Unless you are in Antarctica today — or Seattle or Portland — chances are you are roasting hot.
And, these extreme temperatures are expected to stay with us much of the upcoming holiday week in the United States. But never fear!
Because today’s SPARK! is a tip about a drink so delightful that you will be cooled down and cheered up just by looking at it.
The Muddling Bar is featured in our own Debi Lilly’s brand-new book on entertaining. Debi’s book-signing table all set up. (Photos by Rob Berkley)
In just five, super easy steps we’re going to show you how to make this healthy, thirst-quenching cocktail or spritzer. It’s perfect for Fourth of July entertaining or if you’re like me, I’ve been drinking this special drink (sans alcohol) all day long today.
But first …
I had the pleasure of celebrating and honoring a Woman on Fire in our home. Debi Lilly, the founder and creator of A Perfect Event in Chicago, has spoken at our retreats and been a part of our community from Day One.
(She also has been a favorite and personal planner of Oprah’s for nearly 14 years!)
So it was only a natural that when Debi’s first book was published — A Perfect Event ~ Inspired, Easy Elegance for Every Occasion — we would host a book launch for her. And what an evening it was!
Several Women on Fire attended and one even sent chocolate! (Thank you, Melissa McClain in Seattle who needed a sweater today while the rest of us dripped with sweat;-)
Debi Lilly with her special, amazing drink in hand!
In typical Debi-style, she and her family whipped up mouth-watering, summer food from her new book and brought it on the ferry boat from Nantucket where she was vacationing to Martha’s Vineyard.
She arrived at our home and with grace and ease put together the party in an hour! Her dream is making your life’s celebrations — whatever they may be — easy and effortless. No one shows us how to do that better than Debi!
To quench your thirst and dazzle your friends and family the next time you entertain, here is how to create Debi’s Muddling Bar and drink.
Step 1: Fill glasses with your favorite fresh fruits
Step 2: Assemble your favorite fresh herbs — we chose this mint from our garden as well as thyme and rosemary
Step 3: Place everything on beautiful trays for your guests to create their own drinks
Step 4: Select any or all of the fruits and herbs and mash with a wooden spoon into the bottom of a glass to create the “muddle.”
Step 5: Pour Prosecco sparkling wine into the glass — and enjoy!
Optional Step 5: Instead of Prosecco, pour ice and sparkling water into the “muddle” and you can drink all day! I also used splashes of lemonade with the sparkling water to give it even more of a refreshing flavor.
Cheers! Happy Fourth of July this week to you and your family and friends.
What are ways that you keep cool in the heat? You are always welcome to share your tips and ideas in the comments section below.
