Strawberry Banana Pomegranate Cocktail

On Friday, I rushed into my kids’ school to pick them up and passed a friend with her kids leaving. “We’ll be playing outside for awhile,” she said. I responded with something like “Fun!” thinking that I just couldn’t. In my head, I thought about I had to get back to work. I couldn’t lose that time because I wanted to have a relaxed weekend where the kids and I could have fun without work catch up hanging over my head. But as the kids and I walked outside moments later, the warm air and sounds of laughter hit me. Why did I need to rush off so that we could have fun later, when it was right there waiting for us? So when the kids eagerly asked if we could stay and play in the school yard, I said yes.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am not easily swayed when I make a decision. So, that certainty that we needed to go should have been it. But this was different. In fact, it’s part of a larger life theme for me lately. I’m making a big effort to slow down and enjoy the moments. To accept the chances for fun when they arise, instead of trying to force fun into the times I designate for it.

This shift is doing wonders for my psyche. I’ve been reading more, reassessing my work life and taking more time to play with the kids. And I have been literally counting down the days to summer vacation (is it here yet?). I literally can’t wait. Most importantly, I have been happier — and that happiness rubs off on everyone.

In the meantime, while we wait for our summer break to arrive, I am enjoying a cocktail now and again and savoring life’s little moments — like the kids saddling up to the counter to wash potatoes and kale for dinner.

Let’s get to the cocktail, shall we?

It’s a Strawberry Banana Pomegranate Cocktail. Some might even call it a martini, but I am a martini purist and could never call something like this one. But serving it in a martini glass? Nothing wrong with that. It’s pretty!

Anyway, this chilly cocktail (it’s almost a slushie!) is sweet, fruity and has a hint of tang.

This is made in a blender because you swirl ice into it to give it that icy, frostiness to it. Most of the time when I use my blender, it’s to make something for my kids. Milkshakes or smoothies or something like that. But for summertime, my blender comes in super handy for making really refreshing frosty cocktails like this. And the fact that you can just toss a bunch of ingredients in, push a button and have an amazing drink is pretty cool too.

Anyway, if you are looking for something fun and fruity to sip on in the evening, this is just right. It might just be my go-to cocktail for summer 2012.

What’s your go-to evening drink in the summertime?