My childhood memories of summer are filled with long hot days spent running through sprinklers, licking sticky fingers clean after eating a dripping popsicle under the bright afternoon sun, camping with my family, trips to the beach, and trips to the library to replenish my reading supply. Now that my own children are experiencing the long summer days for themselves, I want to make sure that they too are able to look back on their own childhood summers and have their own good memories. Part of what makes summer so special to me is the vast bounty of produce that is in season. I’m trying to make sure that some of my girls’ memories include the flavors of summer.
The creations for Grape Week have definitely put fresh California grapes on the memory map this year! Today’s recipe uses green grapes to make a simple refreshing drink that I’m calling a Green Grape Spritzer—a great addition to any summer meal, or as an afternoon rehydrator.
The hardest step in this recipe is pureeing the grapes in a blender and then straining the puree through a fine mesh sieve.
All that’s left to do after that is mix in some seltzer, simple syrup, and fresh mint and you’re ready to go!!
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Green Grape Spritzer
Makes 4 servings
2 1/2 cups fresh green grapes, plus more for garnish
4 sprigs fresh mint, plus more for garnish
24 ounces (3 cups) seltzer
6 ounces (3/4 cup) simple syrup
ice cubes
1. Puree the grapes in a blender. Pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer set over a large liquid measuring cup (or medium bowl). Press on the solids to squeeze out all of the juice. Roughly tear the mint leaves into pieces and add to the juice.
2. Add the seltzer and simple syrup and stir to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with whole grapes and mint leaves. Serve immediately.
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OMG you childhood memories are the same as mine! I remember the ice cream man on a bicycle with the freezer cart in front and my favorite was a 7-UP popsicle! We had a concord grape vine out back and I would sit there picking the grapes and squeezing them in my mouth, spitting out the seeds and chewing the sweet deep purple skins. Ha! We also would pop the tat bubbles in the street on really hot days!
This spritzer looks great! Worth the trouble of straining the skins! And your girls give it a thumbs up…it’s gotta be good!
I puzzled over the “pour over rice” instructions for some time before I realized you meant “pour over ice”. I hope. Cause I like my spritzers sans rice :)
@Chris Jones, LOL, it has obviously been a long day! I wish spell check would catch things like that! Yes, I usually like my drinks sans rice too…except for horchata… ;)
Oooooh cutie patootie! She’s growing up so fast!
Oh my goodness that looks so yummy! I will definitely be making these this summer. Thank you!
Love this! Yum!
I have to try this .. this looks so refreshing and delicious. I have to make these tomorrow !!
Mmmm….I just want to sit back on the patio at sunset and sip these spritzers! Gorgeous color too :)
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