Minty Raspberry and Blueberry Spritzer!

ime flies. Probably the most corny yet the most profound phrase of all time. Summer is already coming to an end. Can you believe it appears like it was only yesterday that we celebrated the New Year 2011 and it it already September, even feels funny writing 2011, want to think its still 2006! While we get ready to welcome the fall with the thoughts of celebrating Dussehra, Diwali and Thanksgiving, this is one pretty pinky summer cooler you must try. Summer is 'berry season' so here is an ode to summer with this 'berrylicious' cool vibrant drink which  is perfect for a lazy summer afternoon or a casual get together or even those fun weekend pool parties. Kids will love this and you can even add a splash of vodka for a little adult treat!

When you hold the glass you instantly feel the urge to ask your server what it is made of. Upon being told of raspberries and blueberries, as you concoct the flavors, mixing the berries in your head, you take a sip and voila! This is nothing like you imagined. It is a full bodied drink that has an identity by itself. There is something special about lemon, raspberries, blueberries and mint together. Tangy, sweet, tart, vibrant and refreshing with the zing of sparkling water this cooler is wonderful! Browsing around one afternoon looking to find something interesting, I saw a similar drink from Martha Stewart that I loosely modeled this one around.

Ingredients:
Raspberries ............................... 1 1/2 cup
Blueberries ............................... 3/4 cup
Vanilla Extract ........................... 1/4 tsp
Lemon Juice ............................. 1/4 cup
Sugar .......................................1/4 -1/2 cup or to tatse
Mint Leaves .............................. few
Sparkling Water ......................... 4 cups, chilled
Ice, Lemon slices

Method:
1. Combine raspberries, blueberries, lemon juice and sugar in a double boiler or heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Cook, stirring, until the berries have released most of their juices, about 10-12 minutes. Add in the mint and vanilla.
2. Allow to cool down a little and strain the juices and discard the solids. Let the juices cool completely. Pour 1/4 cup syrup into each of 4 ice-filled glasses. Top each with 1 cup sparkling water. Serve with lemon wedges. ENJOY!

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