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Hello, foodies…

When I entertain in the summertime, I always make a signature drink part of my menu. It’s easier than buying an array of beverages and they’re often bright and colorful, which looks nice on your table. The Vitamix is perfect for mixing up frozen drinks like piña coladas or daiquiris and I always make sure to add fresh fruit to the mixture so it tastes fresh. When I do margaritas, I add whole lemons and limes. Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or even blueberries go into my daiquiris.
If I’m making a regular drink, I usually have two batches in beverage dispensers—one for folks (and kids) who prefer a virgin drink and one for those who want the adult option, which, by the way, can easily be created by adding some good-quality vodka. This summer, I'll be serving a fun new drink I had in Florida this past March: a Crooked Almond Palmer. Arnold Palmer is a famous golfer (of course…but don’t ask me anything else because my knowledge of golf doesn’t extend past my fingernails!) And, Arnold's crooked drink is a combination of vodka-infused iced tea and lemonade and a little fresh mint.

Don’t forget the flair if you’re entertaining at night. There are so many festive accessories you can buy online like light-up straws, flashing ice cubes, or even glasses that glow. During the day, drink umbrellas and colorful red, white, and blue straws make for a fun presentation.

Sunday’s recipe on In the Kitchen with David is a great example of a fresh, fun, colorful drink everyone at your summer barbecues can enjoy.

Raspberry-Lemonade Daiquiri
Serves 5–6

This recipe is prepared with the Nutri Ninja 1000-Watt Pro Blender with Nutrition Guide & Recipes (K40920).

Go to David's Recipe Item Page for the full list of items that David has used in his recipes.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups ice

• 6 oz fresh or frozen raspberries

• 1 whole lemon, peeled and halved

• 1-1/2 cups lemonade

• 2/3 cup light rum

• 1/2 cup raspberry liquor

• 1/3 cup sugar

• Lemon slices and fresh raspberries (to garnish)

Preparation:

1. Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend for 60 seconds, or until the drink is completely smooth. Pour into daiquiri glasses and garnish each drink with lemon slices and fresh raspberries.

Foodies, to make this a non-alcoholic beverage, simply omit the rum and liquor. Make or pick up raspberry lemonade at the supermarket and use 2 cups. Taste the mixture before adding the sugar because you may not need it. I also recommend having a second batch prepped and ready-to-blend. Everything but the ice can go in a spare Vitamix container and be refrigerated until you’re ready for it. That way, you’ve got time to focus on other recipes and tasks, not to mention your guests!

I’ve shared my best summertime drinks, for your blog question today, tell me about your signature beverage. Do you make mojitos? Southern-style iced tea? Or maybe a fruit-infused water is more your style? I’ll see you Sunday at Noon ET for In the Kitchen with David.

Keep it flavorful!
—David

P.S. SAFE TRAVELS to all of you headed this way for our In the Kitchen with David Weekend! Mary, the team, and I are all very much looking forward to meeting you!