This summer has been the perfect time to experiment with cocktail recipe ideas and make some unique versions of my favorite drinks. A gin and tonic is by far one of my most classic, go-to drink recipes on hot summer days, so today I’m sharing with you three ways to enjoy my favorite cocktail.

These three summery versions of the Gin and Tonic include a very unique spicy version (which has turned out to be my favorite one); a virgin version, for those wanting an alcohol free drink; and the classic drink dressed up with orange and thyme. All have been big hits, especially for a gathering I recently had for family and friends.

The key ingredient in all three of these drinks that makes them so delicious and refreshing is Florida’s Natural® Brand Orange Juice, which is made from just one ingredient — Florida oranges. No water, sugar or preservatives are added, making for a straight-from-the-grove taste my family and I love.

Whether you are looking for a special drink to try this summer or are having a few friends over for a gathering, serving up a memorable and unique cocktail will never be more than a few shakes away.

Enjoy!

Gin and tonic 3 ways

Miryam's original recipe

Yield: 1 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

Gin and tonic 3 ways 

Orange and thyme Gin and Tonic

• 2 ounces gin
• 1/4 cup tonic
• 1/4 cup  Florida's Natural orange juice
• 2 Sprigs of fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
• 1 tbsp maple syrup, optional

Spice Cinnamon Orange Gin and Tonic

• 2 ounces gin
• 1/4 cup tonic
• 1/4 cup Florida's Natural orange juice
• Fresh ground nutmeg
• Cinnamon sticks

Virgin Orange Cherry Gin and tonic

• 1/3 cup tonic
• 1/3 cup Florida's Natural orange juice
• 4 sweet cherries, stems and pits removed, plus more for garnish

Directions:

Orange and thyme Gin and Tonic:

In a glass, muddle thyme sprigs with 1 oz of gin and maple syrup, if using. Strain the mixture into a glass over ice. Pour in the rest of the gin, along with the tonic and orange juice, and stir. Garnish with a sprig of thyme.

Spice Cinnamon Orange Gin and Tonic:

Pour gin, orange juice and tonic into a glass over plenty of ice and stir. Add a sprinkle of ground nutmeg and garnish with cinnamon sticks.

Virgin Orange Cherry Gin and tonic

Muddle cherries lightly in a glass. Add ice to the glass, then pour in the orange juice and tonic and stir to mix. Garnish with fresh cherries.

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Popsicles is one of my favorite things to make when it comes to making snacks through any time of the year and the fact that you can make endless variations is key for us. We never get bore of popsicles. My kids pretty much enjoy any flavor I make for them, there is not much that can go wrong when making popsicles so I really urge you to make your own! Much more economical and healthy that store bought.

For the protein of choice I used Burt’s Bees® new product, Burt’s Bees Protein Healthy Radiance – Chocolate. Burt’s Bees Protein offers three unique blends: Protein Daily, Protein + Healthy Radiance and Protein Gut Health. The end result is a delicious collection that allows you to drink-in the best of nature, so you’ll feel ready to embrace everything the day has to offer

Each of their formulas includes five organic protein sources: Pea, Rice, Flax Seed, Sunflower Seed and Oat, to achieve high digestibility and a complete essential amino acid profile. We’ve also included vitamins from real fruits and vegetables to provide up to 25% of your recommended daily intake (or daily value).

I love getting frozen cherries, thus you can use any time of the year. Using cherries makes a tasty combination, however, if you like you can use any other fruit of your choice. Anything goes really.

My kids go crazy when I make popsicles so I always try to sneak good nutritious ingredients for them to consume while enjoying them. I think is just plain genius!

I love for them to have high protein healthy snacks. Not only it keeps them full longer but it actually helps their little bodies since they are on a growing phase.

If you haven’t started making your own popsicles at home I urge to. These high protein chocolate cherry popsicles would be a great way to start. Making homemade popsicles is more economical than store bought kinds , healthier and you can make endless variations.

Enjoy!

High protein chocolate cherry popsicles

Miryam's original recipe

Yield: 8 popsicles

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 bananas
• 2 cup cherries, fresh or frozen
• 2 cups almond milk
• 2 scoops Burt’s Bees Protein Healthy Radiance - Chocolate

Directions:

Place all the ingredients in a blender and pulse until you obtain a homogenous mixture.

Divide mixture between the popsicle mold and place a wooden stick on each popsicle hole and freeze for at least 4 hours.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Burt’s Bees. The opinions and text are all mine.

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I have never added any chia seeds to any of my drinks but to smoothies. I have also used them to add to my energy truffles and bars as well as puddings but never to drinks. From now on I will be experimenting and adding chia seeds to other foods more often.

For this chia seed cherry limeade version I used cherries and limes since it is what I had on hand but you can use lemon, blackberries, blueberries or any other berries of you choice.

My kids actually loved it. I thought they would be grossed out by the chia seeds but they were fine with it. This drink can also be spiked with some alcohol if you like. I might make a margarita version this way next time I made some cocktails!

I am sad that summer is about over. I think this summer went rather fast for me. Between school and all the work I had to do for my cooking book, my short vacation was almost none existent, especially if I compare it to my regular European style vacations which last 1-2 months!

Anyways, I hope you like this drink. Let me know if you get to try it and if you come out with any other versions. I know for sure I will be experimenting with it this fall.

Enjoy!

Chia seed cherry limeade

Miryam's original recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 34 oz Seltzer water or plain water
• 1/3 cup pitted cherries, puree
• 2 limes, juice
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp chia seeds

Directions:

In your food processor or blender add the cherries, chia seeds, maple syrup and one cup of water. Blend until smooth. Add the rest of the water and serve with sliced limes, whole cherries and ice.

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