Tasteful Summer Sip

I was blessed with some fresh garden raspberries this week, and I have a bumper crop of mint, so naturally I thought about a yummy drink I was mixed for my birthday- a raspberry mint mojito. However, I wanted to play with the flavour combination and make a refreshing, healthy summertime sip rather than an alcoholic beverage.

My husband made such a face when he first tried this, so I drank his and took mine to a friend's place to sample for me. I frequently like things my husband doesn't, so I like to have a third opinion because otherwise nothing would pass the test.

She said her first thought was "that's tart!" but right away drank some more and was sad when it was finished. It's got a bit of a seedy texture, due in part to the raspberries, and in part to the chia seed gel. The best part of this drink is the nutritional boost you'll get from drinking it. Just some of the goodies you give your body are Omega 3 and Omega 6, Fiber, Calcium, Vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin K, Manganese, and Magnesium. If you feel a summertime cold coming on, this might be something you want to try to soothe that throat.

Not too bad for an afternoon treat! Hooray for the #testkitchen!

Chia Seed Gel

3 tbsp chia seeds
2 c. water

Whisk together chia seeds and water.  Continue whisking until it reaches a thicker consistency and no lumps of seeds are visible.

You can use this gel in shakes or just drink as is. There is a definite texture with this gel, however.  My husband can drink this as is, but I need to mix it with other ingredients. It will keep for a few days in the fridge in a covered container.

Raspberry and Mint Summertime Sip

(serves 2)
1 c. ice (My ice maker makes large wedges- so you may need less!)
3/4 c. chia seed gel (see recipe)
1/2 c. fresh raspberries
fresh mint leaves, to taste- I used 7 medium sized leaves. Husband thought it was too strong in mint flavour.
Zest of half a lime
Juice of whole lime
1 tsp sugar

Mix all in blender. Pour into 2 cups. Garnish with sugared raspberries and mint leaves.