Recently I headed to Toronto Ontario to attend a Minute Maid Lights Event hosted by the fabulous Lena Almeida of Listen to Lena. I was excited to see some old friends, meet some new ones, and listen to food and entertaining expert Nadine Hughes share some of her favourite summertime cocktail and mocktail recipes!
The setting was truly pinterest worthy.
I could hardly wait to dive in and create myself a mocktail, or perhaps a beautiful cocktail or two? Why had I never thought of taking my orange juice or lemonade to a whole new level? This was about to change!
I joined the small group of bloggers in the sweet street side cafe for a divine brunch, and to learn about some inspiring drinks incorporating Minute Maid’s new Light Lemonade and Light Orange Juice beverages.
I must confess, before this day I had not been putting enough thought into the cocktails I was serving picnic and poolside. We were introduced to some very quick and easy ideas to wow our guests while we entertain this summer! Some new recipes I’ve added to my repertoire include; the Toasted Coconut Orange Macarooni drink, and a dessert called Blueberry Lemon Pops! Delish!
My all time favourite, and a mocktail/cocktail I will be creating on a regular basis, is the addictive and refreshing Lemon Ginger Punch. It’s so easy! Here’s how to impress your guests or surprise the little people in your house with a refreshing drink on a hot summers day:
Lemon Ginger Punch
Ingredients
1/2 English Cucumber, cut into thin rounds
Small handful of fresh mint leaves ( I cut these right out of my garden and may have been a bit over zealous the first time, It doesn’t need a lot)
1 lemon, cut into thin rounds
7 cups (1.75ml) Minute Maid Light Lemonade
2 1/2 cups (625 ml) Ginger-Ale (or more if you like lots of bubbles)
Crushed Ice
To Make
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, add the cucumber, mint lemons, reserving some for garnish. Add the Minute Maid Light Lemonade and using a wooden spoon, stir until combined. (Note: You can make this in advance and refrigerate to allow the fruits and veggies to infuse into the liquid.) Just before serving, add the Ginger-Ale and stir. To serve, fill al tall glass with crushed ice and pour mixture over top. Garnish individual glasses with a sprig of mint, cucumber round and lemon round. Adult Option: Add 2 cups of Gin based liqueur such as Pimms.
Ta da! The results is a fabulous drink that will knock your socks off!
Minute Maid Light Lemonade and Minute Maid Light Orange Juice are delicious and refreshing all on their own, but how wonderful is it to think outside the box, add your own twist and jazz up two favourites to create some new summer recipes for family and guests. (or maybe just yourself pool side!) I also have to admit, I love this low cal option, all the same great of the original and up to 65% less calories!! You can find all the Minute Maid products at your favourite grocery stores.
Thanks to the fabulous people at Minute Maid I have an incredible giveaway for one lucky reader of How To Survive Life In The Suburbs! The Minute Maid Lights Mocktail Party Prize Pack, valued at $200.00! Woot! This prize pack features everything needed for you to host your very own at-home mocktail / cocktail party!
The Prize Pack includes Minute Maid Lights Lemonade and Orange Juice blends, four cocktail glasses, a shaker, orange swirl straws, a beverage carafe, orange polka dot cocktail napkins and a large, stylish beverage bucket to keep everything cool!
This contest is open to Canada Only and ends Monday July 28th. Please leave a comment below and enter using the rafflecopter form below.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored. I have received special perks in the form of products and compensation. All opinions on this blog are my own.
sarah jackson says
some peach schnapps and and some fun shaped ice cubes in some orange juice !
Jeannie says
I liked and shared the giveaway post on facebook.
Irene Eichler says
gingerale and fresh fruit
Carol M (Lushka S) says
Like & shared on FB
Meghan says
adding mint or sparkling juice/water
Bridget says
I love to spice up my lemonade by adding ice cubes with seasonal fruit frozen into them. A new flavour every tome you make it
steve weber says
I;d jazz it up with some sparkle peach rockstar!!
SHERRI-ANNE WILLS says
Great blog. I will be definitely be trying the lemon Ginger punch. Thanks for all you do.
Pat B says
I’d put a maraschino cherry and orange slice on a skewer and place it at the top of a collins glass
Sara rai says
Ill add pineapple and gingerale
Ashley Lauren says
Orange slices berry icecubes and champagne
Brenda Penton says
Liked and shared the Facebook post
Sabrina Tong says
Vodka! Lots and lots of vodka! 🙂
sarah sar says
shared your FB post
sarah sar says
Liked your FB post