Strawberry Vodka Slush

These daiquiri like drinks are full of fruity goodness, bright summery flavor and lack most of the calories of a premixed or bottled drink!  If you want to make these without the vodka simply add water or orange juice in its place.

Makes 2 generous portions.

Ingredients

• 1 c. crushed ice
• 2 c. frozen chopped strawberries
• 1/2 c. cold vodka
• 1/4 c. lemon juice
• 1/2 c. simple syrup

Directions

Blend all the ingredients on high together (likely smoothie or puree on your blender).  If they are too thick add water until the mixture reaches smoothie consistency.  Be sure to taste this because every strawberry is different.  You may need to add some extra simple syrup or a little extra lemon juice to balance out the flavor.

You can garnish this with an umbrella and a brightly colored straw...enjoy!

Green Tea Lemonade

Today I thought I'd share with you one of my favorite summer drinks.  For this recipe I use Minute Maid frozen lemon juice instead of fresh squeezed lemon; you can find this product in most grocery store's freezer section next to the frozen juices.  This makes one gallon, which sounds like a lot, but I find it goes quickly.  Feel free to halve, quarter or even double this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon of water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 8 green tea bags

Directions

Bring 2 cups of the water to a simmer, add the cup of sugar and stir until dissolved.  Once the sugar is dissolved take the water off the heat and steep the tea bags according to the boxes directions (typically 3-5 minutes).  Remove the tea bags, be sure to wring them out!
Pour the tea and sugar mixture into a gallon sized jug and add the sugar and the remaining 14 cups of water.  If you want to enjoy this sooner add about 10 cups of water and then add ice to 1 gallon...the tea may be a little stronger, but will dilute as the cubs melt.
Stir well and refrigerate. 
Last step?  Enjoy!