Sunrise .. sunset 🌅. I love watching them whenever I can. There’s something about them that feels serene, not to mention the colors in the sky are just beautiful, and they’re never the same every day. I will never get tired of admiring the beauty of sunrise and sunset.

It’s Friday, and you know what that means of you are following my blog. It’s Friday Drink Day! Few weeks ago, I shared with you my Non-Alcoholic Mango Mojito, I had fun making that one and even more finishing it up. Today’s post was inspired by the colors of sunrise and sunset. I had been thinking what to call this and decided to name it “Sunset Bliss Juice”. It’s a bliss in every sip … let’s make it!

With the weather getting warmer and warmer everyday, I think we could all agree that we need something that will cool us off and keep us feeling refresh. Since it is Summer, I am making a seasonal post just for the Summer season. The post will mostly be about Summer drinks and frozen treats to keep us cool and comfy during the Summer season. If it is not Summer where you are right now, do not worry because you can always go back and search for these recipes whenever Summer arrives in your area or if you just want to get chilled. Some of the drinks that I am sharing here can be made any day of the year, I say bring the ice cream out on Winter 🙂

How To Make Simple Sugar Syrup

Simple syrup is simply dissolved and lightly reduced sugar + water. The basic ratio is 1:1, meaning 1 part sugar to 1 part water (i.e 1 cup sugar: 1 cup water), it is basically an equal portion of sugar and water.

However, if you like it thick and sweeter, you can do a 1:2 ratio (i.e 1/2 cup water : 1 cup sugar). The yield will be less, but it is thicker and sweeter which use you use less of it.

You can make sugar syrup using granulated white sugar for a clear syrup OR light or dark brown sugar for a darker syrup. The darker syrup are great for coffee or dark tea based drinks as this will not affect the color of the drink that much.

The clear syrup are best for drinks that you want to retain the original color without making it brownish in color. The clear white syrup tends to be sweeter than the brown sugar, but brown sugar have that light caramel flavor from the molasses in the brown sugar. In the end, it all boils down to preference.

Let’s check the list of ingredients that you will need to make this drink.

• Strawberry- you can use fresh or frozen Strawberry 🍓 as you will cook it anyway. The idea is make a fruit compote or Strawberry sauce. You can make a large batch of this and use it for other drinks. You cannot mess this up as this is so simple to make.
• Granulated Sugar – To add sweetness to the compote, a small amount of sugar is advisable. You can also use honey or any liquid sweetener of your choice.
• Orange Juice – If freshly squeeze Orange juice is hard for you to find, feel free to use ready to drink Orange 🍊 juice. I find freshly squeeze is always the best as they are pure. If you do not have access to it or no way to make one, use store bought Orange juice instead.
• Fresh Mint Leaves – I always like adding fresh mint to my juice, it adds so much freshness. If you do not have mint, feel free to skip it. Maybe try Basil for a change.
• Liquid Sweetener – I always recommend using liquid sweetener for cold drinks as this dissolves easily. Simple syrup is an easy option that you can make at home. You can also use store-bought plain or flavored syrup, I see a lot of those in the market.!

Substitution

Raspberry instead of Strawberry 🍓, this is also a good option. You may need to add a bit more sweetener as Raspberry have a more tart taste.

Ingredients:

• 4 -5 pieces large Strawberry- cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup fresh Orange Juice
• Fresh Mint Leaves – as many or less as you like
• Liquid Sweetener

Instructions:

1. In a small pan, cook the Strawberries and sugar. Simmer in low heat for few minutes until the sugar is dissolve and the Strawberry is soft. Transfer in a bowl and let cool completely.
2. In a serving glass. Pour the cooled Strawberry compote. Swirl the glass to have the sides smudge with Strawberry compote.
3. Add ice cubes and mint leaves. Pour fresh squeeze OJ. Garnish with whole Strawberry and more mint leaves.

Serves 1

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