Sparkling Mint Limeade

It's already really hot outside. Like, sweating in funny places from a stroll to the mailbox kind of hot.

Why, Florida, why? Just when I have solidified an outdoor exercise routine.

I've been walking about 5 days a week and it's been a nice change of pace to being a hermit spending the majority of my waking hours indoors these past few months. {The months where the weather was perfect. Go figure.} Yes, there is unnecessary sweat -- I mean, it's walking for heaven's sake, not an Ironman competition -- but it's been worth it for a few reasons.

Cole and I stroll about 3 miles most days, giving me a break from trying to entertain my sweet child indoors. A few times a week, I have a {grown up} walking buddy who walks 6 miles with me. During that time we basically have therapy sessions and figure out how to right the world's wrongs. It's therapeutic and terribly efficient if you ask me. {Plus, way cheaper than real therapy.}

Any exercise where I don't really think about the fact that I'm actually exercising is my favorite kind. Because you still burn calories, but you also get to have fun. And if you're constantly running your mouth like I am, you probably burn double.

Speaking of calorie burning, I've got you where I want you last 5 pounds of baby weight! While I'm not all that bothered by the extra pudge, I'm fairly certain that my collection of JCrew and Lilly Pulitzer shorts total to a few hundred dollars worth, and I'm not okay with letting them go to waste. Clearly, my priorities are in order.

But I digress. Hot weather = cool drinks. That's where I was going with all of this.

When I had some girlfriends over for lunch a few weeks ago, I threw together this Sparkling Mint Limeade just because I had mint and limes, not really expecting for it to be all that great. But I actually really enjoyed it.

Sweet, tart, bubbly and refreshing. Reminds me of a mojito, only I can sip it during the day without concerned glances. {After 5pm, I'm sure a little splash of your favorite spirit wouldn't do any harm to the flavor. Wink, wink.}

 

Bring on the heat.

*Note: Any time I make these types of beverages, I estimate the amounts or add ingredients to taste. This is an approximation, so alter to suit your taste buds!

Sparkling Mint Limeade

1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
3 sprigs of mint
Juice of 3 limes
Juice of 1 lemon
Approximately 1 1/2 cups water
Lime flavored sparkling water

1. Make the mint syrup: Stir together sugar and water and bring to a boil in a small saucepan. Boil for about a minute, then remove from heat and toss in mint sprigs. Let mint steep for about 10-15 minutes to develop mint flavor. Press on mint leaves to extract the last of the flavor, and disgard.

2. In a pitcher or desired container, stir together lime juice, lemon juice and cooled mint syrup. Add about 1 1/2 cups of water to dilute. {This is where you may want to start tasting and deciding how strong you prefer it to be.}

3. To serve, pour limeade into a glass filled with ice {about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way full}, then top with lime sparkling water. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint if desired.