Golden Raspberry Spritzer & Cinnamon Basil-Ginger Spritzer

Ryan and I were terribly good this weekend when it came to eating, so good, we hardly ate well! Our 4th of July consisted of consuming tamari-roasted almonds and a basil sprizter after an hour long racquetball game. How about not feeling guilty when the BBQ came around? I tried convincing Ryan that since he hardly ate during the day that 2 plates of BBQ was okay, especially since it was from Texas. Woohoo!





Yes, moderation and portion control can be very difficult. The holidays come around and you see all this good food that everyone has prepared so you can't help but indulge. I think the only day I ate something that was not "healthy" were the vegan chili fries I preapred. I have hardly craved things but this was definitely a day when I only wanted something bad so I had no guilt.



Okay, so these lasted me two days, but I had a salad the next day with the leftovers! :)







I felt like this weekend was all about the spritzers and beverages! What is your favorite summer drink?





As I was organizing my pantry this past weekend, I came across some festive tea. I love Stash teas and I was so happy to have a cup of this patriotic tea.







After our workout on July 4th, I decided to make the Basil Spritzer, but using the Cinnamon Basil I purchased at the farmer's market. Cinnamon Basil y'all! I love how God has created all types of herbs and this was the perfect post-workout drink to replenish our energy. I did something differently though that made this drink very quick to prepare.





[Update] I feel like a dufus because I failed to let y'all know what this basil tastes like. I took a whiff of it and I could smell the cinnamon aspects. Ryan and I both agreed there was a spicy factor but I bet it was a combination fo the ginger ale and the basil. I could taste the cinnamon with each sip, for sure!







Cinnamon Basil-Ginger Spritzer



makes 4 servings



1 1/2 cup water

2 cups loosely packed cinnamon basil leaves

3 cans Blue Sky Jamaican Ginger Ale

ICE





Combine water and basil in a blender. Process until basil is mostly liquefied and blended.





Strain the mixture through a sieve in a separate bowl.





Divide the basil water between 4 glasses. Divide the 2 cans of ginger ale between all 4 glasses. Add crushed or whole ice and enjoy!





The other drink we enjoyed was over brunch this past weekend. Berries have been plentiful and we have been enjoying them in smoothies, fruit salads, and in drinks.







I had 2 pints of golden raspberries and decided to make a spritzer with key limes. I am glad I did because it was SO delicious! The drink has a nice background of flowers that Ryan brought me! He is so sweet!





Golden Raspberry Spritzer



serves 4-6





2 pints of golden raspberries

1/2 cup agave nectar

4 key limes, juiced

1/2 liter of seltzer water

1/2 cup vodka (optional)

Ice





Wash berries and palce in the food processor until blended. Pass fruit through a sieve removing the seeds.





Add agave nectar and lime juice to the raspberry puree and mix well. Place in a pitcher and add seltzer and vodka and pour over ice. So good!





I hope you enjoy these drinks at some point suring this summer. Take advantage of the berries! :)