Nothing says "Summer!" like homemade citrus drinks.

2 limes, plus bottled lime juice, to make 1/4 c.
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1 L (4 c.) water

Mix until blended, and enjoy.

​Any combination of juice works- as long as you have the right amount. Try mixing half lemon, half lime. Or half orange, half lemon. Or how about a third of each? What is your favourite?

Lately I have been obsessed with chai flavours, and have been savouring my new Chai (the one by Oprah) that I bought at Teavana on our West Edmonton Mall weekend. If I can't finish a pot, it goes in the fridge to drink cold later. Order online from Republic of Tea here.
So yesterday, after tasting my cold chai poured over ice, I decided I wanted it to be sweeter. Normally I like honey and milk in my (hot) chai but my honey would have solidified in an instant on the ice- enter maple syrup! 
Maple is one of those flavours that blends well with others and can become understated, so of course I added a little bit extra so I could really taste it. 

2 tsp no. 1 medium maple syrup
1 tall glass, with ice
1/2 tbsp half-and-half (if desired)
cold chai

Fill up that glass, mix in the maple syrup and cream (if desired). Enjoy :)
I topped mine with a little bit of frothed milk.

Have a wonderful day! Enjoy your summer.

I first heard this suggestion on an episode of Chef at Home with Chef Michael Smith. I can't remember his ratio of cardamom to coffee, but I like is 5-6 cardamom pods to 4-5 c of coffee. Really, how strong the flavour of cardamom becomes is a personal preference. Experiment!

5-6 Cardamom pods, crushed (I use a mortar and pestle)
Freshly Ground Coffee
Boiled Water

Place the coffee, the crushed cardamom, and the boiled water together. Allow to "steep" to desired strenth. Enjoy!