Dancers! Fruity Spring Spritzers for Those Sweet Sunny Days

My favourite season is upon us and with that comes the joyous warmer weather. Picnics in the gardens, walks on the beach, weekend afternoons spent lounging in the sunshine. But oh, what's missing? A drink in your hand! Here are some recipes to complete your sun-filled afternoons and quench that warm weather thirst!   

PEACH PARADISE
(Makes about 4 servings)

• 4 peaches, peeled and cut into slices
• 2 1/2 cups water
• Fresh juice of 1 lemon
• 5 tbsp sugar
• Ice cubes

for garnish:

• peach slices 
• Mint leaves 

1. Place the peach slices in a food processor, blender or NutriBullet (I've become obsessed with my new NutriBullet!) Add lemon juice, sugar, water and ice cubes. Puree until smooth. 
2. Add ice to serving glasses and fill each glass with peach juice. 
3. Garnish with peach slice and mint leaves and voila! Paradise.

Hey Mum & Dad: It's delicious with a splash of vodka!

(Source: Home Cooking Adventure)

MEAN GREEN DETOX MACHINE
(Makes 2 whole smoothies) 

Sounds disgusting but I promise you it's everything you've ever dreamed of. Who needs a Bloody Mary when you've got this green dream!?! The immune boosting properties of lemon and ginger, with the all-rounder herself: spinach! Reece Witherspoon's secret weapon, perfect as a breakfast booster! 

• 1 Baby gem/cos lettuce
• 1 lemon, peel/pips removed
• 1 apple (cored)
• 1 pear (cored)
• 1 banana (peeled)
• Handful spinach
• 2/3 cup Coconut water 
• Handful ice
• Small piece of ginger (optional)
• 1tsp chia seeds (optional)

Add all ingredients to blender/NutriBullet. Blend until smooth. Pour into 2 glasses (over ice if it's extra sunny) & feel your body lap it up! Top with coconut flakes if you're feeling fancy! 

MINTY MANGO ICED TEA 
(Serves 4-6)

• 1 mango, peeled, stoned and chopped
• 100g granulated sugar
• 4 tsp green tea leaves (or 3 tea bags)
• small bunch fresh mint
• 1 lime, sliced
• ice

1. Put half the mango in a saucepan with the sugar and 100ml water. Cook for 8-10 mins then strain through a sieve and leave to cool.
2. Meanwhile, pour 500ml boiling water into a large heatproof jug and add the green tea leaves. Leave to steep for 5 min, then strain into a large glass jug and add 300ml cold water. Leave to cool completely then put into fridge to chill.
3. Once cold, add the mango syrup to the chilled tea, along with the rest of the chopped mango, fresh mint and lime slices. Fill the jug with ice, stir and serve. Yum!

(Source: BBC Good Food)

STRAWBERRY KISSES 
(Serves 4-6)

• 3/4 cup (180ml) fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
• 2/3 cup (135g) sugar/coconut sugar
• 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries
• 4 cups soda water
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Limoncino (optional)

1. Place lemon juice and sugar into a bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved. 
2. Place the strawberries in the bowl of a food processor, blender or NutriBullet (told you, I'm obsessed!). Puree until smooth. Pour the strawberry puree through a sieve into a jug. 
3. Combine lemon juice with the strawberry puree, add water (and Limoncino if used).
4. Add ice to serving glasses and fill with lemonade. Garnish with lemon and strawberry slices. Delish! 

Hot tip: If you're not into limoncino but you're a grown-up and it's cocktail hour... sub the soda water for champagne!  

Watch the video here! 

(Source: Home Cooking Adventure)

SUMMER PUNCH
(serves 8-10)

The perfect party punch for the whole family!   

• 125ml lemon juice
• 50g caster sugar
• 250ml elderflower cordial
• 500ml apple juice 
• 125ml sparkling water
• ice
• mint (and any other herbs you like!) 
• lemon slices 

1. In a bowl, mix the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
2. Transfer into punch bowl (or any large serving bowl will do!), add the other liquid ingredients, fill to the top with ice and stir gently.
3. Serve immediately, with herbs and lemon slices! Boom! 

Grown-up tip: spike your punch with 250 ml vodka and swap elderflower cordial for elderflower liqueur! 

(Source: BBC Good Food)

By Isabella Gilbert