Sparkling Tropical Mocktails

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According to my calendar swim suit season is around the corner.  This means we’ll be looking to jump into the water, in our backyard pools or if you’re like me you’ll be booking a few trips to the beach!  Whatever your favorite way to cool off this time of year we all want to try and achieve a body that won’t embarrass us when we slip into a gorgeous, sexy swimsuit!  One way I am able to feel good about wiggling into my swim suit and feeling like I sparkle is to switch from cocktails to mocktails!  Instead of popping a cork a few nights a week I’ll be enjoying some flavorful and refreshing mocktails made with Dasani Sparkling flavored waters.  This always makes my jeans fit better and that is how I measure my weight – not on a scale.  Read on…

It’s true, I do not own a scale but rather judge whether my weight is on target or not by how my favorite pair of jeans fit!  If there is a bit of muffin top spilling over the waistband I know it’s time to back off on alcohol and sweets.  This works for me personally because sweets are my weakness and I enjoy having a cocktail with my husband a few nights a week, it’s how we catch up on our day.  Since I know this about myself I am able to discipline myself to back off when needed.  How do you measure if your weight is in that healthy range or not ?

I ran into Target recently to check out all the new spring and summer colors and trends and noticed in the grocery section these naturally flavored sparkling waters Dasani Sparkling is re-launching.  Tropical Pineapple offers a delicious island flavor while Raspberry Lemonade sounds perfect for a backyard party, both in sleek new cans.  You can pick up 3 eight pack cartons at Target for $9 from 4/10/16-5/1/16.  I’ll be stocking up at that price!

Let’s face it a glass of sparkling water could be a bit boring so I opted to liven it up a bit.  Here’s what I did!  I decided to rim the glasses in gingered sugar and add fruit skewers to snack on and for color!  These Dasani Sparkling mocktails are invigorating and eye-catching.  I’ll be sipping on a lot of these before I slip into my swim suit this summer.

First I washed some beautiful berries and grapes – easy to slip onto a bamboo skewer!

Next I cut my pineapple up – beginning with removing the spiky outside, halving, then quartering it in preparation for removing the core.

Next I minced up my crystalized ginger.  (You can find crystalized ginger at speciality groceries and spice shops) Here’s the secret – mince up some ginger and put it into a container with a bit of sugar.  The sugar will take on the flavor of ginger.  This totally elevates the taste when you sip from your frosted glass rim.

I placed the fruits in small bowls – thinking in terms of having guests – each person could create their own fruit skewer depending on their personal taste.  I also squeezed some fresh lemon juice onto a small plate and added the gingered sugar to another.

Now it’s time to assemble the fruit skewers , pour up some Dasani Sparkling and relax.  Before pouring the water, rim each glass in the lemon juice followed by the gingered sugar.  This simple step makes the beverage look festive and sparkly!

You could use any fruit that appeals to you and is easy to skewer.  I selected yummy, juicy berries with ripe pineapple and loved the bright green grapes as contrast – it’s all about presentation you know!  As for presenting myself on the beach this summer, I’ll feel like I sparkle and will catch my husbands eye, for sure thanks to these flavorful “mocktails”.

You can find other great ideas and recipes for your spring and summer “mocktails” at this link: New Way To Sparkle!  I’d love to hear how you create your favorite “mocktail” !