~ vegan, gluten-free, nut-free ~
This is one of my favorite drinks to make when we have house parties. It is so refreshing and so easy to make. But I also have alternative motives when serving this to my guests.
For starters, mint is a great appetizer and palate cleanser. I want to prime their taste buds, getting them ready for some wonderful, delicious, nutritious foods. It also promotes digestion and can help soothe stomachs in cases of indigestion when people tend to overeat as they snack and mingle. And you think I serve this just to quench a personâs thirst. hehe
Limes have a bright and citrus scent which causes your mouth to water, which activates digestion (the digestive saliva floods your mouth even before you taste it).
Every time I make it I am constantly approached by my guests, asking for the recipe. I usually 5x the recipe due to its popularity.
Not too long ago I was hosting a party at my house when my girlfriendâs son approached me. He had a pad of paper in one hand and a pencil in the other hand. He tugged on the sleeve of my shirt to grab my attention and said, âAmie Sue can you please give me the recipe of that drink over there?â as he pointed at the Lime Cooler. âWhy of course, let me know when youâre ready.â
He positioned himself, and with a serious look in his eye, he said, âReady!â I slowly called out each ingredient, making sure that I gave him enough time to write it all down. When I was done, he looked at the paper and slowly read back to me what I had shared with him. I assured him he had everything he needed to know.
He carefully folded the piece of paper and tucked it into his jeans. Before turning away from me, he said, âAmie Sue, this is going to be a money maker!â haha He was only nine yrs old. But I have to agree with his sweet innocence; it is a money-maker because everyone just loves it.
This sounds refreshing. I would like to serve with dinner tonight but donât have mint leaves. Do you think Mint Extract would suffice?
Yes Dee, the extract would workâŠ. start with small amounts and work yourself off so it doesnât sneak up on you and over power the drink. :) Have a great evening!
Aloha AmieSue,
I would like to substitute agave for another sweetener, which is the next best thing: honey or dates?
Mahalo!
Aloha Jennifer :) Either one will work but it will affect the flavor a tad⊠both of these sweeteners have a stronger flavor profileâŠso just keep that in mind. If you use dates, be sure to strain it unless you blend the heck out of it. :) Or if you use liquid stevia, that would be good too. Good luck!
Iâve sometimes just added fresh lime juice, chopped mint leaves and a hint of fresh ginger chopped and had it either with hot water in a tea tumbler or cold water with ice and it makes into a faux mojoito.
Sounds yummy! Thank you for sharing Stephanie :)