The Crazy Simple Life

A few weeks back, the girls and I opted for happy hour at a Southwest restaurant called Cactus here in Seattle. Unable to enjoy a cocktail in my pregnant state, I opted for a beverage called a Mexican Lemonade. Whoa. Sweet, cold, and spicy, this refreshing beverage was like a flavor blast for my taste buds! I've done my very best to recreate the magic at home with pretty phenomenal results, if I do say so myself. I realize you may be hesitant to try a beverage with jalpeno and cilantro in it, but I promise you'll love it!

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 cup lemon/lime juice (aim for about half lemons and half limes, no need to be precise)

A few strips of lemon and lime rind (remove as much white pith as you can)

Handful of cilantro (about 1/4 of a full bunch)

1/2 - 1 jalapeno (depends on how spicy you like it)

Ice

Extra lemon/lime slices for garnish

1. Make a simple syrup: Combine the sugar and water together in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and toss in lime rind. Allow to cool completely.

2. Remove the rind from the simple syrup. Into a large pitcher a couple handfuls of ice, lemon/lime juice, syrup, sliced jalapeno, cilantro, and a few lemon and lime slices. Add 4 cups of water and stir.

3. Pour into ice-filled glasses. To garnish each glass, I thread a piece of cilantro through the center of a citrus slice and a jalapeno.