This cool, refreshing summertime drink gets better and better as the ice cubes melt and impart more of their strawberry goodness. This is non-alcoholic, but you can add your favorite spirits to give an extra kick. I rubbed lemon juice along the rim and dipped in sparkling sugar to make it sparkly and to add a bit more sweetness. How about watermelon lime? Sweet tea? Fresh squeezed fruit juices? Lemon blueberry? The list is left only to your imaginations. Also, don’t stop at strawberry cubes—use mixed berries, citrus juices or fresh peaches too. The list is endless!

Ingredients

Ice Cubes:

1 lb strawberries, halved (3 cups)

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup sugar

Juice of 1 lemon or to taste

Fizz:

Puree in blender 1 cup pineapple juice, 1 peeled kiwi and the juice of 1 lemon. Pour equally into 2 glasses, top off with sparkling soda (flavor of choice) I used raspberry and a few strawberry ice cubes. Serves 2

Preparation

Ice Cubes:

Puree all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Freeze in ice-cube trays until solid, at least 4 hours. Makes 1 to 2 trays

Other Suggestions: Add 1 or 2 cubes to a glass of sparkling wine; 2 or 3 cubes for a glass of lemonade with a sprig of mint and lemon slice on the rim. Also, don’t go “neat” with your spirits and add a few cubes to cocktails!