Musical pairing – Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps by Doris Day
Anyone familiar with Director Baz Luhrmann knows that the title reference is to one of my favorite movies, ‘Strictly Ballroom’ – have you seen it? If not, rent the movie or borrow from a friend. ‘Strictly Ballroom’ is probably one of Luhrmann’s lesser known films, but it’s a fast-paced, cheeky and satirical romp through the life of the ballroom dancing world.
In the world of ballroom, bodies are waxed, lean and tanned, teeth are bright-lightening white, the hair, makeup and costumes are sooooooo over-the-top – all sparkly and glittery . . . enter Tina Sparkle (pronounced Tina SPAH-kle) – the most glittery, sparkly dancer of them all – who thinks she’s all that and a bag of chips. In the end, cute boy gets underdog girl . . . but you knew I was going to say that, right?
Which brings me to this Strawberry Lemonade recipe – this is all that and a bag of chips. (How’s that for a segue??) Sparkly and glittery in the mouth, the Lemonade gets its over-the-top attitude by adding Proseco. Or Limoncello. Or Vodka. Or if you’re serving the kiddos, skip the alcohol altogether – the Lemonade is still fantastic without it. Any way you drink it, this Strawberry Lemonade won’t guarantee you a spot on the dance floor but it might make you sparkle . . . Ok, so that was corny, but then again, so am I. Be-that-as-it-may, I will be doubling the recipe this week as our temps have finally hit the 80 + degree mark and the sun is out in full force. That sound? That’s me doing a happy dance in Indiana. ‘Oh pool boy, Professor, ‘Perhaps’ I’ll take another one of these, please!’
What’s your favorite summertime drink?
TINA SPARKLE STRAWBERRY LEMONADE
Adapted from Moosewood Restaurant, ‘New Classics’
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
¾ Cup Sugar – you can adjust according to the sweetness of your berries
½ Cup Water
2 Cups rinsed, stemmed and chopped strawberries
1 Cup strained fresh Meyer Lemon juice (regular lemons work fine too)
1 ounce Proseco, Limocello or Vodka PER GLASS
24 ounces sparkling water
Mint leaves for garnish
METHOD:
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan on medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the liquid becomes clear; cool for about 10 minutes then transfer sugar syrup (simple syrup) to a blender. Add strawberries and lemon juice; puree until well blended.
SMITH BITES NOTE: It’s best to let the sugar syrup cool a bit before blending; hot liquids expand in the blender and can blow the top off not to mention that hot sugar is quite dangerous. Be safe, let it cool a bit before blending.
In a pitcher, combine the puree, and alcohol (if using) with the sparkling water and serve in tall glasses over ice. Or, refrigerate the puree and prepare individual glasses by adding one ounce of alcohol to the bottom of the glass, add equal parts puree and sparkling water – add ice, stir, top with a mint leaf and serve. Refrigerated puree will keep about 4 days.
Variations: 2 Cups raspberries or blackberries or 1 Cup of blueberries can be substituted for the strawberries.
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I think these are amazing for an event like a bridal shower! I can’t wait to try them.. I love how all the colors mix together and I’m sure the taste is divine. Kudos..
-Sylvia
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Livin ~ I’ve had to ‘re-learn’ the lesson about hot liquids in a blender too many times – OUCHIE!
Barbara ~ We bought Strictly Ballroom so we can watch it over and over; never get tired of it! Cava – I’m looking for on my next Costco run!
The drink looks nice, really and I love the cast of characters. But talk characters? You said it…Strictly Ballroom. One of my all time faves…loved watching the dancing way before DWTS!
Back to your drink; hmm, have strawberries, lemon, mint and Cava…my bubbly of choice since I can get it by the case at Costco for $6/bottle! Must do tomorrow I’m thinking.
What a stunner of a drink! The reminder about hot liquids expanding in the blender is appreciated … I’ve “relearned” that lesson repeatedly. 😉
Kim ~ you just crack me up! A woman after my own heart – who also happens to have both Prosecco & Pelligrino in the fridge at all times!
Haaahahahaha!!! Sorry, I just had to laugh.
Because I have Prosecco and Pellegrino in the fridge, strawberries, mint and Meyer lemons in the garden.
I had planned on doing a standard strawberry lemonade post today, but you’ve now given me inspiration to just try your version. I’ll report back on what I think of it, but I would suspect it’s delicious! [K]
P.S. I ALWAYS have Prosecco and Pellegrino on standby in the fridge. Why haven’t I already been making this?!
That’s my girl Rowdy! Actually, Prosecco & Limoncello is mighty tasty!
OK, if only it weren’t freezing cold and rainy here, I think I’d make this today–but why choose just one? I vote for prosecco, limoncello, AND vodka!
Sweetlife – the color is gorgeous – the taste, even better!
how refreshing ..i love the color oh yes with limocello…oh baby!
sweetlife
Barbara ~ This is soooo refreshing – it really hits the spot on a hot almost summer day!
Strictly Ballroom was a great movie! And yes, it was a super segue!
This drink looks sooooo refreshing. A little prosecco in it and I’d be a happy camper!
Cindy – you’ll love the recipe – refreshing and just downright delicious!
looks great, Debra!
Marly ~ That movie is sooooo tongue-in-cheek and some of the lines just made me howl! My strawberries are just about ready en mass – I have many plans!
The movie is now in my netflix queue. Looking forward to that. In the meantime, I can’t wait to try this recipe. I love the idea of a tall glass of homemade lemonade on a hot summers day. Sounds too delish!
Brian ~ I vote ‘YES’ for Memorial Day Brunch! Then let me know what you think!
I bet this is absolutely wonderful. I’ve been meaning to pick up some meyer lemons, which I adore. Maybe I’ll make this for a memorial day brunch! 🙂
GASP!! Oh Maria, it’s 90 degrees here today – you and Josh need to come and stay with us; we’ll float in the pool and sip these!
Refreshing drink for summer. Too bad it is snowing here today!