Pomegranate Lemonade

Makes 4 servings (serving size: 1 8-ounce glass)

 Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup pomegranate juice (such as POM Wonderful)
• 2 1/2 cups water
• Crushed ice

Preparation

1. Combine sugar and lemon juice. Stir well to dissolve.
2. Pour lemon mixture and pomegranate juice into a pitcher, and stir well.
3. Add 2 1/2 cups water. Pour into 4 (8-ounce) glasses.
4. Add crushed ice as needed to each glass.

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Homemade Ginger Ale

Get that same crisp taste as store-bought versions (and half the calories) with this simple recipe. Combining a simple syrup made with fresh ginger and club soda will satisfy even the strongest soda craving. 

Calories: 72 

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup peeled, sliced fresh ginger
• 1 cup water
• 12 cups club soda, chilled
• 12 lemon slices or candied ginger pieces

Preparation

Combine the sugar, ginger, and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes; strain through a fine sieve into a pitcher, and cool. Add the club soda; garnish with lemon or candied ginger.

Note: Syrup can be made and refrigerated, then combined with soda 1 serving at a time, using 2 tablespoons syrup per 1 cup soda.

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Berry-Lime Liquado

Are the berries in your fridge looking sad? Buzz them up in the blender for a refreshing Mexican-style agua fresca.

Hot summer days call for refreshing drinks. Whip up these family- and figure-friendly sips for a sweet way to cool down.  

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups strawberries
• 1 1/2 cups blueberries
• 1 cup ice
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar or sugar
• Garnish: fresh mint

Preparation

Purée strawberries and blueberries in a blender. Place in a fine mesh sieve over a bowl, and strain juice into bowl; discard seeds and pulp. Rinse blender, pour in juice and blend with 1 cup ice, 1 cup water, lime juice, and agave nectar or sugar. Serve over ice, and garnish with mint.

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