September 7, 2014

Anise & Ginger Infused Plum Green Tea Mocktail


It feels like every time I post a recipe, a major life event has occurred since I posted the last one. My big news is that I work for Google now! I'm super excited for so many reasons, but mostly because it's an environment where you're doing great things with people smarter than you.

However, there's two other people in my life who have had a major life event. One of my oldest friends just celebrated the birth of his 1st child, Ian! Check out the picture at the end of the post. Derrick and Hannah are amazing people. I suspect that Derrick is going to find a way to write off Ian's future allowances ;) 

My wife and I had Derrick and Hannah over for dinner a couple of weeks before Ian entered the world and I wanted to make a special "mocktail" for Hannah. I went for a seasonal fusion drink that celebrated my favorite part of Summer (the fruits) and incorporated Asian flavors that I knew Derrick and Hannah would be able to pick up on. The end resulted was better than I ever expected. 

This refreshing "mocktail" is perfect for a Summer BBQ on a hot day. Fresh pressed Emerald Pluots (a hybrid of a plum and apricot), lime juice, and cold green tea are lightly sweetened with a star anise & ginger infused syrup. It's topped with a splash of sparkling water that really complements the soft flavors of this drink.