SPARKLING STRAWBERRY WATERMELON LIMEADE

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Happy summer solstice! It’s only just started to warm up over in southern Ontario, but I’m so happy that we’re finally here nonetheless. The season of camping, outdoor cooking, constant porch hangouts, flowers everywhere, drive-in movie nights, and so many homegrown vegetables. Total bliss!

I thought I’d share an extra summery drink to get us all started. I love blending watermelon into a juice and just chugging that hydrating goodness on the hottest days. Cooling and revitalizing to the core! With this drink, we take a little extra step further by adding fresh strawberries and lime, and then topping that juicy base with sparkling mineral water. Perfect for a little happy hour on the porch (especially if you stir a little tequila into the mix).

Hope that everyone has the best weekend. Here’s a couple links that have caught my eye recently. Sending all my love <3

-I learn a lot from following Céline Semaan on Instagram. This is a great interview with her about sustainable fashion and the idea of living your life with intention and a sense of “circularity.”

-The government of Canada is looking at banning single use plastics like bags, straws, and water bottles by 2021. “To be honest, as a dad, it’s tough trying to explain this to my kids. How do you explain dead whales washing up on beaches around the world, their stomachs jam-packed with plastic bags?”

-This is a great article about adaptogens (ashwaghanda, reishi mushroom, maca etc.) by my friend Lily. She also assesses their historical usage and whether there are peer-reviewed studies to advocate for their effectiveness.

-There’s a lot of well-meaning consumer confusion when it comes to disposal/recycling at fast casual restaurants. This piece illuminates all of those moving parts really well.

-Eric Ripert, Buddhist and owner/chef at 3 Michelin-starred restaurant Le Bernardin, on Garance Doré’s podcast.

-“If you are overweight, alone, miserable at work or crippled by stress or anxiety or depression, there are hordes of gurus and experts chasing you with books and quick fixes.”

–Why Do We Care What Celebrities Cook?

-“Intuitive eating has been around for decades, but it’s suddenly receiving a lot of attention. Perhaps it’s because women are finally starting to interrogate the systems that hurt and exploit us.”

-On my reading list: Digital Minimalism (especially after hearing Cal’s interview on the One Part Podcast), Atomic Habits, and because I need at least one premium summer beach read: The Last Resort.

-Things I’d like to eat/imbibe: Crispy Tofu Bowls with Sesame Bok Choy, Papaya Mojito Smoothie, Oat and Seed Crackers, Almond Ricotta Toasts, and this Garlic, Herb and Shallot Confit.

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SPARKLING STRAWBERRY WATERMELON LIMEADE RECIPE

Print the recipe here!
SERVES: Makes 3 ¾ cups of the juice base, which would make 11-12 8oz drinks when topped with sparkling water..
NOTES: Lemon juice would also be great if you don’t have limes around.
-This really does need a bit of added sweetener to heighten the natural fruit flavour. It’s not a lot per-drink once you pour it all out.
-Tequila, vodka, and gin would all be great to mix in with this drink.

4 cups chopped watermelon
1 cup chopped strawberries
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons agave nectar
chilled sparkling water, for serving

In an upright blender, combine the watermelon and strawberries. Turn the blender on to high and let the fruit liquify completely. This should take no longer than 30 seconds.

Set a fine mesh strainer over a wide pitcher or a bowl that easy to pour out of. Pour the watermelon and strawberry juice base out into the strainer, working in two batches. Use a spoon to scrape the bottom of the strainer to get all the juice base through.

Once you’ve run all of the fruit puree through the fine mesh strainer, rinse out the blender pitcher. Return the juice base to the blender and add the lime juice and agave nectar. Blend this mixture on high until combined, about 10 seconds.

Fill glasses with ice. Pour the juice base into the glasses to fill them by one third. Top the juice base with sparkling water. Enjoy the sparkling strawberry watermelon limeade with garnishes such as: fresh mint or lemon balm leaves, lime wedges, or slices of watermelon. Enjoy immediately!