28 Fresh Summer Cocktails and Mocktails

Go beyond the gin and tonic this summer and mix up cocktails and mocktails with garden-fresh fruits and vegetables says eatingwell.com; pick up rosemary and cucumbers to concoct a grown-up lemonade that will keep you cool on a hot day. Puree fresh tomatoes and jalapeños for a homemade Bloody Mary. Of course it’s a pleasure to drink these tasty tipples but it doesn’t hurt that they’re also packed with antioxidants. Here’s to summer courtesy of eatingwell.com!

See all 28 Recipes: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/recipe_slideshows/fresh_summer_cocktails_and_mocktails

See all 28 recipes as a list: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/recipe_slideshows/fresh_summer_cocktails_and_mocktails?slide=12#view_toggles

Cherry Smash
Celebrate fresh cherries with this mint-infused cherry cocktail. Black cherry-flavored seltzer gives the drink the most cherry flavor, but plain seltzer also works well.

Makes: 4 servings

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup pitted fresh or frozen (thawed) cherries
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, plus 4 sprigs for garnish
8 teaspoons sugar
6 ounces (3/4 cup) dark rum
1/4 cup lime juice
3 cups cherry-flavored seltzer

Preparation
1.Divide cherries, mint leaves and sugar among 4 glasses.
Mash everything together with the back of a wooden spoon.
Stir in rum and lime juice.
Fill glasses with ice and top with seltzer.
Garnish with mint sprigs.

Nutrition
Per serving: 161 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 16 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber; 2 mg sodium; 131 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (15% daily value).

Carbohydrate Servings: 1

Exchanges: 1 fruit

Courtesy of eatingwell.com