Making Apple Cider at Home: The Basics

There are a few different ways and methods to make a homemade Apple Cider. This is probably one of the easiest and fastest methods out there, using a large pot and cooking it simply on the stove for about two hours. While orchards use a large wooden press to make cold apple cider, this is a hot version.

Use Sweet and Tart Apples

I like using different kinds of apples in my Apple Cider recipe. I find a combination of sweet and tart apples create a nice balance of flavor. I also add orange for a little flavor because it lends itself so nicely to the cloves and other spices. I used Organic Fuji’s (sweet) and Granny Smith (tart). Here are a few other kinds of apples that would work well for this recipe:

• Sweet: Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Gala or Fugi.
• Tart: Granny Smith, McIntosh or Cortland.

Sugar is Optional

Depending on the time of year, how sweet your apples are and/or your personal preference, feel free to reduce the brown sugar to an amount you feel comfortable using. This recipe is extremely forgiving when it comes to the sugar. If you happen to complete this recipe and you find your cider is not sweet enough, feel free to reheat the strained cider gently and dissolve a little more sugar into it.

No Apple Press Needed

If you were to go to a farm or orchard selling apple cider, it would most likely be out of an apple press. An apple press is simply a hand cranked system that grinds whole apples into a pulp. That pulp is then pressed to remove all the juice which is apple cider. This would be served cold.

No Crockpot Required

While you definitely can cook this cider in a crockpot (4-6 hours on low), this version does not require it! Simply add all ingredients to your pot and cook. Mash the apples, remove the oranges, cook a little longer, then strain.

What’s the Difference Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice?

Apple Cider and Apple Juice are similar, both being juice that come from apples. The difference lies in the filtration process. Apple Cider is not filtered. Apple juice is filtered, pasteurized, sometimes with sugar added, depending on the brand.

How to Make Apple Cider At Home

Like lots of my recipes, there isn’t anything HARD about this recipe…like at all. You just need a couple of hours to babysit these apples on the stove, then strain them out to get the cider. Yum! For full recipe details, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is what you can expect making this Apple Cider:

Wash, Core and Quarter Apples

Using five pounds of sweet and tart apples (I used fuji’s and granny smith), wash them thoroughly with cold water. Cut them into quarters and remove any seeds. You will be straining this entire pot of cider, so coring is optional. I prefer to core, though. Add all the apples to a large pot.

Add Orange, Brown Sugar, Water and Spices

To your apples, add in one navel orange cut in half, 1/2 cup brown sugar (or less, depending on preference), cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and 8 cups of cold water. Stir well to incorporate the brown sugar and submerge the apples in the water.

Cook the Apples

Bring the entire pot to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook covered for one full hour.

Remove orange peels, mash remaining apples and cover and cook on low heat for another 45 minutes.

Strain the Apple Cider

After the apples have finished cooking, remove from the heat and transfer to a fine mesh sieve or strainer lined with cheesecloth. This process can take quite a few minutes because it takes some time to get all the juice out of the apple mash. Don’t worry! This is normal.

Once you have strained the cider from the apple skins and mash, voila! Your apple cider is done and ready to enjoy!

Serve Hot or Cold, With Whipped Cream!

The beauty of this recipe is it can be enjoyed hot, cold or at room temperature. We couldn’t wait to get a taste, so we had it warm with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Oh boy, was it a treat! So so good! Also delicious cold.

The consistency of this cider is smooth, but a little thicker than an apple juice would be, thanks to us not filtering it. Totally normal for apple cider.

Storing Apple Cider

Homemade Apple Cider can last up to two weeks in the fridge. I like storing mine in a large pitcher with a lid in the fridge. Before serving, be sure to stir it well. Of course it’s tasty cold, but feel free to pour it into a mug and microwave it to enjoy hot.

Other Apple Recipes You Will Love:

• Old Fashioned Apple Cake
• How to Make Caramel Apples
• Apple Turnovers
• Apple Crisp
• Buttery Apple Pie
• Apple Fritters

Don’t forget to check out my Fall Soup Recipes roundup that are really popular this time of year. Enjoy, friends!

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Homemade Apple Cider

Apple Season is here which means Homemade Apple Cider! Yes yes please. Sweet and tart apples are cooked together with oranges and warm spices.

Course Beverage, Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword apple cider, how to make apple cider

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 211kcal

Ingredients

• 5 pounds apples I used 2.5 pounds of fuji's and 2.5 pounds of granny smith
• 1 navel orange cut in half
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 8 cups cold water

Instructions

• Wash apples, cut into quarters and core. Add apple quarters to a large pot. Add orange halves, brown sugar, cinamon sticks, cloves and water.
  
• Cover pot and bring to boil, then reduce to simmer and cook covered for 1 hour.
  
• Remove lid, discard orange halves, mash apples, then cover and cook on low another 45 minutes.
  
• Strain apples from cider by pouring through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth.
  
• Serve warm with whipped cream and caramel sauce or store in containers and refrigerate and enjoy cold.
  

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 356mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 199IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Homemade Apple Cider appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

Cherry Limeade – My Favorite Copycat Recipe

If you have never had a Cherry Limeade from Sonic before (or experienced happy hour there), then you are totally missing out. It is at the top of my list for favorite drinks. It is made with lemon-lime soda (sprite or 7-up), lime juice, ice and grenadine (made from pomegranates). Garnish with a slice of lime or two and a maraschino cherry.

Make it Diet Friendly

If you’re wanting a lower calorie, diet friendly version of Cherry Limeade, I have good news for you! You can use a diet version of any lemon-lime soda you prefer. I like to use Sprite Zero.

How to Make Sonic Cherry Limeade

Making this Cherry Limeade is really simple, but full recipe details and measurements are found below in the printable recipe card.

Combine Ingredients

Combine lemon-lime soda, grenadine and lime juice together into a large pitcher.

Pour + Serve

Pour into glasses over ice (I prefer pebble ice). Garnish with lime wedges and cherries, if desired.

Making Cherry Limeade Ahead of Time

Like most drinks, it’s best when consumed quickly after mixing up, but can be made up to a day ahead of time and kept in the fridge.

Leftovers

Store leftover drink in the fridge for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be aware that the carbonation in the soda will diminish with storage. You can also use the leftovers to make a slushy or popsicles. 

Love Cherry Limeade? Try These Other Summery Drinks:

• Blackberry Lemonade
• Non Alcoholic Pina Coladas (Virgin)
• Strawberry Limeade
• Non-Alcoholic Moscow Mule (Ginger Beer Mocktail)
• Mojito Mocktails
• Homemade Fruit Punch
• Frozen Lemonade
• Lime & Pomegranate Margarita

Be sure to save, print or bookmark this recipe. You’ll want to have it handy this summer! Enjoy, friends!

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Sonic Cherry Limeade

This refreshing Cherry Limeade recipe tastes just like the one you order from Sonic! Pair with pebble ice and it's almost exact.

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Keyword cherry limeade

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 84kcal

Author Lauren’s Latest

Ingredients

• 1-2 liter bottle Sprite or 7-up, I used diet
• 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup grenadine
• maraschino cherries
• lime wedges optional
• ice optional

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients into a large pitcher and serve cold. Garnish with lime wedges and cherries, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Sonic Cherry Limeade appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

Lemonade: A Really Basic Recipe

There are so many varying levels of proficiency when it comes to my readers. This recipe can be made by ANYONE. When I say it’s stupid easy, trust me that you can totally make this. It’s as easy as it gets! Here’s what you will need:

• Fresh Lemon Juice – squeeze about 6 large lemons to get 3/4 cup
• Cold Water – to water down the lemonade
• Simple Syrup -to sweeten the lemonade
• Sprite – for a little bubbly effervescence. This is an optional ingredient! And yes, you can absolutely use unflavored sparkling water.

Why Use Simple Syrup?

Just like the name suggests, Simple Syrup is a two ingredient syrup used to sweeten drinks and cocktails without having that gritty granulated sugar texture. Comparable to the classic syrup at Starbucks, homemade simple syrups stir in easily, can easily go undetected and sweeten drinks flawlessly.

Simple syrup is a way to add sweetness and no flavor in an easy way that mixes and dissolves right in to lemonades, drinks or cocktails.

Can I Just Use Sugar?

Yes, you sure can! The only problem is the sugar might take a bit to dissolve completely as you stir it into the water and lemon juice. You will want to use 3/4 cup of sugar total for this recipe. And you will want to add an extra 3/4 cup of cold water to the finished lemonade recipe to make up for the simple syrup.

How to Make My Lemonade Recipe

Make the Simple Syrup

Make the simple syrup by heating 3/4 cup of water and 3/4 cup of sugar together in a small saucepan until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool.

Stir Remaining Ingredients Together

To make the lemonade, stir simple syrup together with lemon juice, cold water and Sprite. For a sweeter lemonade, use all the simple syrup. For a lemonade that has a little more zing, use half the simple syrup.

Serve over ice with lemon slices.

Making Flavored Lemonade

You had to have known this was coming! There are so many fun and different kinds of lemonade you can make and yes, they are as simple as muddling a little bit of fruit in the bottom of your pitcher before adding the rest of these lemonade ingredients. Here are some popular add-ins:

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Fresh Mint
• Watermelon (so refreshing in the Summer!)
• Pomegranate Juice
• Cucumber and Lime
• Pineapple

Making Ahead and Storage Directions

This is a great recipe to make ahead and store in the fridge, especially if you don’t add the Sprite. The lemonade will lose its bubbles after a few hours of just sitting in the fridge. If you wanted to make this ahead, I would stir all the ingredients together without the soda, then right before serving, adding it in last minute.

Love Lemonade? Try These Fruity Favorites:

• Homemade Fruit Punch
• Sonic Ocean Water
• Virgin Pina Coladas
• Mojito Mocktails
• Liquid Sunshine
• Blackberry Lemonade
• Strawberry Mint Limeade

Hope you guys love this Lemonade as much as my kids did! It’s a classic recipe that I’m sure you all will love! Have a great day, friends!

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Homemade Lemonade

Learn how to make Lemonade at home with this super simple recipe! This Homemade Lemonade is made with fresh lemon juice, water, sprite and simple syrup.

Course Beverage, Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword lemonade

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 135kcal

Cost $5

Ingredients

For the Simple Syrup

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup water

For the Lemonade

• 3/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 4 cups cold water
• 2 cups Sprite optional
• ice, lemon slices for serving

Instructions

• Make the simple syrup by heating 3/4 cup of water and 3/4 cup of sugar together in a small saucepan until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool.
• To make the lemonade, stir simple syrup together with lemon juice, cold water and Sprite. For a sweeter lemonade, use all the simple syrup. For a lemonade that has a little more zing, use half the simple syrup.
• Serve over ice with lemon slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Lemonade Recipe appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

Add Cream Cheese to Your Milkshake?

This Strawberry Milkshake was something I made on a whim as a fun afternoon treat. Oh, my word. I forgot how delicious, fun, easy, fabulous, and amazing milkshakes are. By adding cream cheese to the blender, it brings this milkshake to the next level of tangy and creamy! Yum!

How to Make a Strawberry Milkshake

Just 5 simple ingredients to make the best strawberry milkshake you’ve ever had. For full details on how to make a Strawberry Milkshake, see the recipe card down below

Add Ingredients to Blender

Start off with some milk in your blender and add in strawberries and cream cheese.

Scoop in some vanilla bean ice cream into the blender too. Don’t be afraid to be heavy handed with the ice cream.

What kind of milk is best to use for milkshakes?

I would recommend using whole milk or 2% milk for milkshakes. For a creamy and smooth milkshake, you need the higher fat content that skim milk offers. You can use a vanilla greek yogurt or a plant based milk, like almond milk. It will alter the taste and texture slightly, but will still be delicious!

Can I use other berries?

Short answer- Yes. I mean it won’t be a strawberry milkshake anymore, but you can use whatever berries you have on hand and choose to use. You could even add a couple different berries (1 cup total) for a different version.

Blend Until Creamy + Smooth

Secure the lid and blend until smooth! Add as much or as little milk as you’d like to get desired consistency.

Pour into Glasses + Garnish with Whipped Cream and Fresh Strawberries

Pour into serving glasses and top with whipped cream (or make your own homemade whipped cream) and fresh strawberries. Perfection right here. If you like my strawberry milkshake on the thick side, use a spoon, but feel free to add more milk and use a straw.

Storing Leftover Strawberry Milkshake

While I highly recommend enjoying your milkshake right after you make it, you can store leftovers for later! Simply put any remaining milkshake in an airtight, freezer safe container and store in the freezer. Strawberry Milkshakes will stay fresh and tasty in the freezer for 1-2 months. After that, they don’t taste as good as they did on day one.

To revive your frozen milkshake, remove from the freezer and allow it to sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes. Stir and enjoy.

Love Strawberry Milkshakes? Give These Sweet Treats a Try!

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
• Banana Berry Smoothie
• Sonic Ocean Water
• Healthy Smoothie Bowl

Enjoy this one guys! Perfect treat for the family!

The printable recipe card is down below.

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Strawberry Milkshake Recipe

Strawberries, vanilla ice cream, cream cheese, and milk all come together to make this incredible Strawberry Milkshake!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword strawberry milkshake

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 2 large servings

Calories 430kcal

Author Lauren’s Latest

Ingredients

• 1/2-1 cup milk
• 2 cups vanilla bean ice cream
• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 2 oz cream cheese
• Spray Cream + fresh strawberries for garnish if desired

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Start off with some milk in your blender and add in strawberries and cream cheese.
  
• Now comes the good stuff. Scoop in some vanilla bean ice cream into the blender too. Don’t go easy on this stuff.
  
• Add the lid and blend until smooth! Add as much or as little milk as you’d like to get desired consistency.
  
• Pour into serving glasses and top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
  

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 224mg | Potassium: 492mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 1035IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 277mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Strawberry Milkshake Recipe appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

A Great Summer Treat

This Frozen Lemonade is my new summer obsession! It’s so lemony, cold, tangy and refreshing! It totally satisfies a sweet treat craving and a cold drink craving…all in one! Enjoy this all summer long and adapt it to your own taste preferences!

Make It Your Own

The best part of this recipe, (besides how easy it is to make) is how adaptable it is. You can try different flavors of soda or juice. Don’t use diet soda, it will freeze solid on you. You can also add in some frozen fruit.

Fruit That Would Be Great in a Frozen Lemonade

If you’re wanting to add frozen fruit to your lemonade, I would suggest throwing the fruit in a blender before adding to the ice cream maker bowl. Here are some great options for fruit to add, totally optional though.

• strawberries
• cherries
• pineapple
• mango
• raspberries

How To Make Frozen Lemonade

This recipe is super duper easy. Like, take a beverage, throw it into an ice cream maker and voila! Insta-slushie. The printable recipe card is below.

Freeze Ice Cream Maker Bowl

Before you begin to make your slushy, make sure your ice cream maker bowl is frozen. You’ll get nowhere fast if it hasn’t had time to freeze up.

We tried slushies with Fanta Orange, Sprite and Root Beer soda flavors, but the best one {and most refreshing one!} was the lemonade.

Word to the wise: don’t try this with diet soda. It will freeze solid on you! No bueno!

Add Lemonade into Frozen Ice Cream Maker Bowl

Assemble ice cream maker and turn on. Pour cold lemonade into machine and churn 7-10 minutes or until frozen.

Scoop into Cups + Serve

After about 10 minutes of rolling around in your ice cream machine, you will magically have a slushy!

Love Frozen Lemonade? Try These Cool Treat Recipes…

• Healthy Smoothie Bowl Recipe
• Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream
• *AMAZING* Tropical Smoothie
• Homemade Ice Cream Cake Recipe

If you’re dying of heat (like me!) give this easy peasy recipe a whirl. Have a great day, friends!

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Frozen Lemonade Recipe

When it's hot outside, you'll want to make this refreshing frozen Lemonade Slushie recipe! Perfect for summer!

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Keyword lemonade slushie

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 4 small servings

Calories 90kcal

Author Lauren’s Latest

Ingredients

• 3 cups cold store-bought lemonade such as Minute Maid brand

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Assemble ice cream maker and turn on. Pour cold lemonade into machine and churn 7-10 minutes or until frozen.
  
• Spoon into cups and serve.
  

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Sodium: 11mg | Sugar: 21g

The post Frozen Lemonade Recipe appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

Sonic Ocean Water- My Favorite Copycat Recipe

Sonic Ocean Water is a quick and easy summer drink that has quickly become my go to favorite. It’s a copycat recipe from Sonic. It’s made with lemon-lime soda (Sprite), simple syrup (sugar + water) and coconut extract and a little festive touch of blue food coloring (highly recommend) and a cherry on top! It’s the perfect coconut-y lemon-lime drink!

Make it Diet-Friendly

If you’re wanting a lower calorie, diet friendly version of Sonic Ocean Water, I have good news for you! You can use a diet version of any lemon-lime soda you prefer. I like to use Sprite Zero.

How to Make Sonic Ocean Water

Making this Ocean Water drink is really simple, but full recipe details and measurements are found below in the printable recipe card.

Combine Ingredients

In the bottom of a liquid measuring cup, stir sprite, simple syrup, coconut extract and blue food coloring together.

What is a simple syrup? How do I make it?

Simple syrup is sugar and water mixed together, creating a syrup. You can find it in the liquor department of any grocery store or at a liquor store. You can also make it yourself and its WAY cheaper than buying it. The most common ratio of simple syrup is an even ratio of sugar and water. For this recipe you’ll want equal parts water to sugar.

Can I use a different flavor other than coconut extract?

Yes. If you want to try a different flavor extract…try pineapple extract! It’ll still give you the tropical vibes and pairs well with sprite! You can also adjust the amount of coconut (or pineapple) extract, depending on how strong you prefer.

Pour + Serve

Divide ice between four serving glasses and pour ocean water into each cup. Top with maraschino cherry and serve.

Making Ahead of Time

Like most drinks, it’s best when consumed quickly after mixing up, but can be made up to a day ahead of time and kept in the fridge.

Leftovers

Store leftover drink in the fridge for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be aware that the carbonation in the soda will diminish with storage. You can also use the leftovers to make a slushy or popsicles. 

Love Sonic Ocean Water? Other Summery Drinks to Try:

• Blackberry Lemonade
• Non Alcoholic Pina Coladas (Virgin)
• Homemade Fruit Punch Recipe
• Mojito Mocktails
• Cherry Limeade Recipe
• Strawberry Limeade
• Non-Alcoholic Moscow Mule (Ginger Beer Mocktail)
• Frozen Lemonade Recipe

Be sure to save, print or bookmark this recipe. You’ll want to have it handy this summer! Enjoy, friends!

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Sonic Ocean Water

This copycat recipe for Sonic Ocean Water is refreshing, light, non-alcoholic and perfect for sipping on while hanging at the pool or running errands this summer.

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 123kcal

Ingredients

• 3 cups Sprite
• 3 tablespoons simple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1 drop blue food coloring
• 4 maraschino cherries optional
• ice for serving

Instructions

• In the bottom of a liquid measuring cup, stir sprite, simple syrup, coconut extract and blue food coloring together.
• Divide ice between four serving glasses and pour ocean water into each cup. Top with maraschino cherry and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Sonic Ocean Water appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

Fruit Punch Variations

Fruit punch can be made using a variety of different fruit juices. Feel free to experiment and switch out whichever juice flavors you’d like. Here are some fun variations to try!

• white grape juice
• orange juice
• pear nectar
• lime juice
• grapefruit juice
• peach juice
• ginger ale
• 7-UP
• sparkling water

Tips for Perfect Punch

With such an easy recipe you can’t really go wrong with this fruit punch. However, I do have a couple of suggestions for perfect punch. Here we go:

• Add ice to cups, not the whole pitcher. That way the whole pitcher doesn’t get watered-down if you are serving it later.
• Add sprite right before serving, this prevents the punch from going flat too soon
• Make ahead of time for optimal chilling. Some juices you buy don’t come refrigerated. Be sure to make this drink ahead of time so it’s nice and cold.
• Add sliced fruit as a fun garnish. Whether that be orange slices, floating cranberries, or sliced strawberries any fruit will add a sense of freshness.
• Serve in a fun glass. Let’s face it, nothing beats drinking a cold yummy drink from a see-through cup. Use either plastic or glass, but more importantly, enjoy!

How to Make Fruit Punch

For full details on how to make homemade fruit punch, see the recipe card down below

Combine All Juices

Stir all juice ingredients together in a large pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Add Sprite

Add in sprite right before serving (to avoid flat soda).

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with sliced fruit, if desired. Serve cold with ice.

Can I Spike Fruit Punch?

While this is a kid-friendly nonalcoholic fruit punch recipe that doesn’t mean you can’t spike it if you want to. Either add an ounce and a half of vodka (or your choice of liquor) to your glass before filling it with fruit punch or add a cup or two to the pitcher along with the rest of the ingredients. Enjoy and drink responsibly friends!

More Refreshing Drinks to Try!

• Strawberry Limeade
• Blackberry Lemonade
• 25 Detox Water Recipes
• Mojito Mocktails
• Non-Alcoholic Moscow Mule (Ginger Beer Mocktail)
• Non Alcoholic Pina Coladas (Virgin)

Fruit punch is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just because. Save this recipe for the next time you need a yummy drink!

The printable recipe card is down below, enjoy

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Fruit Punch Recipe

Homemade Fruit Punch is made easy with store-bought ingredients and the perfect ratio of juices to give you that classic punch flavor.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword fruit punch, fruit punch recipe, punch

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 11 cups

Calories 127kcal

Ingredients

• 4 cups grape juice
• 2 cups apple juice
• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 2 cups sprite or 7-up

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Stir all juice ingredients together in a large pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Add in sprite right before serving (to avoid flat soda).
• Garnish with sliced fruit, if desired. Serve cold with ice.

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 215mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Homemade Fruit Punch Recipe appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

A Healthy Breakfast or Snack

I love a good smoothie bowl for breakfast or afternoon snack. It’s like a smoothie but thicker (similar texture like soft serve ice cream) and topped with fruit, seeds and nuts. Kind of like an Acai bowl, but obviously made without the acai. The base of this smoothie bowl is made with:

• frozen strawberries
• banana
• almond milk
• vanilla (my secret ingredient!)
• and honey

A high powdered blender (like this one) is a great investment and makes getting that thick and creamy texture for your smoothie bowl really easy.

The Difference Between a Smoothie and Smoothie Bowl

So, both smoothies and smoothie bowl recipes are extremely similar. The difference lies in the finished texture and toppings. A smoothie is served in a cup or glass with a straw. It’s drinkable. A smoothie bowl is much thicker and served in a bowl with toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts and seeds. You eat it with a spoon.

How to Make a Smoothie Bowl

The total time for this recipe is about 10 minutes. No cooking is required since this is a frozen treat. You might want to slice some fresh fruit for the top of your smoothie bowl, but generally, you should be in and out of the kitchen. Here’s how to do it:

Add Ingredients to Blender

Measure and add the frozen strawberries, banana, almond milk, honey and vanilla to the bottom of a blender. Add the lid and place onto the base of the blender.

Blend

Blend the smoothie bowl base. Be sure to start with 1/2 cup of almond milk and use the damper from your blender to really get the frozen fruit blended before adding more almond milk. Since we want a thick and creamy finished product, you want to add as little almond milk as possible so it stays thick…hence why a high powdered blender is so important. Blend the smoothie bowl base until it is completely smooth and all the fruit has been blended.

Top with Fruit

Spoon or pour the blended smoothie into two serving bowls. Top with any desired fresh fruit, nuts, seeds or granola. Whatever you think would be delicious could work! Serve immediately and enjoy! My kids love this as a snack because it tastes like ice cream! Little do they know just how healthy and nutritionally sound this is!

Our Favorite Toppings

We’ve been making these on repeat for the past few weeks and these are our favorite things to top our smoothie bowls with. My kids are picky, but these all seem to be winners across the board:

• fresh sliced strawberries
• raspberries
• blueberries
• sliced pineapple or kiwi
• sliced fresh banana
• sliced peaches (if in season)
• really ripe pear
• pepitas, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds or chia seeds
• shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
• granola (homemade or store bought)
• walnuts, pecans or toasted almonds
• mini chocolate chips

Troubleshooting

If your smoothie bowl recipe is too thick or too thin, here’s what to do:

My Smoothie Bowl is Too Thick!

If you are having a hard time blending your smoothie bowl and the consistency is still too chunky, try adding in a little more almond milk. Also, use the damper for your blender (if you have one). If your blender didn’t come with a damper, remove the top, stir and try blending again.

My Smoothie Bowl is Too Thin!

If you’ve come to the end of this smoothie bowl recipe and your finished product is too runny or thin and won’t hold fruit on top, you can either enjoy it as a smoothie with a straw OR add in more frozen strawberries to thicken it up. Ice can also help, but that has a tendency to water the taste of the smoothie down which I don’t love. But that is totally personal preference.

Other Healthy Snacks to Try:

• Berry Banana Smoothie
• Tropical Smoothies
• Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake (protein!!)
• Homemade Acai Bowls
• Homemade Lara Bars

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as me and my crew did! Healthy, quick and so tasty. Be sure to pin, print, save, bookmark and share this recipe. It’s a good one. Have a great day, friends!

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Smoothie Bowl

This strawberry banana smoothie bowl recipe is a sweet and delicious breakfast or snack. Like healthy soft serve with yummy toppings. Similar to an Acai Bowl, but made with frozen strawberries and bananas.

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword Smoothie Bowl

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 2 smoothie bowls

Calories 125kcal

Equipment

• high powdered blender

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen strawberries
• 1 whole banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or more, to get it to the desired thickness
• 2 tablespoons honey optional
• desired smoothie bowl toppings: banana, berries, granola, nuts, seeds, etc..

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Place all ingredients into the bottom of a high powdered blender. With the blender on, use the damper to stir to create a really thick and smooth finished smoothie. Add almond milk as needed to get a thick consistency.
• Spoon the smoothie between two bowls and top with any desired toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

Nutritional information does not include toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 84mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 85mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Healthy Smoothie Bowl Recipe appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

Three Main Ingredients

The beauty of this truly simple (but so so good) Non Alcoholic Pina Colada is the small list of ingredients. They are all used for specific reasons:

• Frozen Pineapple
• Coconut Cream
• Simple Syrup

Can I Use Pineapple Juice?

So, here’s the deal. Pineapple juice can absolutely be a good substitute for the simple syrup while adding an extra hit of pineapple flavor. But, it isn’t as sweet as the simple syrup. If your frozen pineapple is sweet enough to not need the simple syrup, feel free to substitute pineapple juice for the simple syrup 1:1. It’s total preference. I do prefer the simple syrup, just to make sure the pina colada is sweet enough. My tutorial for homemade simple syrup can be found here.

That’s Right. No Ice.

I am going to convince you that you really don’t need ice in your Pina Coladas. I am anti-ice for a few reasons, but the main one is ice doesn’t add any flavor at all. I might even argue that it waters down your finished drink. A Pina Colada, especially one with no alcohol, needs to be flavorful and creamy. Ice adds that cold, icy finish, but guess what? Frozen pineapple does that, too, while adding lots of flavor.

Coconut Milk, Coconut Cream and Cream of Coconut

I know all these titles are confusing and possibly seem like the same thing, but they are not! I’m going to explain them to you as if they were cow’s milk. It will make more sense that way.

Coconut Milk

Canned, unsweetened coconut milk is like whole milk from a cow. It comes in original versions and light versions (lower fat content; like a 2% milk). Typically found in asian food aisles.

Coconut Cream

Canned Coconut Cream is like heavy cream from a cow. It has a high fat content with the solidified coconut cream on top with coconut water on the bottom. This is the ingredient I use for this Non Alcoholic Pina Colada. A lot of people use this to make vegan ice cream because of the high fat content and smooth texture. It works SO perfectly in this recipe. The texture of this finished Pina Colada is fantastic.

Cream of Coconut

So, Cream of Coconut is like sweetened condensed milk. It’s sweetened coconut cream that most of the time can be found in a squeeze bottle. At least, that’s how I found it at two local grocery stores. This was a little harder to find, so I used Coconut Cream in this recipe.

How to Make a Non Alcoholic Pina Colada

If you have a blender, you can make this recipe. Ideally, a high powdered blender would be best because you can get a thicker finished product. This is the blender I own and love. Works perfectly for this.

1. Add frozen pineapple, simple syrup and coconut cream into the bottom of your blender.
2. Add the lid and blitz until completely smooth. Use the damper to get it going, if needed. Once its completely smooth, it’s done.
3. Divide into two glasses and top with whipped cream, fresh pineapple and maraschino cherries. Yum!

Virgin Pina Coladas vs Traditional

The ‘base’ of a pina colada is frozen pineapple, coconut cream and simple syrup. Blending these three ingredients together get you a non-alcoholic Pina Colada. Traditional, alcoholic versions of this drink are made with white or dark rum plus the base (this recipe as listed below). So whether you want to spike my recipe or keep it fruity and kid-friendly, either will get you a sweet and creamy treat.

Other Non Alcoholic Drinks You Will Love:

• Mojito Mocktails
• Moscow Mules (Ginger Beer Mocktails)
• Christmas Mocktails
• Peach & Cranberry Holiday Mocktail
• Frozen Lemonade Recipe

More Tropical Treats to Try!

• Pina Colada Cookies with Rum Glaze
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake
• Fruit Pizza or Fruit Pizza Cookies
• Coconut Lime Pudding Cups
• Banana Coconut Cream Pies

Anyways, I hope you love this Non Alcoholic Pina Colada recipe! It’s a super creamy and dreamy treat we all enjoyed on a snowy day last week, dreaming we were somewhere warm. Pin, print, bookmark and save this gem. You’ll never need another recipe!

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Non Alcoholic Pina Coladas

Sweet, creamy, and kid-friendly, these Non-Alcoholic Pina Coladas are the perfect celebratory tropical drink that everyone loves! Made with three main ingredients, this will be your new go-to recipe.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword pina colada recipe, pina coladas

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 2 servings

Calories 652kcal

Equipment

• 1 high powdered blender

Ingredients

• 10 oz frozen sweet pineapple
• 7 oz coconut cream *see notes below
• 1/3 cup simple syrup **see notes below
• whipped cream, maraschino cherries and fresh pineapple for garnish, optional

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Place frozen pineapple, cream of coconut and simple syrup into the bottom of a blender. Using the damper, blend until a thick and smooth drink comes together.
• Divide between two serving glasses and top with whipped cream, cherries and fresh pineapple.

Notes

*7 oz of coconut cream is about half of a can, found on the same shelf as coconut milk. You will scoop half of the cream of coconut and then pour in half of the liquid from the bottom of the can.

**here is my tutorial on how to make simple syrup. A good substitution for this would be pineapple juice, though its typically not as sweet. However, it shouldn’t be a problem if your frozen  pineapple is sweet.

***to make this with alcohol, add in 1 oz of white or dark rum and blend.

Nutrition

Calories: 652kcal | Carbohydrates: 129g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 84mg | Potassium: 190mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 121g | Vitamin A: 82IU | Vitamin C: 68mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Non Alcoholic Pina Coladas (Virgin) appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

What is Simple Syrup?

Just like the name suggests, Simple Syrup is a two ingredient syrup used to sweeten drinks and cocktails without having that gritty granulated sugar texture. Comparable to the classic syrup at Starbucks, homemade simple syrups stir in easily, can easily go undetected and sweeten drinks flawlessly.

Why Would I Use This?

Just like I mentioned above, simple syrup is a way to add sweetness and no flavor in an easy way that mixes and dissolves right in to lemonades, drinks or cocktails.

How to Make Simple Syrup

This is a simple, five minute recipe that can easily adjust up or down to make a small or large batch.

Here’s how to make it:

• In a small saucepan, stir equal parts of granulated sugar with cold water and stir. I used 1 cup of granulated sugar to 1 cup water.
• Bring mixture to boil until the sugar just dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month. Add into any drinks you’d like.

Infusing Simple Syrup with Flavor

If you love being your own bartender and experimenting with different flavors at home, simple syrup can easily be infused with different herbs and spices for an extra hit of flavor. Here are a few ideas. Simply add these into your pot with the sugar and water, then bring to boil and cool as the directions state, then strain out or remove the flavoring agent before storing in the fridge.

• Fresh Rosemary
• Lavender
• Fresh mint (delicious for flavored lemonades!)
• Thyme
• Citrus peel (like lemon, lime, grapefruit or orange)
• Vanilla beans
• Chiles (for a spicy kick)

Drink Recipes That Use Simple Syrup

A lot of your favorite drinks and cocktails use simple syrup. Probably more than you even realize! Here are a few common ones:

• Mojito Mocktails and Cocktails
• Moscow Mule
• Blackberry Mint Lemonade
• Strawberry Limeade
• Pina Coladas

Anyways, I hope you find this recipe easy and simple, just as the title suggests. Save it, pin it, bookmark or print for later! It’s a good one you’ll use again and again.

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Simple Syrup

The easiest way to sweeten a drink or cocktail, this recipe for Simple Syrup is a good one to have around for the holidays or special occasions.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword simple syrup, simple syrup recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 2 minutes

Servings 1.5 cups

Calories 516kcal

Equipment

• 1 small saucepan

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup cold water

Instructions

• Place sugar and water into a small saucepan. Bring to boil and simmer just until sugar crystals have dissolved. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. Store refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 133g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 3mg | Sugar: 133g | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Simple Syrup appeared first on Lauren's Latest.