Strawberry-Mint Coolers

Phew summer! Its hot and humid and a few minutes outside make you crave something cold and refreshing. With just a hint of soda and lots of fruit, this drink will not give you any guilt pangs. The idea of pairing strawberries and mint was introduced to me by a fellow blogger and good friend. Upon experimentation, I reached this recipe which can also be a welcome drink, mocktail or cocktail. The fresh juices, pungent mint and crisp soda make it a refreshing sip. The below portion is for 12 large servings.

Ingredients:  

2 boxes strawberries, about 30 pieces

2 fistfuls fresh mint

4 lemons juiced

1 litre orange juice

1 litre Sprite or any other lemon-lime soda

6 cups ice, approx 4 cubes per serving

Wash all the produce thoroughly. Clean and hull the strawberries. In a blender, add the strawberries, mint, lemon juice and ice. You may have to do this in 2/3 batches depending upon the size of the blender. Blend till all the strawberries are pureed and ice is crushed. Remove in a jug and add the orange juice. Keep refrigerated till time of serving. Alternatively you can add half the ice to blend and remaining can be added in the jug to keep the juice blend cool.

To serve, fill 2/3 of the glass with the strawberry orange juice blend and top the remaining 1/3 with Sprite. Garnish with a twig of mint and serve chilled!

Cocktail option: Add a shot of vodka to the above glass and serve.