family-favorite, award winning, Milo’s Tea. I really enjoy learning the history behind my favorite products. Yes, Milo’s Tea is fresh brewed, and features natural ingredients without preservatives or added acids. Yes, Milo’s Tea is THE beverage for holiday meal entertaining available sweetened with pure cane sugar, no calorie and unsweet options, as well as lemonade, and a tea and lemonade mix.

What’s the real history behind Milo’s Tea though?

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 and now Milo’s beverages can be found in thousands of retailers across the United States.

Milo’s philosophy was simple – use high quality, fresh, natural ingredients, listen to your customers and never sacrifice taste. This is the same philosophy that Milo’s Tea upholds today. Drink Milo’s and taste the difference. 

Pomegranate Iced Tea Punch

Pomegranate Iced Tea Punch can be made by the glass or in a large pitcher. This punch goes quickly, so I recommend just making a big batch. Wash your fresh cranberries and remove the arils from a pomegranate. Slice the oranges and sugar coat some rosemary sprigs. The sugar coated rosemary is a nice touch for a little sparkle and is simple to do. Just give the rosemary a quick rinse with water and dip into a sugar filled plate. Gently shake off the excess sugar and that’s it! They smell and look gorgeous.

Before guests arrive, fill the pitcher half way with ice and drop in most of the orange slices and cranberries. Leave some to the side for garnish. Next, add 3 cups Milo’s Tea, 1 cup pomegranate juice and 3 cups ginger ale. Each glass will get a couple ice cubes, a sparkling rosemary sprig, an orange slice, a few cranberries and a few pomegranate arils filled with Pomegranate Iced Tea Punch. Add a festive straw if you wish.

Pomegranate Iced Tea Punch
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Pomegranate Iced Tea Punch made with Milo’s Tea, pomegranate juice and ginger ale garnished with fresh pomegranate arils, orange slices, cranberries and a sugared rosemary sprig for a festive non-alcoholic drink everyone will enjoy this holiday season.

Yields: 14 servings

  • Pomegranate Iced Tea Punch
  • 3 cups Milo’s Tea (No-calories Milo's Famous Sweat Tea)
  • 3 cups Ginger ale
  • 1 cup Pomegranate juice
  • 2 oranges, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh Cranberries
  • Ice
  • Garnish
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • .5 cup Cranberries
  • 1 pomegranate
  • Rosemary sprigs (1 per person)
  • Granulated sugar, extra fine
  1. Wash the cranberries.
  2. Slice the oranges and remove arils from pomegranate.
  3. Cover each rosemary sprig with sugar. Give a quick rinse to wet the rosemary and then dip into a plate or bowl full of sugar. Cover the rosemary completely with sugar and then give a gentle shake to remove excess sugar.
  4. Fill the pitcher about half way with ice.
  5. Dump in 2/3 of your orange slices and 1 cup cranberries.
  6. Pour 3 cups Milo's Tea, 1 cup pomegranate juice and 3 cups ginger ale into pitcher.
  7. Serve.
  8. Garnish each drink with a sugared rosemary sprig, a few cranberries and a few pomegranate arils.
  • Preparation time: 10 minutes

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 #PassTheMilos http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

23 Perfect Summer Drinks to Sip by the Pool

23 Perfect Summer Drinks to Sip by the Pool

We have found 23 Perfect Summer Drinks to Sip by the Pool! It is officially July now! Yes, July! Halloween will be here before we know it but we still need to survive this extreme summer heat the next 2 months! We rounded up some of the best non-alcoholic, refreshing, tasty drinks that are just…well… perfect for sipping by the pool.

Want some recipes with liquor that are great for summer? Check out 20 Drinks for 21+ for ideas!

 

Virgin Banana Daiquiris from Strength and Sunshine that are gluten-free and sugar-free.

[Click HERE for recipe]

 

Peach Flavored Perfect Lemonade from Watch What U Eat. I could dive into this one today!

summer drinks

[Click HERE for recipe]

 

Limonana from Lindsay’s Travel Kitchen. A refreshing Syrian favorite!

summer drinks

[Click HERE for recipe]

 

Blackberry Ginger Mocktail from The Worktop. I am a huge fan of ginger ale, it is so refreshing and delicious.

summer drinks

[Click HERE for recipe]

 

Lime Cranberry Mocktail from My Wife Can Cook. How gorgeous is this drink?

summer drinks

[Click HERE for recipe]

 

Raspberry Peach Lemonade from Wanna Bite.

summer drinks

[Click HERE for recipe]

 

Raspberry Kiddie Cocktail from All She Cooks. I am in love!

summer drinks

[Click HERE for recipe]

even more Perfect Summer Drinks to Sip by the Pool

Copycat Chick-Fil-A frosted Lemonade from Mildly Meandering.

Easy Cucumber Lemonade from Mama Likes to Cook.

Blackberry Passion Tea Lemonade from Ashley Brooke Nicholas.

Homemade Orange Flavored Iced Tea from Bunny’s Warm oven.

Cantaloupe Agua Fresca Drink Recipe from Divine Lifestyle.

Freshly squeezed Single Serving Lemonade from Design, Eat, Repeat.

Strawberry Limeade from Low Carb Yum.

Non Alcoholic Copycat Painkiller Cocktail Recipe from Experimental Homesteader.

Lemonade Party Punch from The Country Chic Cottage.

Easy Lip Smacking Strawberry Lemonade from Small Town Woman.

Raspberry Mint Lime Cooler from Emma Eats and Explores.

Pomegranate Punch from All She Cooks.

Refreshing Cucumber and Lime Spritzer from Moms Who Save.

Cucumber Berry Blast from Dinner with Rollos.

Sparkling Raspberry Soda from Joy Filled Eats.

Peach Iced Tea from here at Simply Made Recipes.

 

Summer drinks non-alcoholic

7 Non-Alcoholic New Year Eve Drinks

Good bye to 2016 and hello 2017! Here is a round up of 7 awesome drinks that are non-alcoholic and kid friendly to celebrate New Years whatever your plans may be!

Need some ideas for drinks with alcohol too? Try the round up for 9 Cocktails for the Best New Years Eve Yet! Keep in mind that many of the drinks listed here before can easily be spiked!

 

 

Cinnamon Pear cider from Savory Tooth that you can drink hot or cold for a perfect holiday beverage.

 

Shirley Temple Mocktail from Baking Beauty. Simple, fun drink that can also be spiked for the adults.

Ginger Lime Fizz from Renee Nicole’s Kitchen. I haven’t had a drink like this before but it looks delicious and so simple to make!

Punch for a Bunch from Live, laugh, and Craft. Make a big bowl and let people serve themselves so you don’t have to play bartender all night long!

Raspberry Coconut Cream Dr. Pepper is another great non alcoholic party drink from Live, Laugh, and Craft.

Virgin Bloody Mary recipe from Slap Dash Mom. We all know this one can also be delish spiked for those that need an alcoholic version.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from here at Simply Made Recipes to make sure you all stay warm for New Years.

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7 non alcoholic new year eve drinks