Best Mojito

Here’s how to make a classic Mojito recipe! Mix up the original with just a few ingredients: lime juice, sugar,…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Here’s how to make a classic Mojito recipe! Mix up the original with just a few ingredients: lime juice, sugar, club soda, and rum.

Mojito

Craving a great rum cocktail? Here’s how to make one of the most popular drinks with rum: the Mojito! It’s minty fresh, zingy and bubbly, simple to whip up with just a handful of ingredients. It’s the classics we keep coming back to, even after tasting hundreds of cocktail recipes. This one is in our top 3 best drinks of all time! The harmony between the boozy rum, zingy lime, herbaceous mint, and sparkling bubbles is legendary.

Mojito ingredients

The mojito is a sour cocktail that originated in Havana, Cuba and has become one of the world’s most popular rum drinks. Some say it stems back to the 1580’s with a drink called the Draque, named after Sir Francis Drake. Others say it solidified in the mid-1800’s when the Bacardi rum company created a spin on the Draque using rum. Some think Americans brought the Mint Julep to Cuba, which spawned a variation with rum.

Whatever the case, its place as an iconic Cuban cocktail solidified by the 1930’s when Ernest Hemingway helped to popularize the drink. The Mojito ingredients include:

  • Fresh mint
  • Lime juice
  • White rum
  • Sugar
  • Sparkling water or club soda
How to make a Mojito

How to make a Mojito

The Mojito is simple to make if you’ve got a handful of mint and a fresh lime! For this drink, you’ll need a cocktail muddler, which is used to mash the mint with the lime juice and sugar. Fortunately, this drink can be made right in the glass: there’s no need for a cocktail shaker! (This is extremely handy: it makes it easy to make a drink and less mess.) Here’s how to make a Mojito:

  1. Cut 1 lime into wedges.
  2. In a medium-sized lowball glass or highball, add 6 mint leaves, lime wedges, and 2 tablespoons sugar, adding ½ lime at a a time. Muddle until lime juice is released and mint is fragrant.
  3. Add 2 ounces rum and swirl. Add a handful of ice and top with 2 ounces club soda. Stir once or twice to incorporate and garnish with additional mint and lime wedges.
Mojito Ingredients

Adjusting the sweetness

This Mojito tastes sweet and balanced with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, which is 6 sugar cubes. But if you prefer a more tart drink, start with 1 ½ tablespoons sugar. Make sure to stir a few times so that the sugar incorporates into the drink.

You can also use simple syrup for a Mojito! Use 1 ½ ounces simple syrup, which equates to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.

Mojito recipe

The best ice for a mojito: crushed vs cubes

One last thing about this Mojito recipe before we get to that recipe! Many purists argue over the right ice to use in this classic drink: crushed ice or cubed. In our research, we’ve found this: crushed ice melts faster. So if sparkling water is added as part of a drink, you should use ice cubes, not crushed ice that might water it down more.

Using that theory: since soda water (aka club soda) is part of the Mojito, you should use ice cubes and not crushed ice! Now you know. Of course as with any cocktail “rule”, you can break it at any time.

Mojito

Make a Mojito pitcher for a crowd

It’s simple to whip up a classic Mojito in the glass. But if you’re having a party, how do you make enough drinks for the crowd? Try a Mojito pitcher! This way you don’t have to muddle mint every time (though you can, if you’d like!).

The pitcher variation use mint syrup instead! Make a quick mint simple syrup, which infuses herbaceous fresh flavor into each drink. Go to this Mojito Pitcher Recipe.

Mojito variations

Want a few variations on the classic Mojito? Here are a few different Mojito variations to try:

This Mojito recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Print
Mojito

The Mojito


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink

Description

Here’s how to make a classic Mojito recipe! Mix up the original with just a few ingredients: lime juice, sugar, soda water, and rum.


Ingredients

  • 6 mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges, plus additional for garnish
  • 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons* granulated sugar (6 sugar cubes or 1 ½ ounces simple syrup)
  • 2 ounces** white rum
  • 2 ounces soda water

Instructions

  1. In a medium-sized lowball glass or highball, add the mint, lime, and sugar, adding ½ lime at a a time. Muddle until lime juice is released and mint is fragrant.
  2. Add the rum and swirl. Add a handful of ice cubes and top with the soda water. Stir once or twice to incorporate and garnish with additional mint and lime wedges.

Notes

*For a balanced drink, use 2 tablespoons; for a less sweet drink, use 1 ½ tablespoons.

**To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Cocktail
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Mojito, mojito recipe, mojito ingredients, how to make a mojito

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Best Margarita Recipe

Here’s how to make the classic margarita recipe! It’s easy with just 3 ingredients: tequila, lime, and orange liqueur. There’s…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Here’s how to make the classic margarita recipe! It’s easy with just 3 ingredients: tequila, lime, and orange liqueur.

How to make a margarita

There’s a reason the margarita is world’s most popular tequila drink. This classic sour cocktail hits just the right balance of earthy tequila, zingy lime juice and sweet orange liqueur. Many restaurants and bars have created syrupy spins on the theme, or added flavors from mango to hibiscus. But we keep coming back to that classic formula: just 3 ingredients makes the best balanced tart and salty cocktail. Here’s how to make the best margarita!

Margarita ingredients

The margarita is one of the most popular classic cocktails in history. It was mostly likely invented in Mexico in the 1930’s (there are many competing origin stories, so the exact story is unknown). Margarita means “daisy” in Spanish and was likely a variation on the Brandy Daisy. The Daisy is a historic family of drinks with base liquor, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and soda water.

The margarita became popular during the Prohibition era, when Americans would travel to Mexico to get alcohol. It has spawned many variations that have diluted the classic way to make it. The classic margarita recipe has the following ingredients (per the definition by the International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails):

  • 1 ½ oz tequila
  • 1 oz Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • ¾ oz lime juice
Margarita

How to make a margarita

The classic margarita recipe is simple: you can make it as a single drink or as a margarita pitcher. Either way, you’ll need to allow time to prepare the glass rim and garnishes before making the drink. Here’s how to make a single drink:

  1. Rim the glass with salt. The classic margarita has a salt rim to enhances the sweet and sour flavors in the drink. Spread the salt on a plate in an even layer. Take a lime wedge, cut a notch in the middle, then slide it around the rim of the glass. Dip the outside edge of the glass in the plate of salt, then shake off any loose salt into the sink.
  2. Shake in a cocktail shaker. Place the tequila, Cointreau and lime juice in a cocktail shaker and add 4 ice cubes. Shake it until the drink is cold.
  3. Strain into a glass. Strain the drink into a glass. If serving on the rocks, add clear ice. The margarita is often served in a lowball or Old Fashioned glass, but a curved margarita glass works too.

Variation: margarita pitcher

Want to serve this margarita recipe for a crowd? The best way to make multiple margaritas at once is to make a pitcher. The margarita pitcher makes for 8 servings and you don’t need to shake up each drink separately, which is time consuming. Stir ice right into the pitcher to chill and dilute the drink. Here’s what to do:

  • Place 1 ½ cups tequila, 1 cup Cointreau or Triple Sec, and ¾ cup fresh lime juice in a pitcher.
  • Add 3 handfuls ice and stir until cold.
  • Pour into the prepared glasses. 
Margarita ingredients

Best tequila for margaritas

Many experts say tequila blanco is best for margaritas. Tequila blanco (or “new” tequila) has been aged less than 2 months and has that classic tequila burn. But tequila reposado adds an intriguing depth of flavor. Here are a few tips for picking the best tequila for margaritas:

  • Rule of thumb: any mid-priced tequila tastes great in a margarita. Look for 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35. Anything cheaper isn’t worth buying.
  • Tequila reposado (aged) makes a smooth, sophisticated margarita. Tequila reposado is aged 2 to 12 months in oak barrels (reposado means “rested” in Spanish). It has a smooth flavor and notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. Some brands we like include Casamigos, Milagro Reposado, and Suerte Reposado.
  • Tequila blanco is also ideal for margaritas. It has a straightforward agave-centric flavor and spicy finish. Some brands we recommend are Espolon Blanco, El Tesoro Blanco, Patrón Silver, and Casamigos.

Try our Casamigos Margarita or Patron Margarita recipes!

Use clear ice

The best way to make a margarita on the rocks? Use clear ice. Clear ice is artisanal ice that is crystal clear and can be cut into beautiful organic shapes. It’s the best way to take a cocktail from good to glamorous!

You can make your own clear ice at home: all you need is a small cooler or clear ice tray. Make up a batch 1 day in advance: go to How to Make Clear Ice for details!

Margarita Recipe

There are many variations on the classic margarita! While the classic remains our favorite, there are lots of great ways to mix up the formula. Here are a few more variations to try:

This margarita recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Print
Margarita recipe

Best Margarita


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink

Description

Here’s how to make the classic margarita recipe! It’s easy with just 3 ingredients: tequila, lime, and orange liqueur.


Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces tequila blanco or reposado*
  • 1 ounce Cointreau or Triple Sec
  • ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
  • Kosher salt or flaky sea salt, for the rim
  • Lime wedge, for the garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of salt. 
  2. Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes and shake until cold.
  3. Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice and serve.
  4. For a margarita pitcher (8 servings): Place 1 ½ cups tequila, 1 cup Cointreau or Triple Sec, and ¾ cup lime juice in a pitcher. Add 3 handfuls ice and stir until cold. Pour into the prepared glasses. 
  • Category: Cocktail
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktail
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Margarita, margarita recipe, margarita ingredients, how to make a margarita

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

A Lesson in Juicing

I inherited a professional juicer, juiced everything in sight, and learned some things in the process.

Continue reading A Lesson in Juicing on 101 Cookbooks

Let’s take a deep dive into all things juicing. I quite like my juicer(!), and I love the possibilities it lends to expanding the culinary palette. I enjoy the way it makes me think about ingredients in new ways. Fresh juice is invigorating – straight up, blended, or as part of whatever I’m making. That said, I’ve learned somethings over the years and will share some of that here.
A waring centrifugal juicer on a counter

My dad gave me this centrifugal juicer forever ago. It’s a workhorse and although I’ve had my eye on one of the macerating juicers for a while now – I haven’t made the move (yet!). We’ll talk about the different types of juices down below.

The Foundation of Good Juicing

There are a couple keys to getting great juice out of your kitchen. The first (and most important) thing is to use vibrant, healthy produce. Use the best quality produce you can get. It’s important to seek out organic or sustainably grown fruits and vegetables. If that’s not happening, wash it gently, but thoroughly. The second is to get your hands on a decent juicer. We’ll get into the different types and considerations down below.

And while were on the topic, a blender and a juicer are entirely different beasts. I know this seems obvious, but the blender does chop-chop, and the juicer separates all the fibers and solids from the juices. The juicer produces essences that are incredibly intense, alive, and bright. The flavor is main-lined. In both cases beyond fruits and vegetables, you can experiment with grains and nuts (see below).

My perception is that nearly everyone seems to think using a juicer is a royal pain. Primarily the clean-up part. And that is partially true. It seems most convenient to juice in batches, set aside what you might use in the immediate future as well as the forthcoming day or two, and then freeze any juice beyond that immediately. Not as perfect as freshly juiced, but still better than no juice.
A kitchen counter after a juicing session with jars filled with different juices

A Juicer Can Work With Lots of Ingredients!

Before I dive into all the things I’ve used my juicer for, one thing I’ll add is this: read your juicer’s instructions before diving in. What works in mine might not work in your model. There are a range of different types of juicers, and a range of ways they extract juice.
Lessons in Juicing

Juicing Nuts & Seeds

  • Almond Milk: Soak 1 cup / 5 oz almonds overnight, covered, in filtered water. Drain. Add three cups water, and ladle into juicer. This produces a full-bodied almond milk. If you like it a bit thinner, go with 4 cups water. The flavor really sings when you season it with a touch of salt and sugar. Just go with your taste buds, until it tastes good to you. Makes about 3 1/2 cups. Also, be sure to keep the meaty by-product of making the almond milk, just scrape it out of the juicer. Salt it a bit, and it’s a great homemade almond butter.
  • Oat Milk: Soak 1 cup / 3 oz rolled oats (not instant) overnight, covered, in filtered water. Drain, add 3 cups water, and ladle into juicer. Makes about 4 cups. Note to self to try a version with toasted oats. I could imagine experimenting with it as and ingredient in custards, puddings, french toast, and the like.
  • Pistachio Milk: Soak 1 cup pistachios / 5 oz overnight, covered, in filtered water. Drain, combine with 3 cups water, and ladle into juicer. This was my favorite non-fruit juice by a stretch. Really nice. I kept trying to combine it with little accents like orange blossom water, or citrus zest, but in the end I liked it best straight. Makes about 3 1/2 – 4 cups. And like the almond milk be sure to keep the meaty by-product of making the pistachio milk, just scrape it out of the juicer. Salt it a bit, and it’s a great pistachio butter.
  • Sesame Milk: Had high hopes for this one but it really didn’t work. The un-hulled seeds never broke down in the juicer.

Lessons in Juicing Ingredients in the process of being juiced

Juicing Fruits  & Vegetables

Fennel Juice: Trim the root end, but use all the rest of it. 1 large bulb = ~1 cup juice.

Carrots: 1 lb = 1 cup juice. You know, it’s just occurring to me as I’m typing this to try a carrot soup with pure juiced carrot. Use it to make the silkiest, brothy carrot soup ever.

Celery: Lob off the root end and use the rest. And I didn’t bother stringing. 1 medium bunch = 1 1/2 – 2 cups juice. I’m enjoying using the celery juice as a component in all things brothy. The fennel juice as well, but to a lesser extent.

Cucumber: Juice it all. And leave the skin on, it lends a nice color. 1 large (8 oz) cucumber yields about 1 cup of juice. Super cooling.

Cilantro: 1 big bunch, leaves and stems = 1/3 cup juice. I threw a couple serranos (deveined and deseeded) into the juicer here as well for a spicy version. You just know it’s going to be good swirled into yogurt or creme fraiche and spooned into a bowl of roasted tomato soup!

Dill: 1 large bunch (stems and fronds) yields about 3 tablespoons juice. Equal parts dill juice + olive oil and a pinch of salt has been great over greens, savory pancakes, and eggs this week. I imagine like the other intense herb juices, it would be welcome as a vinaigrette component, drizzled over gratins, and tarts as well.

Lessons in Juicing A rainbow of juices in jars

Ginger: 8 ounces unpeeled yields about 3/4 cup ginger juice. Freezes quite well. I’ve been using in teas, broths, citrus juice (grapefruit-ginger is my favorite), dipping sauces, etc.

Grapefruit: 1 large = 1 cup juice. I could live on this during the winter.

Pomegranate: I’m not sure I’d recommend using a juicer here. Mine definitely wasn’t happy. That said, the resulting juice is electric – straight-up incredible. Juice the seeds only, but review your juicer’s guidelines before an attempt. 1 large pomegranate = ~ 1 cup of seeds = 1/3 cup fresh juice.

Sidebar: Pomegranate Juicing Tips

In the comments Elise weighed in about juicing pomegranates, “…regarding pomegranate juicing, my parents have a huge pomegranate tree which produces a gazillion poms every fall. My mom juices most of them. The fastest way is to cut them in half horizontally, and put them in an orange press. This is what we do when we are overwhelmed with the number of pomegranates to juice. What my mom usually does however, is to carefully extract the seeds from the pomegranate, and place them in a blender. Pulse a couple times, just enough to break through the arils, but not enough to pulverize the hard tips of them. Those harder pieces tend to sink to the bottom of the blender. She pours out the juice through a strainer to catch any remaining hard bits. Works great!” Thanks Elise!

Jane also has this insight, “Gently squeeze and massage the whole pom until it feels softened. Avoid breaking the skin. Cut a 1″ hole in the blossom end and just suck out the juice. I grew up in Florida also doing this with oranges.”

Juice Combinations

Here are a few juice combinations I love. I’m also going to include a bunch of the amazing juicing recipes you posted to the comments. I’ll put those in the recipe section down below. 

Pistachio Milk: 1/2 cup pistachio milk, 3/4 teaspoon honey or sugar, 1/8 teaspoon sea salt, tiny pinch of ground clove. But like I said up above, this is really good straight.

Spicy Carrot: 1/4 cup carrot juice + 1/4 cup almond milk + 1/16 teaspoon cayenne + 1/2 teaspoon ginger juice + 1/8 teaspoon fine grain sea salt + 2 tablespoons celery juice.

Pomegranate Almond: 1/4 cup pomegranate juice + 1/4 cup almond juice + 2 drop rose water + pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice + sweeten to taste.

Cucumber Celery: 1/4 cup cucumber + 1/4 cup celery + 1/16 cayenne + pinch of salt.

More Juicing Recipes

What To Do With Juicing Pulp?

Juicing leaves you with a lot of pulpy, fiber-rich, by product. A lot of people like to mix this into their muffin and quick bread batter. I’ll add that you can freeze it until you’re ready to use it. There were also some great suggestions in the comments.

  • Rita shares,”…I was also wary of the waste of all the pulp. But you can use it as a filling for wraps, etc. if you add a little nut mayo and seasonings. You can wrap it in a raw cabbage or collard leaf. It’s delicious!”
  • Jonc says,” I use the pulp from the Omega 8006 to make baby food.”
  • My sister has an actual juicer and saves all her “pulp” to make to most amazing veggie burger patties! they are sooo good and nothing goes to waste. I guess if you have chickens or a great compost those are perfect uses for the pulp too.” Love these ideas shared by Kari.

What Kind of Juicer To Buy?

Broadly speaking. There are a number of considerations when deciding which juicer to buy. There are juicers that are centrifugal (like mine, pictured at the top) and others that are macerating. And then there are the high-powered blenders (for example: Vitamix). Blenders turn whole fruits and vegetables into milks and smoothies – different thing from the juicers altogether. The macerating juicers are able to really get an amazing amount of juice from ingredients, leaving you with a dry-ish pulp. Each option comes with a range of price points, but broadly speaking masticating juicers seem to be larger and more spendy. A lot of you have juicing opinions -here’s a list of some that might be helpful.

  • A lot of people love the Brevile. Brittany cites, “I’m obsessed with my breville juicer.” Julia weighs in with, “ received a Breville as an engagement gift and fell in love! The clean up is easy peasy and the combo of pink grapefruit, lemon, lime and orange is heaven in the winter.”
  • Daniella weighs in, “I love our juicer! We just got the Breville one over the holidays and we’re obsessed. Ours is really quite easy to clean up as well. I don’t mind it at all! I’m really liking juice better than smoothies… no seeds and no jammed blender anymore!”
  • A counter point from Jonc, ”I have an Omega 8006 juicer. Love it to death. We also have a Vitamix 5200. Love it to death. Had a breville. Don’t use it anymore.”
  • Then there is the Vitamix camp. This is a bit of a different beast because you’re blending, not really juicing perse. Eadie states, “I’m in the vitamix camp, love my vitamix for all the nutritional reasons (fibre, extra nutrients otherwise lost in the pulp) and generally begin my day with a veggie based smoothie.”
  • Angela says, “After spending some time with my VitaMix, I “moved up” to an Omega juicer and really love it – love making nut milks as well as fruit and vegetable juices. I mostly use it for green juices to drink, but have made some really exquisite compound vegetable sauces by cooking any particularly succulent, seasonal vegetable in it’s own juice and then pureeing.”
  • Sun mentions the Nutri-bullet, “Nutri-bullet, which creates ‘smoothies’ – not “juice” specifically. This gadget is about 1/2 the size & we use about 1/3 of the quantity of fruits/veggies. I still miss some of our “juice” blends but for those wanting a quicker option, here ya go.”
  • Jack LaLane represent in the comments as well. Julie shares,”I have a Jack LaLane juicer that will juice a “rock” Love it!”
  • Ellen says, “I love my Hurom Slow Juicer. It does an excellent job of extracting juice from fruits and veggies, leaving behind very dry pulp, especially compared to the Jack LaLanne juicer that I had prior to investing in the Hurom.”
  • Rita, “I have an Omega VRT and I love it. It’s very much like the Hurom juicer. Super easy to clean, I leave it on the counter and use it at least once or twice a day.”
  • Related, Josh G says, “My wife and I use the Hurom slow juicer and it is amazing. It has approximately 5 parts and is super easy to clean. From chopping to cleaning its altogether 15-20 mins. It has become part of our day and a great energy shot in the mornings.”
  • I love this note from SA, “…next time you’re in Turkey, or anywhere in the Middle East, find a hand cranked heavy duty juicer at the flea markets. They work absolutely best with pomegranates. By the way, by juicing only the seeds of a pomegranate, you lose most of the nutrition they carry. Like an orange, all the good stuff is in the bitter peel. So actually juicing like an orange is the way to go anyway.”

So, as you can see, people are passionate about their juicers! If you’re in the market really dive in and research how you imagine using it. I’ve read good things about the Nama J2. If I was looking to purchase something on a budget, I’d have a closer look at the Tribest Shine. I’ve also noticed the Hurom Slow Juicer has a new “easy clean” model (2023). So, set a budget, think about how it will work within your lifestyle, and go from there! You can keep en eye out for refurbished models at a discount or wait for sales that seem to come around a few times per year.

Lastly. if you’re a juicer, this is a plea to let me know what you use yours for the most. You’ve already proven to me that a good chunk of you don’t allow your juicer to collect dust! Adding a note here (years after the initial post!) – your hundreds of suggestions in the comments are amazing. I’ve threaded some back up into the post, but keep them coming!

Continue reading A Lesson in Juicing on 101 Cookbooks

Blackberry Limeade

This blackberry limeade is a stunning jeweled-toned refresher, perfect for summer, from the cookbook Screen Doors and Sweet Tea by Martha Hall Foose.

Continue reading Blackberry Limeade on 101 Cookbooks

I was waiting for the perfect day to give this blackberry limeade recipe a try. I’ve spent countless afternoons sitting in parks, bundled in blankets, shivering my way through foggy summer San Francisco afternoons. I’d whine to Wayne that we should move somewhere with a proper summer (and we eventually did)! But, at the time, visions of my hand wrapped around a frosty glass of a jeweled-toned refresher like this one occupied a disproportionate amount of my time. It took a rare day with temperatures roaring past 90 degrees in San Francisco for me to take full advantage. I got my perfect summer day, and with a bit of help from Martha Hall Foose, the ideal beverage to accompany it. The recipe is from Martha’s eloquently written cookbook, Screen Doors and Sweet Tea: Recipes and Tales from a Southern Cook.

blackberry limeade in a glass with ice cubes

Screen Doors and Sweet Tea

Cookbooks writers and enthusiasts listen up – Martha is a master of the head note. Hers are some of the most alluring, informative, and transporting lead-ins to recipes I’ve read. This one precedes the recipe for Cantaloupe Daiquiris:

“The hottest I have ever been in my life was at 5:45 P.M., on August 29, 1998, on the no. 923 St. Charles Avenue streetcar in New Orleans. I had been working down in the French Quarter as a pastry chef for Susan Spicer’s Bayona. Some days the unique commute felt like the scene in a movie. After rattling down the boulevards, and immediately upon entering our uptown digs, I stripped down and stood in the shower with only cold water running. I could almost hear the sizzle on contact. I really felt as if I had been braised.

The courtyards of New Orleans offer a haven from the heat. Shaded and mossy, planted with sweet-smelling Confederate Jasmine, they’re like Mrs. Venable’s arboretum in Suddenly Last Summer. She had her trusty secretary deliver a daiquiri every day at five. The musky sweetness of the melon, married to the brightness of the basil and mint, suspended in an icy slurry, will cool an afternoon down to the slow simmer of twilight.”

I’d be willing to bet you’d like to try that recipe as well. And that’s how it goes with this book – the author skillfully unveiling glimpses of her life (and love) of the South through a lovely collection of recipes.

blackberry limeade in a glass with ice cubes

The Recipe: Blackberry Limeade

There are many things to love about this blackberry limeade recipe. You combine freshly squeezed berry juice with a lime and cardamom infused syrup. Ginger ale is used as a mixer. And, if you ask me, the secret ingredient is the use of raw sugar or grated palm sugar. It lends deep, complex level of sweetness that you just don’t get with white sugar and bridges the blackberries, lime, and cardamom wonderfully. You can serve it over ice, or blended with a wedge of lime. So refreshing!

Blackberry Limeade: Variations

I’ve listed a number of variations in the head notes. A blended version of this is nice. You can also swap out the ginger ale for other carbonated beverages or sparkling water. A splash of the syrup topped off with Prosecco is another way to go. If you don’t have access to key limes, experiment with a 50/50 blend of lime juice and orange juice. Or lime juice and lemon juice – you can play around to taste. I’ve also had it on my list to do a cherry juice variation earlier in the summer!

Summer Drink Ideas

More Summer Fruit Recipes

Continue reading Blackberry Limeade on 101 Cookbooks

Blueberry Lemonade

Blueberry lemonade is so refreshing! This fun spin on homemade lemonade has a berry nuance and a bright purple color.…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Blueberry lemonade is so refreshing! This fun spin on homemade lemonade has a berry nuance and a bright purple color.

Blueberry lemonade

What’s more refreshing than a glass of sweet tart homemade lemonade? Here’s a fun variation on the theme: Blueberry Lemonade! Adding the popular berry to this sweet tart drink balances it with a berry nuance and gives it a brilliant purple color. It’s such a fun way to use this seasonal fruit! You can also add vodka for an instant summer cocktail. Every year we try a few more lemonade flavors, and this one is a favorite!

Ingredients for blueberry lemonade

Blueberry lemonade is simple and requires just 3 main ingredients, plus water! It’s so much tastier to make homemade lemonade than store-bought: the flavor is intensely sweet tart and fresh! Once you’ve whipped up a batch, you can see how easy it is to riff on fruity variations. Here are the three ingredients you’ll need:

  • Blueberries
  • Lemons
  • Sugar
Blueberry lemonade

How to make blueberry lemonade (basic steps)

Got your ingredients? The method for this blueberry lemonade is very simple: it just includes juicing, blending and mixing. There’s no need to cook a simple syrup on the stove, which is often the case in fruity lemonade variations. The basic steps are (or jump to the recipe):

  • Juice the lemons. We recommend using a press juicer, which is the quickest, gets out the most juice, and saves your hands from cramping up after juicing all those lemons. The next best choice? A handheld citrus juicer.
  • Blend the blueberries, sugar and water, then strain. Give it a whiz in the blender, then strain it through a fine mesh strainer to make it perfectly smooth.
  • Mix the pitcher. Mix the lemon juice and blueberries in a pitcher with more cold water.

For the garnish

Drinks are all about the garnish, and that’s the case with this blueberry lemonade! It has a beautiful purple hue in the glass with ice, but even better? Add garnishes of lemon wedges or slices and a few blueberries. We eat (and drink) with our eyes, and this presentation takes it over the top!

Serving in a pitcher with ice

Are you planning to make this blueberry lemonade for a party, leaving it out in a big pitcher with ice? The ice melts over time, which can dilute the flavor drink. If you think it might let the pitcher sit out for quite a while, reduce the cold water you add at the end to account for dilution (for example, add 3 or 3.5 cups of cold water instead of 4 cups).

Blueberry Lemonade

Spiked variation: add vodka!

Want to turn this blueberry lemonade into a simple summer cocktail? This lemonade is the perfect basis for a sweet tart summer drink. To make blueberry vodka lemonade, combine 1 cup of this lemonade with 2 ounces (¼ cup) vodka: you won’t be able to stop sipping! (Be careful, it goes down fast.)

You can also add other spirits! Spiked lemonade is great with gin: add 1.5 ounces (3 Tbsp) per glass. Or, add limoncello to up the lemony flavor: add 1 ounce (2 Tbsp) per glass.

More lemonade variations

This blueberry lemonade is one in a variety of fruity or herbal riffs on lemonade! Once you’ve tried this one, here are a few more to taste:

This blueberry lemonade recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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Blueberry lemonade

Blueberry Lemonade


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 drink

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups fresh squeezed lemon juice (7 to 8 large lemons)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 6 cups water, divided
  • To garnish: lemon wedges and fresh blueberries

Instructions

  1. Juice the lemons.
  2. Add the blueberries, sugar, and 2 cups warm water to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain through fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, using a spatula to push the liquid through.
  3. Add 4 cups cold water and the fresh squeezed lemon juice to the pitcher. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh blueberries.
  4. Variation: For blueberry vodka lemonade, mix 1 cup blueberry lemonade and 2 ounces (¼ cup) vodka.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Lemonade
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Blueberry lemonade

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Blueberry Vodka Smash

The blueberry vodka smash is a refreshing cocktail pairing berries, vodka and mint! Serve over crushed ice. Got blueberries and…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

The blueberry vodka smash is a refreshing cocktail pairing berries, vodka and mint! Serve over crushed ice.

Blueberry vodka smash

Got blueberries and vodka? (Or blueberry vodka?) Try this refreshing summer cocktail, the Blueberry Vodka Smash! This pairing of sweet berries, fresh mint, simple syrup and vodka is just the thing for enjoying on the patio or deck. Served over crushed ice, it’s a reference to a classic cocktail but done up with summer berries! You can make it with fresh berries or add in flavored vodka for an even strong blast of fruit.

What’s a blueberry vodka smash?

This blueberry vodka smash is our favorite way to pair berries and vodka (though the Blueberry Martini also comes close!) It’s a spin on the classic Whiskey Smash, which originated in the Victorian era as a cooling summer cocktail first published in a bartender guide in 1887. That first smash had lemon, mint, whiskey, and sweetener, served over crushed ice.

Many variations have popped up on the theme over time, like the Vodka Smash, Gin Basil Smash and Watermelon Smash. The blueberry vodka smash is another fruity spin. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Fresh blueberries
  • Fresh mint
  • Vodka (or blueberry vodka)
  • Lime juice
  • Simple syrup
  • Crushed ice
Blueberry vodka

Can I make it with blueberry vodka?

There are many types of blueberry vodka on the market, which is the spirit infused with an artificial berry flavor. If you’re looking for a drink to make with this type of vodka, the smash is a perfect option! You can simply substitute it for the standard vodka in the recipe below. Combining it with fresh blueberries makes an even more intense blueberry flavor.

How to make crushed ice

The most characteristic part of a smash cocktail is the crushed ice. What’s the best way to crush ice? We’ve developed a quick and easy method using a blender (though our newest refrigerator now makes crushed ice automatically: score!). Here’s the best way to crush ice:

  • Place the ice in a blender.
  • Fill the blender about halfway with cold water. This is the important part! The water helps everything blend to a uniform size.
  • Pulse until it’s uniformly crushed! Then strain. Pick out any large chunks with your fingers, but this method should result in a great texture.
Blueberry vodka

How to make a blueberry vodka smash

Once you’ve got all the required ingredients, it’s time to shake up the drink! Here’s how to make a blueberry vodka smash:

  • Muddle the berries and mint in a cocktail shaker to release the oils. Here are all our tips on How to Muddle Mint with a muddler (if you don’t have one, use a wooden spoon).
  • Shake: Add the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Add 1 handful of ice and shake until cold!
  • Strain & add crushed ice: Strain into a lowball glass. Add crushed ice.
  • Garnish: Cocktails are all about the presentation. Garnish with blueberries, lime wedges and mint sprigs!

More blueberry cocktails

Berries make the best drinks! There are lots of different classic cocktails that can be done up with a berry spin. Try these blueberry cocktails for your next party:

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Blueberry vodka smash

Blueberry Vodka Smash


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink

Description

The blueberry vodka smash is a refreshing cocktail pairing berries, vodka and mint! Serve over crushed ice.


Ingredients

  • 8 large mint leaves, plus more to garnish
  • ¼ cup blueberries, plus more to garnish
  • 2 ounces vodka*
  • ¾ ounces lime juice, plus wedges to garnish
  • ¾ ounce simple syrup
  • Crushed ice, for serving
  • Soda water, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the mint leaves and blueberries berries in cocktail shaker. Muddle (gently mash) them to extract their flavor.
  2. Add the vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, and 4 ice cubes. Shake until cold, then pour everything into a glass. Serve with crushed ice and garnish with additional blueberries, fresh mint and lime wedges.

Notes

*If you’re looking for a way to use blueberry vodka, you can use it in place of the vodka for an even more intense berry flavor.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Blueberry vodka

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Homemade Lemonade

Here’s how to make the best homemade lemonade recipe from fresh lemons! It’s quick and simple with excellent flavor. The…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Here’s how to make the best homemade lemonade recipe from fresh lemons! It’s quick and simple with excellent flavor.

Lemonade recipe

The best lemonade? Homemade with real lemons. Make it at home with fresh squeezed citrus, and you’ll find out why this beverage became so popular in the first place. Make a big pitcher for parties, or you can make it by the glass. Either way, you’ll be absolutely smitten! Here’s the best homemade lemonade recipe: and it’s quicker and easier than most methods, too.

Ingredients for this lemonade recipe

You only need two ingredients to make fresh lemonade (three if you count water!). Here’s what you need to make this homemade lemonade recipe:

  • Lemons: You’ll need about 7 to 8 large lemons to make a full pitcher of 8 servings. This is a lot of squeezing, so if you prefer you can make a single glass using 1 lemon.
  • Sugar: The best sugar to use for lemonade is plain old granulated sugar. This type of sugar makes for the best yellow lemonade color. You use other sugars like cane sugar or coconut sugar: the color will just be slightly darker. If you prefer natural sweeteners, it works with honey or maple syrup, too.
Homemade lemonade

How to make lemonade

Many lemonade recipes call for boiling a simple syrup on the stove. This can be time consuming, so we decided to make our recipe even simpler. You can’t stir sugar right into cold water because it doesn’t dissolve, but we found a trick! Here’s all you have to do for this easy lemonade recipe:

  • Juice the lemons. This is the most time consuming part…by far! See below for a few tips on juicing.
  • Mix the sugar with 1 cup warm water. No simple syrup necessary! All you have to do is mix sugar into warm water and it dissolves.
  • Add the cold water and lemon juice, and some ice. Cool it back down by adding cold water, lime juice and some ice. Voila: homemade lemonade!

The best way to juice lemons

Juicing lemons might not sound intimidating, until you have to juice 7 to 8 in a row! If you don’t have a great citrus juicer, this recipe will do a number on your finger strength. Here are the best juicers we recommend:

  • Top choice: a press citrus juicer. This type of juicer is incredibly efficient and ends up getting out even more juice than other types. Here’s the press juicer we use. It’s held up the best of any method, after making 150+ cocktails.
  • Next best choice: a handheld citrus juicer. The next best juicer is the type with a ridged top (similar to this).
Lemons

Whatever the case: don’t try to juice them with your hands only! Not only will your hands hurt, you’ll get seeds into the lemonade. Of course, you can strain those out if you don’t have a juicer and are dying to make this recipe. (We won’t judge!)

Make lemonade by the glass

Don’t want to make an entire pitcher of lemonade? We hear you. This recipe makes 8 to 9 cups of lemonade, so it’s intended for parties or entertaining. Of course, you can also make a big pitcher and refrigerate it. But want to make lemonade by the glass? Here’s what to do:

  • Squeeze 3 tablespoons lemon juice into a glass. That’s 1 large lemon or 2 small.
  • Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons warm water and stir until it dissolves.
  • Add 1 cup cold water and a handful of ice. Water it down more if necessary. Enjoy!
Homemade lemonade recipe

Types of lemonade recipes

There are so many tasty spins on homemade lemonade! You can easily jazz up this lemonade recipe by using different types of fruit, or making it boozy. Here are a few ideas:

This lemonade recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

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Lemonade

Homemade Lemonade Recipe


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 (8 to 9 cups)

Description

Here’s how to make the best lemonade you’ll taste from freshly squeezed lemons! Using real citrus gives this recipe extraordinary sweet tart flavor.


Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups fresh squeezed lemon juice (7 to 8 large lemons)*
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 7 cups water, divided
  • Ice
  • Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Juice the lemons.
  2. Add the sugar and 1 cup warm water to a large pitcher and stir until it is dissolved.
  3. Add 6 cups cold water and lemon juice. Add ice and serve.

Notes

*To make it by the glass: Squeeze 3 tablespoons lemon juice into a glass (1 large lemon, or two small). Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons warm water and stir until it dissolves. Add 1 cup cold water and a handful of ice.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Squeezed
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Lemonade, Lemonade recipe, Homemade lemonade, homemade lemonade recipe, How to make lemonade

More recipes with lemon

The lemon is one of our most used ingredients in the kitchen! Here are a few more tasty lemon recipes:

  • Lemon Blueberry Pancakes Light and fluffy, with just the right citrus zing and sweet bursts of berries!
  • Lemon Aioli A tangy sauce great for dipping fries, vegetables or using as a sandwich spread!
  • Peas with Lemon Cooking peas with garlic and lemon makes them taste incredible.
  • Lemon Dill Salmon Takes just 10 minutes to bake! Mix up a zesty dill sauce while it cooks.
  • Lemon Water Oh so refreshing, with 0 calories and no sugar.
  • Lemon Vinaigrette Tastes like pure lemon, and uses only 4 ingredients.

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Espresso Tonic

The espresso tonic is a refreshing bubbly drink starring the unlikely combination of tonic water and coffee! Here at A…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

The espresso tonic is a refreshing bubbly drink starring the unlikely combination of tonic water and coffee!

Espresso tonic

Here at A Couple Cooks we’re avid followers of drink trends, and this one recently caught our eye: the Espresso Tonic! This unlikely combination of tonic water and espresso comes from Scandinavia, and it’s the perfect summer drink for coffee lovers. The sweet and bitter notes of tonic water accentuate the rich, bitter coffee, and the effervescent bubbles and hint of citrus add bright, refreshing notes. This one is a big favorite around here and a must-try for any coffee lover!

What is an espresso tonic?

The Espresso Tonic is a drink that pairs tonic water and a double shot of espresso. It originated in 2007 in Oslo, then spread to Sweden and became popular in the mid-2010s in the US in barista competitions. The drink is simple and you’ll need only a few ingredients to whip it up at home. It tastes like a true marriage of the two liquids: rich, bitter coffee that’s diluted by the sweet and bubbly notes of tonic (versus the coffee soda, which tastes like bubbly coffee). Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Espresso (doubleshot)
  • Tonic water (½ cup or 4 ounces)
  • Lemon or orange wedge
Espresso tonic

Ways to make espresso

The most important part of an espresso tonic? A great espresso! There are several methods for homemade espresso: our favorite is using a high quality espresso machine. But there are a few other ways to make a high quality espresso shot. Here are the top methods:

  • Espresso machine: The best way to make espresso at home is with an espresso machine (here’s how).
  • Portable espresso maker: portable espresso maker is a cheaper way to make great espresso at home.
  • Moka Pot (aka Bialetti): Moka Pot Coffee is very strong coffee, not technically espresso. But it works great for an espresso tonic if you have one!
  • French press: This French Press espresso is very good, and a nice tool for espresso if you have one.

What is tonic water?

Tonic water is a carbonated water that contains quinine and is lightly sweetened. Its flavor is bubbly, bitter, sweet and sour, making it an excellent mixer for drinks. Quinine was historically prescribed as a medicine to fight malaria, and mixing it with carbonated water and sugar helped to mask its bitter flavor. It first sold commercially in 1858.

Today the level of quinine is much lower than historical tonic water, and is safe to consume. It’s used in many classic cocktails like the Gin and Tonic and Vodka Tonic.

Espresso tonic

How to make an espresso tonic

An espresso tonic is as simple as pouring together two ingredients, but there a few things to note:

  • Add the tonic water first, then pour the espresso on top. This avoids the foam that occurs if they’re added the other way around.
  • Run a lemon or orange slice around the rim of the glass. The citrus adds another dimension to the rich, bitter coffee.

And that’s it! The espresso tonic is primed to be the perfect drink for summer. It’s the ideal afternoon pick me up or non-alcoholic cocktail. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

More coffee drinks

Are you a coffee lover like we are? Our Barista Series shows you how to make every type of coffee drink. Here are a few favorites to try:

This espresso tonic recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Print
Espresso tonic

Espresso Tonic


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink

Description

The espresso tonic is a refreshing bubbly drink starring the unlikely combination of tonic water and coffee!


Ingredients

  • 2 ounces expresso (double shot), cooled slightly
  • 4 ounces (½ cup) tonic water
  • Lemon or orange wedge, for serving

Instructions

  1. Make the espresso, using your favorite method.
  2. Add ice to an 8-ounce glass. Add the tonic water and gently pour the espresso on the top.
  3. Run the lemon slice around the edge of the glass, then add it to the glass as a garnish.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Coffee Drink
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Espresso tonic

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Green Smoothie

This Green Smoothie is creamy, tangy, and light! Yes, it’s good for you, but more importantly, it’s so yummy you’ll start to crave it.

The post Green Smoothie appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This Green Smoothie is creamy, tangy, and light! Yes, it’s good for you, but more importantly, it’s so yummy you’ll start to crave it. I started making it to sneak more greens into my kiddo’s diet during the blisteringly hot LA summer months, but we loved it so much that it became a year-round favorite. PS I’ve made this green smoothie recipe for hundreds of kids at the cooking classes I host at schools all over the country. I’ve never had anyone not drink the whole thing. So this one’s a winner!

Side shot of green smoothies surrounded by cut fruit.

What Is A Green Smoothie?

A green smoothie is a velvety blend of leafy greens like spinach and kale, frozen fruit to add natural sweetness, and a liquid or creamy ingredient to help bring everything together and create a smooth texture. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

What You’ll Need

This green smoothie recipe is simple because I’m not particularly eager to complicate my morning routine. I love that I can put the green smoothie ingredients in freezer packs if I’m facing a busy week. Sometimes I’ll blend the smoothie the night before, shake it up in the morning, and it’s still absolute perfection.

  • Baby spinach – this is the “green” in your smoothie. It blends easily, and the fruit in the smoothie overpowers its mild flavor. You can sub with baby kale or your favorite super greens blend.
  • Plain Yogurt – adds creaminess and a smooth texture. I use yogurt with probiotics to up the nutrition factor. You can substitute the yogurt with milk, cottage cheese, or plant-based alternatives.
  • Orange Juice – helps to loosen the smoothie texture and adds a sweet tang that helps cover the bitterness of the raw spinach. You can sub with apple juice, pineapple juice, or with water.
  • Green Apple – adds fiber and acidic notes that mask the spinach flavors. You don’t have to peel your apple, but make sure you scrub the peel with baking soda to remove the wax used to preserve it. You can substitute the apple with any other apple, grapes, peaches, mango, or pear.
  • Frozen Bananas – you need to blend frozen fruit to create a creamy smoothie texture. Ice will only water down your results and ruin the blades of your blender. Bananas should be ripe, as their natural sugars will help sweeten the blend. Substitute bananas with frozen avocado, or frozen mango.
  • Frozen Pineapple – the bright, tart notes of pineapple help mask the spinach flavor. You can freeze pineapple canned in its own juices to help lower costs. Reserve the juices and use them instead of orange juice.
Overhead shot of three green smoothies surrounded by cut fruit.

Green Smoothie Benefits

Greens are the most nutrient-dense when consumed raw, like in this smoothie. This green smoothie recipe is a good source of Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iron, Potassium, and Calcium. These nutrients help with bone strength and digestive health and support immunity. Learn more about the health benefits of green smoothies HERE.

How To Make A Smoothie Pack

I use a large mason jar to store my smoothie packs because I pour the smoothie back into the jar as soon as I blend it. You can keep the ingredients in your freezer-safe container of choice.

  1. Slice the bananas and add them to your freezer-safe container.
  2. Follow with the pineapple and the apple.
  3. Top with spinach and seal.

When you’re ready to enjoy your smoothie, add the juice and yogurt to a blender jar, add the spinach from the pack, and process until creamy. Follow with the remaining ingredients in the pack and blend until smooth.

Side shot of hand holding green smoothie with a straw in it.
Side shot of green smoothies surrounded by cut fruit.
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Green Smoothie

This Green Smoothie is creamy, tangy, and light! Yes, it's good for you, but more importantly, it's so yummy you'll start to crave it.
Course Breakfast, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine American
Total Cost $6.21 recipe / $0.78 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 8 cups
Calories 75kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup orange juice $0.50
  • 1/2 cup yogurt, plain $0.34
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, packed (5 oz container) $3.00
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks $1.25
  • 1 green apple, chopped $0.62
  • 2 bananas, frozen $0.50

Instructions

  • Add orange juice and yogurt to a blender jar. Top with fresh baby spinach and blend until smooth.
  • Add the pineapple, apple, and bananas and blend until smooth. Add more juice (or water) to thin out the smoothie to your preference.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a day to ensure maximum freshness, nutrition, and flavor.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 20mg | Fiber: 2g
Overhead shot of three green smoothies surrounded by cut fruit.

How to Make A Green Smoothie – Step by Step Photos

Side shot of juice being added to a blender full of spinach.

Add 1 cup orange juice and 1/2 cup yogurt to a blender jar. Top with 4 cups fresh baby spinach and blend until smooth.

Side shot of frozen fruit being added to blended spinach.

Add 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks, one green apple peeled and chopped, and two frozen bananas. Blend until smooth. Add more juice (or water) to thin out the smoothie to your preference.

Overhead shot of finished smoothie in a blender.

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a day to ensure maximum freshness, nutrition, and flavor.

Side shot of green smoothies surrounded by cut fruit.

More Great Smoothie Recipes

The post Green Smoothie appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Best Non Alcoholic Beer

Non alcoholic beer is on trend and for good reason: it actually tastes good! Here’s how to pick the best…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Non alcoholic beer is on trend and for good reason: it actually tastes good! Here’s how to pick the best non alcoholic beer.

Best Non Alcoholic Beer

A new type beer of beer is spreading like wildfire, and here’s thing: you can sip it after a workout or enjoy it while pregnant. It’s non alcoholic beer! Alcohol free beer of the past tasted flat and watery. But new technology has enabled a way to make non alcoholic beer that actually tastes good. (Yes, it’s not just O’Doul’s anymore!)

Here at A Couple Cooks, we’re created hundreds of cocktail recipes and love appreciating great alcohol. However, we’ve found ourselves moving toward non alcoholic beer for our everyday drinking! Alex loves to sip on one in the evening with a book. And while I’m pregnant, there’s nothing better than being able to grab a “beer” at my local bar with a friend.

The market has exploded with brands and types: but which is the best non alcoholic beer? Here’s a little background on the product and our favorite brands and types.

What is non alcoholic beer?

US federal law defines a non alcoholic beer as a beer with less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. This type of beer attempts to approximate the flavor of standard beer without the inebriating effects of alcohol. This makes it ideal for enjoying responsibly, such as before driving, after a workout, or while pregnant.

Keep in mind: because beers labeled “non-alcoholic” contain a very small amount of alcohol, some US states require you to be of legal drinking age to purchase it.

Non alcoholic beer also has less calories than alcoholic beer, making it a relatively healthy drink option. The calories in a non alcoholic beer range from 50 to 100 calories per drink, whereas a standard beer can range from 150 to 200 calories.

What does it taste like?

Complaints about non alcoholic beer in the past has been that the flavor is flat and diluted. But new technologies have emerged that allow brewers to create robust flavors without alcohol. One is called controlled fermentation, which allows the brewer to produce beer without alcohol instead of removing the alcohol after brewing, which is detrimental to the flavor. For more on beer technology, see this NPR Article, “Non-Alcoholic Beers Are Finally Good” or listen to the podcast What’s Your Problem? “Beer Without the Buzz.

So what does it taste like? Many non alcoholic beers on the market taste full-flavored and satisfying, though everything varies based on brand. In general, the beverage looks like a beer with the foam and color, and tastes like a beer with hops and malt flavors. The only thing missing is the effervescence that comes from alcohol.

With some brands, you might at first mistake it for a real beer on first taste. A few sips in you’ll likely find it’s not exactly the same as an alcoholic beer, but the overall experience makes it absolutely worth drinking.

Best Non Alcoholic Beer

What is the best non alcoholic beer?

Now for the big question: what’s the best non alcoholic beer? One general recommendation: avoid non-alcoholic versions from your favorite standard breweries and instead look for beers from companies that specialize in non-alcoholic brewing. The brands and types available at your liquor store may vary. After taste testing the choices available at our local liquor store, we recommend the following brands and beers:

  1. Athletic Brewing Co. Hazy IPA. A great IPA; complex and hop-forward, with a juicy, floral and subtly citrusy character. This beer has won several awards and has a fan following. You can browse more types at Athletic Brewing Co.
  2. Clausthaler Original. This German brand is a favorite of ours: you’d almost mistake it for the real thing! The flavor is crisp and fresh, with a refreshing dose of hops. Browse more types at Clausthaler.
  3. Brewdog Punk AF. This light, golden beer has a clean, hoppy flavor that doesn’t taste like you’re missing out. Tropical fruits, caramel, grassy and pine notes precede a lightly bitter finish. Browse more types at Brewdog.

A few brands to avoid? We’d suggest side-stepping Two Roots Brewing or Lagunitas; the flavor can’t compete with the brands above.

What do you think is the best?

We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think is the best non alcoholic beer in the comments below. We’ll continually update this list as the market grows and changes.

More drinks and cocktails

Love to enjoy a drink? Here are a few more of our popular alcoholic drink and cocktail posts:

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.