raspberry-lemon summer spritzer

I don't know about where you live, but the weather on the East Coast has been nothing but 

boiling hot lately. We've been in the "feels like" high 90's and low 100's for the past 3 weeks. 

And it doesn't look like it's cooling down anytime soon.

So I decided that instead of sweating over the oven, I would make something easy and breezy. 

Enter the raspberry-lemon summer spritzer.

Fresh summer berries. Tart lemon. A little fizz, a little kick, and a lot of refreshing.

I happen to be lucky enough to live near an orchard that lets you pick your own berries.

Store-bought berries will work just fine, and are easier to get your hands on. 

(If you've ever picked raspberries you know that's the literal truth!)

Start with a handful of clean berries, in a glass or small bowl.

Add a spoonful of sugar! (or other sweetener)

Mash the berries with a wooden spoon, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is wet.

Slice a lemon in half, remove the seeds, and squeeze the juice from one half into your glass.

And then, optional for those of age, add a shot or two of vodka.

Mix well, then transfer to a clean glass filled halfway with ice.

 Top off with chilled club soda.

Sit back, put your feet up, chill out, and sip!