Saturday, May 11, 2013

Strawberry and Lime Sparkle

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If you've missed my post on the Strawberry tour at Tanaka Farms.  Click here to check it out.  So, with all the sweet and juice strawberries that we'd picked, I have created a few wonderful strawberry recipes for you, just in time for the strawberry season and Mother's Day celebration.  This Strawberry and Lime Sparkle is perfect to serve at brunch, parties or gatherings.  

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I'm really blessed to have the most wonderful Mother and Mother-In-Law in the whole wide world.  They have the kindest and most generous hearts, truly, they are my role models.  They are the most beautiful women I've ever known, both inside and out.  Whenever I need someone to talk to or need advises, they're always there for me.  I can't say enough great things about them, and no words can describe how grateful I am to have them in my life.  So, to my Mother and Mother-In-Law, "thank you, for being the wonderful Mothers in my life and I love you!"


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So, on this Mother's Day weekend, share something special with the special Mothers in your life.  Prepare this elegant and beautiful drink is a great way to start any celebration.  This Strawberry and Lime Sparkle couldn't be any easier to prepare.  It’s such a refreshing way to stay hydrated and crunch the thirst as the weather gets warmer and warmer each day.

Let me show you how to prepare this Strawberry and Lime Sparkle.  It’s so simple to make it’ll be ready in just 5 minutes.  First, muddle the mint leaves with a wooden spoon in a large pitcher.

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Then, add in some fresh lime juice.

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Next step, add the agave.  You can use other sweetener but I love the slightly floral aroma from the agave and it blends in and dissolves perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.

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Then, add in the diced strawberries and give it a quick stir.

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Last but not least, pour in some chilled club soda, tonic water, or sparkling mineral water.  Then enjoy the hot weather with this chilled and refreshing drink on hand.

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This Strawberry and Lime Sparkle is elegant enough for parties and gatherings, yet casual and easy to prepare for any afternoon that you want a chilled drink to enjoy.  It’ll wash away the tiresome from a long day of work as you sip.

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I love the sparkles and bubbles from the sparking water.

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What is your favorite Spring/Summer time drink?  Do you like the bubbly like I do?  I drink it so often that I think it’s about time to invest in one of those bubbly machine maker.  If you have one, please let me know if you like it.  I would love your feedback and opinions.

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So, how are you going to celebrate Mother's Day?  Share your plans, or a recipe in the comment.  Last but not least, I want to wish all the Mothers, Grandmothers, Mother-In-Laws and all Mother-To-Be a wonderful and meaningful Mother's Day!  Enjoy your special day!







Strawberry and Lime Sparkle Pictorial




Strawberry and Lime Sparkle:  (Printable Recipe)
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup agave
1 cup strawberry, chilled and diced
1 liter club soda, tonic water or sparkling mineral water, chilled

In a large pitcher, muddle the mint leaves with a wooden spoon.  Add the lime juice, agave, and strawberries.  Add the club soda or mineral water and stir well.  Serve immediately.


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104 comments:

  1. Wow Lovely Presentation amy :) Such Refreshing Drinks :)

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    1. Thank you so much. I'm glad you like this refreshing drink.

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  2. Beautiful post, you've inspired me, this recipe is a definite 'must try' and the post on Tanaka Farms was superb, an amazing place and organic to boot! Your 'strawberry' children are gorgeous.

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    1. Thank you so much, Lynn. I'm glad you love this recipe and my Tanaka farm tour post. :) Wish you a wonderful rest of the week.

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  3. I am so impressed with the stunning pictures and also the stunning drink. I must say its really sparkling and adore the interesting flavors splattered inside.

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    1. Thank you so much. Glad you like my pictures and recipe. Cheers to you.

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  4. I just posted up a strawberry lime dessert so you and I are definitely thinking along the same wavelength :D
    Lovely recipe!

    Cheers
    CCU

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    1. Thank you. Your Strawberry Lime dessert looks beautiful and amazing. :) Thank you so much for stopping by. Have a wonderful rest of the week.

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  5. That is one welcoming photo. Love the brightness of the drink. Of course in MN, we're still drinking hot chocolate. Will save for strawberry season - which should come - in August!

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    1. Thank you, Claudia. Wow, in August comes the strawberry season? What a big difference. I was told the strawberry season will be over in June or July in CA. Maybe I should then fly to MN for more! :P Just a thought.

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  6. What a lovely recipe, and, as usual, the photos are very pretty.
    Greetings from Spain.

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    1. Thank you, Laurel. Glad you love the pictures.

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  7. Wow, super refreshing drink. I will try this wonderful recipe. hope that I can get some fresh and nice strawberries :) Happy Mother's day, Amy!

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    1. Thank you, Esther. Let me know how you like it if you tried the recipe. :) Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day celebration too.

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  8. A wonderful summer drink.
    Happy Mother's day to you, Amy!

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    1. Thank you so much, Angie. Hope you had a nice Mother's Day celebration as well. :)

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  9. Have a wonderful Mother's Day! Your sparkle is perfect for celebrating the day.

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    1. Thank you. And I hope you had a wonderful celebration last week too. :)

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    2. Thank you. Hope you had a wonderful celebration too. :) Have a beautiful weekend ahead.

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  10. What a gorgeous, refreshing drink! I can't wait for our local berries to ripen. Wishing you a marvelous Mother's Day!

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    1. Thank you so much, Liz. Hope your Mother's Day celebration was wonderful. Oh...hope you get some ripe and gorgeous berries soon. This drink is just so good.

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  11. Happy mothers Day to you! this is a very refreshing drink for those hot and muggy days in Hong Kong. Wishing you a very special day or at very least hoping that your family does not leave dirty dishes in the sink. Take Care

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    1. Thank you so much. Yes, this would be lovely on any hot humid day! I love your well wishes...but I think that's not going to happen any time soon. It'll be lucky I don't have to pick up their dirty dishes from all over the place to begin with. LOL

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  12. Lovely presentation and definitely love to try this for the hot weather here. Happy Mother's Day to you, Amy :)

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    1. Thank you, Ann. Hope your Mother's Day weekend was wonderful as well. Oh yeah, this drink is perfect for the hot days. :)

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  13. Mmmm... that looks so refreshing and delicious! Happy Mother's Day.

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    1. Thank you so much. Hope your Mother's Day was nice too. :)

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  14. So simple and sounds delicious.

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    1. Thank you, Katrina. Yes, it's super simple to prepare and very refreshing.

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  15. So refreshing and delicious! Perfect for summer! Happy Mother's Day! :)
    http://www.rita-bose-cooking.com

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    1. Thank you, Rita. Yes, it's a perfect drink for the hot days. Hope your Mother's day celebration was wonderful.

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  16. It is a beautiful and refreshing drink Amy! I would love to try some too! Happy Mothers' Day:D

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    1. Thank you, Jeannie. Hope your Mother's Day weekend was wonderful too. :) I would love to share this drink with you, Cheers! :)

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  17. --Pure Perfection.

    I LOVE this fresh drink. I adore MINT.

    Xx

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    1. Thank you, my Dear. :) Glad you love this drink too. Cheers!

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  18. Happy Mother's Day to you, Amy! You really make the most amazing drinks ever. I just love the red strawberries. What a refreshing drink!

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    1. Thank you so much, Mun. Oh...if you love strawberries, you've got to give this drink a try. It's so good!

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  19. Fresh and simple- Sounds perfect, especially when you have such good ingredients. The best thing you can do is just not mess around with them, right? You've definitely brought the best out of those strawberries here!

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    1. I agree...sometimes, less is more. Just let the freshness of the ingredients shine. ;) Cheers!

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  20. I love this! Great flavor, and it looks so terrific. Happy Mother's Day! And thanks for a wonderful post.

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    1. Thank you so much. Hope your family had a wonderful Mother's Day celebration last week too. :) Glad you like the flavor and the look of this drink. I can't wait to make it again...tomorrow. I probably can drink it everyday. :P

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  21. This sounds so light and refreshing! I bet farm fresh strawberries are awesome! It is so nice you have a good relationship with your mother and mother-in-law, as that is not always the case.

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    1. Thank you, Laura. Oh...those farm fresh strawberries are the best. I'm definitely going back for more. :) I agree, it's sad not everyone has good relationship with their MIL and/or Mother. That makes me cherish my relationships even more.

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  22. I am so going to make this for my nephew's 1st bday party this weekend. Really clever and pretty idea!

    ~Jayne

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    1. Thank you, Jayne. Glad you love this recipe. Let me know how your nephew likes it if you try. :) Wish him an early Happy Birthday!

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  23. I've been making a lot of lime mint soda lately eversince I tried some at a pub early this year. Mine was just lime, mint & soda. Love the strawberries added in them! Certainly adds some colour to the drink!

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    1. Oh...the strawberries add nice color and flavor to the drink as well. Hope you'll give that a try next time you drink your mint soda. ;)

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  24. That looks absolutely delicious and so refreshing! Love the way you've styled it for the photos.

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    1. Thank you, Trishie. Glad you like my food styling and pictures. ;) It's such a beautiful drink to start with so it was an easy one for me.

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  25. Amy, you could not have created a more delightful tribute to mothers than by creating this wonderful, seasonal Strawberry and Lime Sparkle - your presentation and your recipe are truly fabulous! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave such a kind comment - I am glad that I got the chance to find your lovely blog this way - it will be a pleasure following your posts!
    Have a wonderful Monday!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Andrea. You have a lovely blog yourself and I'm more than happy to follow you back as well. :) Have a wonderful weekend ahead.

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  26. This looks amazing, I'd love to be sipping on this right now!

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    1. Thank you, Caroline. Oh yeah....it's so good I'll be making this drink quite often here. Cheers and have a great weekend ahead.

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  27. Hi Amy, very delicious and refreshing strawberry sparkle. Wish I can try some now. Excellent display and presentation, look really pretty.

    Happy Mother's Day and have a wonderful day.

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    1. Hope your Mother's Day celebrate was wonderful too. :) Wish I can send a jar over for you to try. Cheers and have a beautiful weekend.

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  28. AMy this look beautiful! hope you had a beautiful Mpthers day!

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    1. Thank you, Gloria. Hope your Mother's Day celebration was wonderful too. Cheers and have great weekend ahead.

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  29. une belle boisson délicieuse et rafraîchissante et joliment présentée
    bonne soirée

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    1. Merci beaucoup. Oui, c'est une telle boisson rafraîchissante. Il aime tellement. Je vous souhaite un merveilleux week-end.

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  30. So gorgeous Amy!! Love it! It's a great use of those lovely strawberries you picked at the farm, I was so jealous reading your farm post! I absolutely adore fruit picking.
    It's finally nice and warm here in CO so I can enjoy refreshing drinks like this now!

    Nazneen xx

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    1. Good to know the weather is warming up for you, Nazneen. :) I know, those farm strawberries are just so good. I need to go back this weekend to pick up a few more baskets. :P

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  31. What a great drink for this warmer weather! Marking this one down for sure :)

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    1. Thank you. Hope you'll like it as much as my family does. It's like a "regular" drink around the house now. Boy...hope this strawberry season last longer! ;)

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  32. Hope its not too late to wish you Happy Mother's day, Amy! And the drink is looking delicious, I can do with lots in this hot weather!

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    1. Thank you, Jehanne. Well wishes are never too late. I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day celebration too. :) Oh yeah, I can't drink this everyday. It's so refreshing.

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  33. It looks so refreshing! I could use a glass of this!

    Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen

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    1. Thank you, Dear. Wish I can send over some for you to try. Cheers, and have a wonderful weekend.

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  34. Delicious and refreshing drink.. Hope you enjoyed Mother's day..

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    1. Thank you. I did had a wonderful Mother's Day. Hope yours was just as wonderful. Have a great weekend.

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  35. This is such a pretty-looking drink! I love drinks with sparkling water or something similar. Great use of seasonal strawberries!

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    1. Thank you, Monica. Glad you love sparkly drinks too. :) They are really refreshing.

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  36. Love to see how you're utilizing your harvest...and you're so right. Mother's are so special, can't wait to be one myself someday...these are razzle dazzle amazing!

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    1. Thank you, My Dear. Glad you like my little creation and this is one refreshing drink. :) Can't wait for you to share your great news of being a mother. I'm sure you'll have lots of fun with your little ones.

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  37. This sounds so refreshing and very much needed on a day like today which is HOT! I just took a look at your previous post about the Tanaka Farms... what a dream! I would totally love to go there one day!

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    1. Thank you, Ruby. Oh yeah, the farm was so beautiful and I can't wait to go back for more produce and fresh fruit. Have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Thank you, Chung-Ah. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  39. Amy, your strawberry sparkle sounds and looks amazing! I would splash some tequila or gin there too... or maybe prepare it with sparkling wine? Very inspirational! I will remember your recipe for warmer days.

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    1. Thank you so much, Sissi. Oh...a splash of tequila or gin sounds delectable. I'll definitely give that a try. :)

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  40. Se ve muy tentador y refrescante hermosa bebida,abrazos y abrazos.

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    1. Muchas gracias. Sí, es una bebida muy refrescante. Me alegro de que te guste.

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  41. what a refreshing and pretty drink!

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    1. Thank you, Kale. I'm glad you like this drink. It's now my family's new favorite.

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  42. What a sweet post, Amy. Your mother and mother-in-law must be two wonderful ladies. Hope you had a happy Mother's Day too!

    It's too early for strawberry picking here - likely in early June they'll be ready. This sounds like a delicious way to use those fresh berries.

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    1. Thank you. I had a wonderful Mother's Day and hope your celebration was just as beautiful. Yes, My Mother and Mother-In-Law are incredible. So fortunate to have them in my life. :)

      Oh...seems like CA is really early for the strawberry season then. But you'll get some sweet and juice ones when they're ready in your area.

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  43. What a sweet and beautiful post. I loved reading about all those special relationships...and of course, this drink looks just heavenly. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thank you, Monet. Glad you like my post and recipe. It was really refreshing.

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  44. Refreshing and delicious! (I would put my MIL up against anyone's as being the best EVER though!) :)

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    1. Thank you, Debra. LOL...glad to know you have a wonderful MIL too. Let's put them in competition. :P

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  45. Refreshing drink and a beautiful post.

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    1. Thank you, Lail. :) I'm glad you like it.

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  46. This is the perfect spring/summer beverage! I feel like I need to have a party just to have an excuse to make it!

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    1. Thank you, Joanne. LOL...I think I'm having a "party" everyday at home these days....as long as I could get those gorgeous strawberries. :P

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  47. Strawberry and lime sounds like a fabulous combo and the perfect summer drink. Looks refreshing! I'll probably substitute the club soda, tonic water or sparkling mineral water for cava or prosecco to make it an adult cocktail. ;) Lovely post Amy.

    Cheers,
    Anne ~ Uni Homemaker

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    1. OH yeah, I would opt for prosecco any day. :P Since I was making this for the kids, I only use sparkling water. But I would definitely make 2 jars next time, one for the kids and one for me. ;)

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  48. grazie della visita la mio blog!! ^_^ adoro le fragole!!che meraviglia! ciaooooooooooooo

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    1. grazie mille. Sono contento che ti piaccia questo. :) Avere una bella Domenica!

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  49. I ate something salty tonight and I've been looking for something really refreshing but I have NOTHING in the fridge. Now I saw your super refreshing drink, I'm about to go crazy. LOL. This looks so good! Cute, colorful, perfect drink... I can drink that pitcher right now. =)

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    1. Thank you, Nami. Wish I can sent over a jar when you needed this the most! :P Yes, I can finish the whole pitcher all by myself too. Shhhh.....

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  50. Sounds so refreshing, and looks so beautiful too! What a nice tribute to the moms in your life:)

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    1. Thank you so much, Sue. :) Glad you like this refreshing drink.

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  51. Yummy! Love the colors! So refreshing :)

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    1. Thank you, Kiran. It was so good I've been drinking this a few times a week. Gotta take advantage of the strawberry season! :P

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  52. This was very good! Make it soon people! ;)

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