Impromptu Sunday night dinners = impromptu Sunday night cocktails.

And why be too classic and rigid about it?

Summer just isn’t the time to be anything close to that.

But that doesn’t mean you have be licking a sugar stick {and then nursing a next-day hangover because of it} just to enjoy a refreshing summertime cocktail. There is something magical about it in, especially when it’s paired with other seasonal greats like outdoor eating, simple summer food, and some of your favorite people.

It’s one of those moments that always seems to draw me more into the present- how lucky I am, how important great family and friendships are, and that the most simple and uncomplicated little things can bring the most joy.

There’s no better way to wrap up one week and start the next than moments that remind us of those little things, and how big they really are to the quality of your life as a whole.

And it couldn’t be easier to do.

You’ve just got to know one little healthy trick.

Get yourself some club soda.

And lots of ice.

You can make almost any drink lighter and more refreshing by swapping out a usual “mixer” with mostly club soda, and a splash of the other more flavorful stuff. Then, garnish with your choice of herbs + citrus or fruit, or any combination of the three. And ice keeps it chilly. Because everyone knows cold drinks are the most refreshing, enjoyable and keeps you from drinking it too fast.

I made these last night, and they were a total hit across all the palettes at the table. Feel free to mix it up with different ingredients, or follow as written.

Cucumber Basil Gin + Tonics
Serves 2
Notes: For best results, use a natural tonic water (one with no high fructose corn syrup). Feel free to change the herbs and garnishes in this drink to whatever is in season or already in your fridge.

3 ounces high-quality gin
1 lime, juiced
6 ounces club soda
3 ounces natural tonic water
¼ cucumber, sliced
4 large basil leaves

Muddle basil, lime juice, and gin in a glass or cocktail shaker. Add cucumber slices, club soda and tonic. Pour over ice to serve and garnish with extra lime wedges.

Love this recipe? You’d love the cookbook then too. And be sure to check out the seasonal meal plans (or the new easy DINNER ONLY plan)! Wanna know more about this real-food lifestyle made simple I always talk about? Be sure to check out this little podcast workshop I created for you, called: Simply Real FOOD: Real food, finally explained. Check it out here!

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Looking for even more summertime recipe ideas?!

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