Refreshing Summer Spritzer

Summer weather is now in full swing, which means even those of us with camel-like drinking habits are in search of refreshing sources of hydration. What started a year ago as the search for the perfect mojito in the city of Boston (verdict: blueberry or mango mojito at Top of the Hub) has transformed into a quest for the perfect mojito recipe and finally evolved into this "recipe" for a refreshing summer spritzer. Just as the key to the perfect homemade mojito lies in the mint-infused syrup, this drink also calls for mint-infused simple syrup to sweeten. 


Follow the instructions loosely, and change and substitute according to your preferences. (You can even turn this into a spritzer-mojito hybrid by adding rum.) After all, it's summertime and living is easy. 

Ingredients:

• Whole Foods Citrus Blend Italian Sparkling Mineral Water $1.89 (comes in various flavors including mint, lime, lemon)
• half a lime 
• mint simple syrup*: a handful of mint leaves, white table sugar, water
• Ocean Spray Cran-Apple juice or any other type of juice (optional)
• ice cubes

*To create a simple syrup, you need one part water to one part sugar. I would not recommending using more than 1/2 cup water to 1/2 cup sugar to start especially if you don't anticipate on using the syrup for anything else. Bringing the water to a boil on the stove, add in an equal part of sugar and stir to dissolve. Once dissolved, turn heat down to low and add a handful of mint leaves for infusing the simple syrup. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool before storing in fridge. 

Pour a glass of sparkling water or club soda in whichever flavor you prefer. 

Add 2-3 table spoons of mint infused simple syrup.

Squeeze the juices of half of a lime into the glass. 

Optional: Add a splash of Cran-Apple juice, a slice of lime, mint leaves, and ice cubes.