Shooting StarMosa

I can't think of a better way to start the day than with a cold, frothy mimosa (preferably served in bed).  Lately, I've tried a few variations of mimosas and this is one that works perfectly for a sun-filled summer morning.  Christian turned me on to this version which is inspired by a fresh-squeezed, vitamin boosting juice served at Northstar Cafe in Columbus.  The Shooting StarMosa is a light, subtle and sparkling twist on the classic brunch boisson.

Shooting StarMosa

1 Part Orange Juice
2 Parts Carrot Juice
Topped off with Champaign

In a glass, mix the orange and carrot juices.  Top with Champaign and swirl to combine.

Sparkling Limeade

As many of you know, Sean and I have decided to make a BIG change and move to Columbus, Ohio.  We will miss our friends and family very much, but we're ready for a new adventure - one with slightly cooler summers and 4 seasons.  I hope you'll wish us luck!  Natural Sugar's posts will continue like normal, so stay tuned as we drive across the country and adopt some Midwestern flair.  

As an ode to Arizona and the southwest, today's recipe is for a sparkling, quenching beverage that is perfect for hot summer days.  [Technically, this recipe is from Mexico, but who's counting?  Close enough, I say].  Several years ago, my family took a summer vacation to Mazatlan, Mexico.  We spent wonderful, long days on the beach, by the pool and eating delicious Mexican specialties like Molcajete.  One of my favorite recipes that I brought back from the vacation is this sparkling limeade.  My dad and I actually spent weeks perfecting it so we could drink this amazing and refreshing concoction at home.  It will always remind me of good memories near the border.  

Surprisingly persnickety for such a simple mix of ingredients, this beverage will impress you and your entire pool party.  Adjust the sweetness and acidity to please your own palate and spike it with a shot of Tequila if you need an extra kick. 

Equal parts of sugar and water 

Lime zest

Juice from 8 limes (only use fresh, the bottled kind does not work well for this recipe)

Club Soda

Lime slices, garnish

Shot glass, to measure

In a small saucepan, combine equal amounts of water and sugar.  When mixture has dissolved, remove from heat and add the zest of 2 limes.  Allow mixture to cool and set in refrigerator.  Squeeze 8 limes and strain juice.  In individual glasses, place a slice of lime and fill with ice.  Separately, combine 1 shot of lime juice, 2 shots of simple syrup and 1 C. of club soda.  Stir to combine and pour over the ice.

Blackberry Caipirinha

I first tried this drink in Jyväskylä, Finland, with my friend Alla.  Funny, really, because it’s actually from Brazil.  I imagine it’s just as refreshing though, no matter where you are in the world. 

My visit to Finland seems like a lifetime ago now, and an entire world away.  Alla was gracious enough to invite me for a week to her land of the midnight sun.  And it truly was a midnight sun – I remember one night in particular, staggering out of a bar at 4 in the morning with the sun shining bright overhead – a confusing and unmistakably delightful memory.  

Alla introduced me to wonderful, foreign things like cucumber and Munster toasts, Finnish sauna, and her family’s summer cottage.   We had such a blast.  I wish I could do it all over again.  One of my favorite memories of Finland though, is how Alla tried to teach me to say “Hooray, Finland!” so that when my plane landed in Helsinki, I could shout it out.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t pronounce it correctly, and it came out “Whore!  Finland!”  My apologies to the shy, Finnish men and women on the plane.  Kiitos, Alla, for the unforgettable visit!  

 Alla and me outside of our apartments in Albi, France.

I’ve tried to order a Caipirinha many times in the U.S., but it’s hard to find.  So, I bought a bottle of Cachaça and made my own version.  A Caipirinha is normally made from lime, muddled with raw sugar and topped with rum.  My version adds some fizz and blackberries for color.  Try to find Ypioca rum – it’s the best.  

Cachaça Rum (Ypioca is best)

Lime

Sugar

Lemon lime soda

Blackberries

In a martini shaker, muddle together half of a lime with 1 T of sugar and 3 blackberries.  Add two measures of Cachaça and shake to combine.  Strain and pour into a glass of ice and top with lemon lime soda.  Garnish with a lime wedge.  

The view from Alla's summer cottage.

 Me, all ready for the wilderness outside Alla's summer cottage.