Pineapple Crush

I saw this fun drink in a Sunset Magazine and had to try. With a little creativity in the kitchen, this is a great way to "wake up your water," as the article in Sunset said.

Pineapple Mint Crush

Put 1/3 cup pineapple chunks (chopped up fine) and 4 large mint leaves in a large cocktail shaker. Add 1 tbs. water. Mash well with a muddler. Stir in 2 cups cold sparkling or still water, then strain into an ice-filled glass.  Serves 1

Okay...

Number one, I couldn't get my cocktail shaker to open. It's never been used. I gave it to my husband as a gag gift back when I gave him everything "James Bond" for a Christmas gift. Silly but fun. So I had to improvise. I used a measuring cup. 

I didn't have a muddler.  Don't even know what it is. But I figured it muddled something. So I tried a meat tenderizer. Didn't work. Too big and too flat. Then tried an ice cream scoop. Worked!

I used a sieve (since I couldn't use the strainer on the cocktail shaker). Worked fine.

I tasted the drink and it was nice, but I like my drinks sweet. So I added a Sweet 'n Lo. I'm sure you could add sugar or simple syrup.  

Here's a recipe for that.

SIMPLE SYRUP:
3 parts water to 1 part sugar

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the cold water and sugar to a boil. Turn the heat to low and stir, approximately three minutes.  Note: the longer you boil the mixture, the thicker the syrup will become.

Delish and refreshing. Any time of the year. And so pretty!

Now, what was really cool, is I still had some muddled pineapple and mint leftover. So I added it to some grilled salmon for dinner and it was fabulous!  How easy is that?!!!

Enjoy!

***************


REMINDER: To save this recipe (and any that are posted on MLK,  click the Print Friendly button below 

(it looks like this but don't hit this one).  Choose PDF to print. 

* * * * *
The 4th in A Cheese Shop Mystery series: 

TO BRIE OR NOT TO BRIE.  

You can pre-order the book HERE. 

You can learn more about me, Avery, by clicking this link.

Chat with me on Facebook and Twitter.

And if you haven't done so, sign up for the mailing list

 so you can learn about upcoming events, releases, and contests!


Also, you probably know about my alter ego.
DARYL WOOD GERBER... 
Daryl's new series: A COOKBOOK NOOK MYSTERY series
debuts July 2013

"Like" Daryl's page on Facebook and "follow" Daryl on Twitter.

"She" doesn't say all the same things "Avery" does. Promise.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST...okay, maybe least...:)

I'm pleased to announce that my short story, PALACE ON THE LAKE, 
in Fish Tales: A Guppy Anthology has been nominated for both
the Anthony Award and Macavity Award. 

Go Sisters in Crime Guppies! 

Without the Guppies, my career would not be on the right track.
The group support is invaluable!

You can read PALACE ON THE LAKE by clicking on the title above. :)

Say cheese!

***********