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30 Minutes or Less

Sunset Spritz Mocktail Recipe

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sunset spritz mocktail in a glass with fresh blueberries and pineapple on top.

Light and refreshing sunset spritz mocktail! Fresh blueberries and pineapples, with a hint of lime, and plenty of bubbles. This sunset spritz mocktail is so tasty, you won’t even miss the alcohol!

club soda being poured into a sunset spritz mocktail.

This mocktail is a recreation of one I enjoyed daily on my babymoon. No longer able to order an alcoholic beverage, I worked my way through the pool bar’s cocktail menu for a refreshing drink that’d still taste good without the alcohol. One day, I came across the “sunset spritz” and all ingredients sounded DELICIOUS. So I immediately ordered one …without the vodka. And OMG it was delicious! From there on out, the sunset spritz mocktail became my daily afternoon drink order. While best enjoyed poolside, I took the idea home with me and immediately recreated it. Now I can enjoy a fun, bubbly drink during happy hour (or really any hour!) that’s pregnancy-safe and oh-so good!

close-up image of sunset spritz mocktail with fresh bleuberries and pineapple on top.

What You’ll Need to Make a Sunset Spritz Mocktail

Fresh Blueberries and Pineapple – The fresh fruit in this recipe really puts it over the top! It makes this mocktail recipe feel fancy, without actually requiring a whole lot of effort. And if you don’t have fresh fruit, you can thaw frozen blueberries and pineapples instead for your drink.

Lime Juice – A touch of citrus perfectly balances the sweetness in this drink. The original recipe I enjoyed on my babymoon actually uses fresh lemon juice, but when I tried it at home I thought lime juice tasted just a little bit better. However, if you don’t have/like lime juice, feel free to use lemon instead!

Agave Nectar – I always keep a bottle of agave nectar in my bar cart for cocktail recipes! It’s a natural sweetener, and perfect replacement to simple syrup. I use agave nectar in many of my cocktail recipes, like this skinny strawberry margarita, and my Mom’s famous lime daiquiris!

Club Soda – A little bit of bubbles will make your sunset spritz mocktail taste like an actual cocktail! Put as much or as little club soda in your drink as you’d like. I personally prefer a super light and refreshing mocktail, so I fill my glass all the way to the top with unflavored club soda.

sunset spritz mocktail in a glass with fresh blueberries and pineapple on top.

Add Alcohol

  • Turn this mocktail recipe into a cocktail recipe with the addition of 1 ounce of vodka! I look forward to giving this a try post-pregnancy.
Sunset Spritz Mocktail Recipe
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Sunset Spritz Mocktail Recipe

5 from 4 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: DrinksDifficulty: Easy
Servings

1

drink
Prep time

3

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

3

minutes

Light and refreshing sunset spritz mocktail! Fresh blueberries and pineapples, with a hint of lime, and plenty of bubbles. This sunset spritz mocktail is so tasty, you won’t even miss the alcohol!

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup fresh blueberries

  • 4-5 pineapple chunks

  • 1 ounce lime juice

  • 1 ounce agave nectar

  • club soda

Directions

  • Add the fresh blueberries and pineapple chunks to a glass, then muddle until fruit is broken down.
  • Add in lime juice and agave nectar, then stir to combine.
  • Fill glass with ice, then top with club soda.

Recipe Video

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30 Minutes or Less

Perfect Aperol Spritz

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aperol spritz with fresh orange slices on the side.

The BEST summertime (or anytime!) cocktail – cool and refreshing Aperol spritz! Bubbly, citrusy, and never too sweet. Just three ingredients, and a white wine glass is all you’ll need to make this delicious drink.

aperol being poured into an aperol spritz.

Before diving into all things Aperol spritz, let me first introduce you to a “spritz Veneziano.” A spritz Veneziano is simply a wine-based cocktail containing prosecco, digestive bitter, and sparkling water. The digestive bitter in this particular spritz Veneziano is Aperol – which is where we get the name Aperol spritz!

What is Aperol?

Aperol is an Italia apéritif liquor. It’s bright orange with a citrus, slightly bitter flavor. It’s one of those things where on its own, it’s not so great, but when stirred into a spritz it’s INCREDIBLE. It offers a hint of orange flavor, without being overly sweet. It’s similar to Campari (if you’ve had that) but much less bitter!

Two aperol spritz in white wine glasses with a bottle of aperol on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make an Aperol Spritz

Aperol – The star of our show! Conflicting recipes will suggest different amounts of Aperol for your spritz. However, I’ve tested this recipe a TON of times, and found that two ounces of Aperol made for the perfect cocktail!

Prosecco – This Italian white sparkling wine is traditional to this Italian cocktail. In my opinion, Prosecco is a must for your spritz. I prefer and recommend La Marca Prosecco – it’s crisp and delicious! Also, for a single-serve spritz, I love their mini Prosecco bottles.

Sparkling Water – The amount of sparkling water is totally up to you. For a lighter, more bubbly cocktail, pour in up to 4 ounces of seltzer water. Or, for a deeper, more flavorful cocktail, finish it off with just one ounce of sparkling water!

two aperol spritz with orange slices on the side.

Tips and Tricks

  • Avoid over-stirring your drink. Intense stirring will result in a loss of carbonation. Therefore, your spritz won’t be nearly as bubbly and refreshing!
  • If you prefer the taste of a different aperitif liquer, feel free to use that instead! Campari, Contratto, or Lillet can all be used in place of the Aperol in this recipe.
  • For an extra cold drink, that won’t get watered down – slice, then freeze an orange before making. Then, use frozen orange slices as ice cubes in your Aperol Spritz. They’ll keep the drink cold, and will only add to its delicious, citrus flavor!

Want to keep the party going? Check out some of my other favorite Summer cocktails by clicking HERE.

Perfect Aperol Spritz
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Perfect Aperol Spritz

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: DrinksCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

1

drink
Prep time

2

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

2

minutes

    The BEST summertime (or anytime!) cocktail – cool and refreshing Aperol spritz! Bubbly, citrusy, and never too sweet. Just three ingredients, and a white wine glass is all you’ll need to make this delicious drink.

    Ingredients

    • 2 ounces Aperol

    • 3 ounces Prosecco

    • splash of sparkling water

    • orange slice, for garnish

    Directions

    • Fill a white wine glass halfway with ice. Pour in Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of seltzer water, then gently stir to combine. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy!

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    30 Minutes or Less

    Simple Tomato Salad

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    overhead image of tomato salad on a serving platter with olive oil and fresh basil on the side.

    Fresh, easy, and totally delicious tomato salad! Made with a handful of simple ingredients, this summer salad comes together in just 5 minutes. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and red onion finished off with a sweet balsamic glaze – YUM!

    olive oil being poured over tomato salad.

    What You’ll Need to Make Tomato Salad

    Tomatoes – Use any variety of tomato you’d like in this recipe! I used heirloom tomatoes, cut into wedges. However, I’ve also made this salad with cherry tomatoes and it was just as incredible.

    Fresh Basil – Tomatoes and fresh basil are the perfect pair! Grab a small handful of fresh basil leaves, and stack them on top of each other. Then, gently roll the leaves (like you would a cigar), and run a knife through the basil creating thin basil “ribbons.” Or, if that’s too much work for you, simply grab a handful of basil and gently tear it, then toss into your salad!

    Red Onion – Or really any kind of onion! A sweet yellow onion would also taste delicious, it’s totally up to you.

    Balsamic – A touch of acidity brings out the fresh flavors in this easy plant-based salad recipe. I LOVE a sweet, yet savory balsamic glaze, but a drizzle of regular balsamic vinegar will also do the trick!

    super close-up image of tomato salad with fresh basil on top.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Toss your tomato salad together, then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. This rest time will allow the tomatoes to marinate in all of their delicious flavor. And remember, the longer your salad sits, the more flavorful it’ll be!
    • Have fun with this recipe, and don’t be afraid to make it your own! Add or remove anything you’d like. This salad is super simple, and should remain uncomplicated.
    close-up image of tomato salad on a serving platter.

    Delicious Additions

    Any or all of the following would make delicious additions to your tomato salad!

    • Fresh Cucumber
    • Chickpeas
    • Grilled Chicken
    • Mozzarella Cheese

    This side dish is vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free!

    Simple Tomato Salad
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    Simple Tomato Salad

    0 from 0 votes
    Recipe by Samantha Course: SidesDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    6

    servings
    Prep time

    5

    minutes
    Cooking time

    0

    minutes
    Total time

    5

    minutes

    Fresh, easy, and totally delicious tomato salad! Made with a handful of simple ingredients, this summer salad comes together in just 5 minutes. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and red onion finished off with a sweet balsamic glaze – YUM!

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound tomatoes (I recommend cherry, grape, and/or heirloom tomatoes), sliced

    • 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced

    • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or balsamic glaze

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    Directions

    • Arrange the sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and red onion on a large platter or in a large bowl.
    • Top with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper then cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. 

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    Desserts

    Easy Peach Crisp (One-Bowl!)

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    overhead image of peach crisp in a pie dish with ice cream on top and milk on the side.

    A delicious peach crisp loaded with fresh fruit, and an easy crump topping. Loaded with simple, good-for-you ingredients, a dessert so healthy you could even eat it for breakfast! Perfectly sweet, best served warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream – YUM.

    peach crisp in a pie dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

    What You’ll Need To Make Peach Crisp

    Peaches – Use fresh, not frozen peaches for this easy crisp recipe! Slice each peach in half, remove the pit, then slice them into 1/4-inch pieces. Either leave the skin on or peel them before slicing, it’s up to you!

    Corn Starch – Corn starch, arrowroot starch, or tapioca starch will all work in the filling of this recipe. A tablespoon of either thickening agent will help the filling stick together.

    Rolled Oats – Any type of rolled oats will work! The only oats you should avoid are steel-cut and/or Irish oats. Or, for a paleo version of this recipe, replace the oats with extra almond flour and chopped nuts!

    peach crisp in a bowl with vanilla ice cream on top.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Let the peach crisp cool for 5-10 minutes before serving! This’ll give the filling enough time to set, and prevent those peach juice from running out when served. Also, don’t forget to serve it with a big ole’ scoop of cold vanilla ice cream – it’s simply the BEST!

    Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Paleo: For a paleo fruit crisp, use arrowroot starch instead of corn starch in the filling, and replace the rolled oats with an extra 1/4 cup almond flour plus 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.

    Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is already gluten-free! However, to ensure no traces of gluten in your peach crisp, be sure to use a gluten-free certified corn starch as well as gluten-free certified rolled oats.

    Easy Peach Crisp (One-Bowl!)
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    Easy Peach Crisp (One-Bowl!)

    5 from 1 vote
    Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    8

    servings
    Prep time

    5

    minutes
    Cooking time

    30

    minutes
    Total time

    35

    minutes

    A delicious fruit crisp loaded with fresh peaches, and an easy crump topping. Loaded with simple, good-for-you ingredients, a dessert so healthy you could even eat it for breakfast! Perfectly sweet, best served warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream – YUM.

    Ingredients

    • For the filling:

    • 4-5 peaches, pitted, pitted, cut into 1/4-inch slices

    • 1 tablespoon corn starch

    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    • small pinch cinnamon

    • For the crumb topping:

    • 1/2 cup rolled oats

    • 1/2 cup almond flour

    • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

    • pinch of salt

    • 1/4 cup coconut oil, solid

    • 1/4 cup maple syrup

    Directions

    • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
    • Add all filling ingredients to a bowl and toss to coat peaches, then transfer to an 8×8-inch baking dish.
    • Add all crisp ingredient to a bowl and mix together until combined.
    • Sprinkle topping over filling and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

    Recipe Video

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    30 Minutes or Less

    Mom’s BEST Watergate Salad

    By
    two glasses of watergate salad with cherries on top

    My Mom’s famous watergate salad recipe will blow your mind! A pistachio whipped cream base, with plenty of chopped fruit and mini marshmallows. I grew up on this best EVER no-bake dessert, my favorite for summer parties or barbecues!

    overhead image of watergate salad in a glass with a cherry on top

    What You’ll Need To Make Watergate Salad

    Pistachio Pudding Mix – Any brand of pistachio pudding mix will taste delicious in this pistachio-flavored dessert! Use whatever you can find, whether that’s instant, low-sugar, etc.

    Whipped Cream – For a dairy-free version, sub regular whipped cream for coconut whipped cream in this no-bake dessert recipe. I went the dairy-free route this time and used a tub of So Delicious Coconut Whipped Cream in my watergate salad. This is the only tweak I made from my Mom’s original recipe!

    Fruit Cocktail – I think the fruit cocktail is my favorite part of this entire recipe. Chunks of peaches, pears, grapes, pineapple, and cherries swirled into the pistachio whipped cream base. My sister and I used to fight over who got the most cherries in their serving of watergate salad growing up. If ya ask me, those fruit cocktail cans never have enough maraschino cherries in ’em!

    Crushed Pineapple – Crushed pineapple, sometimes labeled as “pineapple tidbits,” give this dessert its perfect texture. Smooth, creamy, light, and fluffy with just a little something to bite down on! If you can’t find crushed pineapple, you can finely chop up a can of cut pineapple instead.

    Mini Marshmallows – My Mom always made her watergate salad with these rainbow mini marshmallows, but I couldn’t find any near me so I used the classic white mini marshmallows instead. The rainbow kind contribute a bit more fruity flavor, but the classic kind are just as delicious! Feel free to use whichever you prefer, or have on-hand.

    one glass of watergate salad with chopped pistachios and a cherry on top.

    Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Vegan – Make this watergate salad vegan by using a tub of coconut whipped cream, and vegan mini marshmallows. I tested this recipe with these Dandie’s Vegan Marshmallows and couldn’t even taste the difference!

    Mom's FAMOUS Watergate Salad
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    Mom’s FAMOUS Watergate Salad

    5 from 3 votes
    Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    12

    servings
    Prep time

    5

    minutes
    Cooking time

    0

    minutes
    Total time

    5

    minutes

    My Mom’s famous watergate salad recipe will blow your mind! A pistachio whipped cream base, with plenty of chopped fruit and mini marshmallows. I grew up on this best EVER no-bake dessert, my favorite for summer parties or barbecues!

    Ingredients

    • 1 (3.4 ounce) box pistachio pudding mix

    • 1 (9 ounce) tub whipped cream, or coconut whipped cream to make it dairy-free

    • 1 (15 ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained

    • 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

    • 2 cups mini marshmallows

    Directions

    • Mix together pistachio pudding mix and whipped cream in a large bowl until fully combined.
    • Add in drained fruit cocktail, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows. Leave to set in fridge for at least one hour, then serve cold.

    Recipe Video

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