Simple Kitchen: Summer sun quenchers

By Errin Stevenson

July 14, 2008 | In Utah, summers are hot and drinks are always nice when they are served while the grill is going. So, lets kick our drinks up and add some flavor.

Fruit is my favorite way to add some kick to my summer drink. It is a refreshing and a healthy addition for a drink. Creativity is also fun for summer drinks. Adding fruit to a cup of 7-Up or lemonade is always an easy and quick drink. Here are some of my quick and easy recipes.

Fizzy Punch

1 can of frozen orange pineapple strawberry concentrate
1 2-liter bottle of any red soda (such as cherry 7-Up), chilled

Simply add the concentrate to your soda bowl and enjoy!

Summer Punch by Tara Hatch

3 pkgs Strawberry Kool-aid
1 pkg Raspberry Kool-aid
4 C sugar
1 lg can Pineapple juice
12 oz lemonade
12 oz orange juice
2 qts water
7-up to taste

Freeze overnight. Thaw 1 hour before serving. Add 7-Up.

Homemade Raspberry Lemonade

1 12-ounce package frozen unsweetened raspberries
1 c. sugar
1ž2 c. water
1 1ž2 T grated lemon peel
1 c. fresh lemon juice
1 1-liter bottle of sparkling water or club soda
ice cubes
fresh raspberries
lemon slices

Combine 12-ounce raspberries, sugar and water in saucepan. Stir over medium heat unti the sugar is completely dissolved. Increase heat and boil for 2-3 minutes. Strain raspberry mixture in a separate bowl. Push down on raspberries to get as much liquid as you can. Throw away remaining raspberries. Mix in the grated lemon and chill until cool in refridgerator.

Stir the raspberry mixture, lemon juice and club soda into a large pitcher or serving bowl to blend. Garnish with raspberries and lemons. Serve on ice.

I hope you enjoy these refreshing summer drink recipes!

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