A casual outdoor meal has to be one of the best things about getting together with friends and family. Food prep and clean up is minimal and there seems to be more opportunity to linger. Summertime is one of the best times to take advantage of that because of the extended daylight hours and there is just simply a different, slower rhythm than other times of the year.
We sourced some great items to make it easy for taking it out doors- and yes- even an ice cream maker. Because what's an outdoor summer meal without homemade ice cream?! My husband received one for his birthday probably 15 years ago and we use it without fail every 4th of July but also several times throughout summer. We've made everything from creamy ice creams to gelato (yes it's different!) to ices. So yummy!
But I have to say one of my favorite things I have been getting into over the past couple of years are mocktails. (fun to drink but without next day regret 😉 ) We thought we could share two from my arsenal that have been hits with all ages. I don't know if you've noticed, but the Alcohol Free/AF drink industry has exploded in the last couple of years and it's becoming easier and easier to find great AF alternatives to buy along with fun recipes as well. I have been making my watermelon slush agua fresca probably six years now; I always have frozen cubed chunks in the freezer during summer so we can make them on the fly. This years favorite was one I discovered while I was researching mocktail recipes to make for our trip to Hawaii. I came across a homemade ginger ale recipe from- appropriately- the Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii. It is super easy and I have made it for 3 different occasions in the last month! Jump to the bottom for the recipes.
Summer Barbecue Fave Finds:
Drink Recipes:
NOTES:
For ginger ale: it's ratio in the recipe are 2:1 but I add far less syrup and it's still delicious and refreshing- especially on a hot day. Throw cut lime and pineapple in and I feel like I am back on vacation!
NOTES:
For agua fresca: instead of pouring over ice, freeze watermelon cubes then blend for slushy. I have also used agave for sweetener or left it out if watermelon is sweet enough on it's own.
Hope we inspired you to invite someone over and get outside- Let us know if you make either recipe!
Lisa
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