Today I have a fabulous cocktail recipe for you all –  because I’m thinking its about time for summer cocktails on the patio. This weekend is the official beginning to summer, right?

I am honestly not a huge “cocktail” drinker, but if it involves cucumbers, my interest is piqued.

My interest was more than piqued when I  found a recipe for a Cucumber, Basil & Mint Soda. I added the vodka on my own – sometimes it makes life a little more interesting.

Simple syrup was surprisingly easy to make – and I love that I have the control over how sweet I make it. Because I don’t like overly sweet food/drinks, I used about half the sugar that is typically used in simple syrups. The Taster has also requested that we have home-made simple syrup in the house at all times.

Cucumber, Basil & Mint Vodka Spritzer -  1 serving – inspired by Bon Appetit

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz cucumber, basil and mint simple syrup (see below)
• soda water
• garnish of cucumber slices, basil and mint leaves

Fill glass with ice, pour vodka and simple syrup over ice. Top with soda water and garnish.

Cucumber, Basil & Mint Simple Syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 english cucumber, sliced
• 1 oz mint leaves
• 1 oz basil leaves

Heat sugar and water over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar has dissolved.

Bring to a boil, add cucumber and herbs to sugar mixture.

Cover and let steep for at least 1/2 hour.

Strain out syrup mixture, reserving all liquid.

Enjoy!

(source)

I am admittedly really picky when it comes to picking out cereal.

I really don’t like starting my morning with a bowl of sugar – especially when it leaves me hungry an hour or two later. But there are times throughout the summer when cereal is easy, cold and delicious. Like now. Thankfully there are some cereals out there that are good enough for my breakfast bowl, but they can be pretty hard to find.

Look for:

• Whole Grains in the first few ingredients
• No more than 5 grams of sugar per serving
• At least 5 grams of protein per serving
• At least 5 grams of fiber per serving
• Decent serving size (ideally at least 3/4-1 cup)

Favorites:

• Kashi Go Lean: excellent stats (13 grams of protein, 10 grams of fiber), tastes great and actually fills me up
• Uncle Sam’s Original: no sugar, excellent stats (7 grams of protein, 10 grams of fiber) and perfect with yogurt
• Peanut Butter Puffins: strictly a dessert cereal and SO good

How do you feel about cereal? Have a favorite or any recommendations for me?