Respados (shaved Ice)

Raspados are a form of shaved ice.

These are great for an after school snack, a way to beat the heat or anytime.

I used a hand cranked shaved ice maker. 

If you don't have one, you can use a blender if needed. 

I've also used premade fruit liquid but you can make homemade fruit syrup needed as well.

3 - 4 c. ice cubes

1/2 - 1 c. premade fruit syrup.

Place ice in shaved ice maker or blender.

Crush ice until it's the consistency of snow, 30 - 60 sec.

Pour ice into glasses. 

With a clean spoon drizzle desired amount of syrup over ice.

Stir to mix and enjoy.

Serves 4 - 6.

Wedding Shower Wine Spritz™

Need a quick idea for a bridal shower beverage, try this.

I've used red wine but this also great with white wine too.

1 bottle wine
Ice
1 c. - 2 c. club soda or sparkling water

Put ice in the bottom of a pitcher.

Combine wine, club soda in pitcher over ice.

Mix well, chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Remove wine spritz from fridge and pour into glasses.

Serves 4- 6.

Margarita Pops

These popsicles are not for kids.

They're great if your watching the game, after a long day at work or just trying to beat the summer heat.

I've used prepared limeade.

But you can use prepared margarita mix instead.

1 - 2 c. prepared limeade 

4 - 6. oz tequila
1 T. triple sec

Combine limeade, lime juice, triple sec, and tequila in blender. Blend well for 10 - 20 sec. 

Pour into popsicle molds and place in freezer for a few hr. or until frozen.

Serves 4 - 8.

Raspberry Ice Tea

This is a great beverage on a hot day.

I've used decaffeinated tea bags, but you can use regular tea bags if desired.

8 cups cold water
3 large tea bags 
1/4 - 1/2 c. fresh raspberries
Ice

Turn on the kitchen faucet to cold and let run for  30 seconds - 1 minute.

Fill kettle with cold water, place tea kettle and place on stove.

Turn stove burner on to high, bring water to a boil.

Using a strainer, rinse raspberries under cold running water.

Set aside a few raspberries for garnish.

When water begins to boil turn off stove, place tea bags and raspberries in kettle.

Steep tea for a few minutes to desired strength.

Remove tea bags and raspberries from tea kettle and let tea cool.

Fill a pitcher with ice. 

Pour cooled tea in the pitcher over ice. 

Place pitcher in refrigerator until ready to serve.

To serve: place ice in the bottom of 4 - 6 clean glasses.

Add raspberries and pour tea over ice.

Add sweetener if desired.

Serves 4 - 6.