Sipping in The Sanctuary

SIPPING INThe Sanctuary

Welcome to the Sanctuary Living magazine drinks column! Donna Canalizo and Shannon Brown recommend seasonal cocktails in each issue making sure you’ll be mixing up only the tastiest libations out there. So join us as we stir, shake, and pour something delicious! FROZEN DRINK TIME

We’re heading into the heart of summer, when a nice, frosty beverage is just what you need, whether poolside, on the beach, or just enjoying time with friends at home! Here are three recipes that we hope you’ll enjoy.

Tropical Colada

A good tropical drink should instantly transport you to warm sandy beaches and turquoise waters. This tropical colada does just that. This frozen treat is full of flavor, not weak or watery, and doesn’t have that artificial tropical taste like someone dumped a bottle of tanning oil into the blender!

Helpful hint: Prepare ahead of time by freezing all the ingredients. This guarantees a nice, frozen colada that is perfect for these hot, hot days.

Ingredients:

6 ounces ripe fresh pineapple chunks 3 ounces ripe mango chunks 4 ounces unsweetened coconut cream 2 tbsp agave nectar 2-3 ounces freshly-squeezed lime juice 4 ounces rum 6 ounces ice cubes Pineapple slice and/or maraschino cherry, for garnish

Directions:

Combine the pineapple, mango, coconut cream, agave, and lime juice in an airtight container, and transfer to the freezer until frozen. This will be at least one hour. The sugar in the mixture may prevent it from freezing solid; this is okay. In a blender, combine frozen pineapple mixture with ice-cold rum and ice and blend until thick and slushy. Taste, then blend in additional agave or rum if desired. Pour into a large glass, garnish with pineapple and/or a cherry, and serve, with or without a paper umbrella and straw.

Sangria is the perfect summer sipper, and this version incorporates berries for greater depth of flavor.

Helpful hint: Pour the wine into an ice cube tray and freeze for at least six hours to ensure a nice, slushy sangria.

FROZEN SANGRIA

Ingredients:

1 pound (16 ounces) frozen mixed berries 1 orange, juiced 2 cups dry red wine (frozen into ice cube trays) 1/3 cup Grand Marnier (You could also use Cointreau, Gran Gala, or Triple Sec.) 2 tbsp freshly-squeezed lime juice 1–2 tbsp honey

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a blender, and pulse until smooth. Taste, and add extra sweetener if needed. (Note: if you don’t have time to freeze your wine, you can add ice cubes to thicken it.)

Watermelon Margarita

We love a good margarita and adding watermelon and a little mint elevates this drink to the next level. We added a little fresh jalapeno for some zip, but feel free to leave it out if you’re not a fan of heat.

Helpful hint: You will need to freeze your watermelon first to make sure your drink stays nice and slushy.

Ingredients:

4 cups fresh, ripe seedless watermelon 1/2 cup tequila (We used a white tequila, but feel free to use your favorite kind/brand.) 1/4 cup Grand Marnier (You could also use Cointreau, Gran Gala, or Triple Sec.) 1/3cup freshly-squeezed lime juice 1 to 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves 1 to 2 tbsp agave (depending on how sweet you want it) 1 cup ice 1 tbsp diced fresh jalapeno (optional) Salt for rim (optional)

Directions:

Cut watermelon into chunks and freeze for at least six hours. Add ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses, coat the rim with salt if you like, and enjoy!

At Carpool Caterer we focus on fresh and healthy, fully prepared, ready to heat and eat meals. We offer a brand new menu every single week with a bounty of different healthy options with gluten-free menu items. We make all of our food in-house with lots of love and special attention to detail. These meals are available for pick up at our storefront, and we do deliver Monday through Thursday as well. On top of the prepared meals we also offer: • Plenty of frozen foods such as vacuum-sealed proteins, soups, prepared entrees, crawfish pies, great for busy nights! • Senior citizen meal plans available • Kids options • Desserts fresh baked • Grab and go lunches, salads, sandwiches, wraps On the Light Side meals - single serve portions are made light and fresh. They are now available on the weekly menu. Carpool Caterer is your local neighborhood’s stop for quick, fresh, healthy meals to go!

Store Hours: Monday through Thursday 9 am - 5:30 pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10 am - 3 pm

1600 West Causeway Approach Ste 5, Mandeville, LA. 70471 985-778-2668 Carpool Caterer • carpoolcaterer Email: carpoolcaterer@gmail.com