Making Your Own Sodas and Party Drinks !!

Some years back I started making up fun and fancy drinks to bring to parties. Some of them are so simple yet are great alternatives to those boring commercial sodas or juices people often bring.

Here are a few recipes to try.

Raspberry Syrup

Ingredients
3 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or boysenberries or blackberries or strawberries)
2 cups water
1 cup agave syrup *

1) Place the berries in a heavy bottom saucepan and mash they to release their juices.
2) Add the water and agave syrup.
3) Simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking.

 4) Allow mixture to cool, strain and store in the fridge.

5) Use 1 to 2 tablespoons with 8-12 ounces of plain sparkling water for a delicious drink. You can also add some orange juice for a sunrise :-)
* You can use honey or sugar as well.

Lavender Honey Syrup

I was so surprised how many people wanted to try this and really liked it at the last party I took it to !!

Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoon lavender flowers
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup honey

1) If possible use white or culinary lavender as they have a lighter, almost citrus flavor. If you only have the regular French lavender, cut the amount down to 1 teaspoon.

2) Place the lavender in a saucepan with the water and honey. Bring to a slow boil and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
3) Remove from heat, cover and allow to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
4) Strain.

5) Use 2-3 teaspoons with 8 to 10 ounces of sparkling water.

Cucumber Water

This is so easy it is ridiculous, but amazingly refreshing.
Simply place two to three thin slices of cucumber in 1 to 2 quarts of water and refrigerate for a couple of hours. You can also add a sprig of mint if you have some growing in your yard.

Garnish any of these drinks with fresh herbs or fruit. Mix fresh juice in with the syrups. My lemonade and front yard tea are two other great party drinks !!