summer is meant for relaxing out on the back deck with a cold drink in your hand.
and this is becoming one of my new favorites.
i made these for the little she’s 2nd birthday brunch party last weekend and they went pretty fast. they are simple (with only 3 ingredients) and super flavorful – perfect for a day out by the grill or makes an ideal all-ages brunch cocktail.

minted mandarin & strawberry coolers

ingredients

2 pints strawberries, hulled & cut into 1-inch pieces

1 bunch fresh mint

2 quarts fresh mandarin juice, strained (from about 32 mandarins)**

directions

1. set out 8-10 small glasses and place a handful of ice cubes (not crushed) in each one.

2. place the strawberries in a bowl and gently mash up with a large fork or a potato masher. divide into the glasses. add 2 mint leaves to each glass. (here you could also chop up the mint, if you prefer, and mix it in with the strawberries: total personal preference.) then fill with the mandarin juice and garnish with mint sprigs.

**if you are unable to find mandarin oranges, that’s ok. you can substitute fresh tangelo, tangerine, or even good ol’ orange juice if you need to.

enjoy!

photo from & recipe adapted via