For those of you who visited Samantha's First Birthday Party Image Guide, you will have seen the “muddled water” I served. For those who have not, here is what it looked like:

This is not your typical birthday drink, no matter the age. But, maybe it should be.

The Benefits of Water

I have long been advised by my doctor to avoid juice, soda, sugar free soda, and just about any other drink due to the effects they have on blood sugar. While I can have the occasional smoothie with the fruit fibers blended in, I am to stay away from almost all juice.

It was recommended by Samantha’s doctor to hold off on any drink outside of water and milk until Samantha is at least 1 year old, preferably older. This had nothing to do with family history, but was because children can substitute juice for more nutrients rich foods (such as the fruits the juice is made of). Juice is high in sugar without the benefit of fiber to slow digestion.

Because of these considerations, I am holding off introducing most drink options to Samantha. But plain water does not seem very festive, now does it?

Onward to Muddled Water

For Samantha’s party, I wanted to do a “flavored water” option or two. But to do this right, you need to let the flavors sit for 6 hours or so before serving. I wanted something easy at the park, and that was not easy.

Then I remembered a virgin mojito recommended for morning sickness. It used muddled mint, lemon, and ginger. This got me thinking, what could you muddle, and would it give you tasty flavored water without the wait? Best yet – people could customize their drinks!

All I had to do was provide some options, and let people muddle their drinks with some spoons, and I would have a festive drink for all!

I choose to use orange, lemon, ginger, mint, cilantro, and cucumber, but just about any fruit, herb, of veggie could be muddled. Some edible flowers could be a big hit with kids as well.

Next time you are in the mood for a special drink, try some muddled water!

Recipe

Ingredients

• Water
• Fruit such as citrus (sliced) and berries or veggies such as cucumber (sliced)
• Herbs such as mint leafs and basil leafs or edible flowers such as rose pedals

Instructions

1. In a cup strong enough to be pushed against with a spoon, place your muddle options of choice.
2. With a Spoon, press against them to release some of the natural juices within them.
3. Add water, let stand for a few seconds, and enjoy.

How easy is that?

Now it is your turn. What would you use for your muddled water?