Mango Spritzer

This space has been eerily quite for a while—my apologies for the short absence. I was not able to get in touch as my Internet connection ceased to exist without notice. Anyways, I’m glad to connect with you all again and feel a sense of oneness. I missed all the warmth and joys from this much appreciated web of companionship. Thank you so much, new and old readers, for coming back every time with your thoughtful encouragement and generous words. As always, I’m very touched. You make this space different, this journey worthwhile. Thank you.

Strange to say, this disconnect from the cyberspace was a good chance to step back for a few deep breaths—a nice break from my normal routine of cooking, testing, styling, photographing and writing. This short break was filled with time spend with family, with the kids enjoying a two week vacation before the beginning of their new academic year— watching movies in a row, going for walks in the park enjoying the beauty of the passing spring, chatting with friends and yeah, lots of sleep. A much welcome slowdown from the normal frenzy of activities, I admit. Of course, the cooking never stopped. In fact, most days the house smelled of the wonderful aromas from baked goodies -- cupcakes, macaroons, crumbles -- that disappeared within minutes of cooling, spoiling my plans of elaborate decorations and photography! In addition to the guilty baking, I made lots of healthy smoothies and popsicles for those warmer spring days, loving the ease with which I could make them, while the kids enjoyed how delectable it tasted. Summing up, it was fun and relaxing.  

Today, I am sitting at my desk keen to catch up on the piles of messages that were left behind. Meanwhile, let me start with a fairly simple drink recipe to slowly get back into the swing of things.

 

This drink is prepared with the delicious and juicy Alphonso mango, one of the best mangoes from India, which I had been so excited to find at the local store last week. This fruit reminds me of those wonderful days spend in my paternal grandparents home enjoying fresh ripe mangoes from the trees in their garden. I remember that the mango tree next to our balcony was so heavy with fruit that whenever it rained, the mangoes would fall and my cousins and I would rush downstairs to pick our share. My grandmother would have buckets of deliciously ripe mangoes to give away to relatives and friends, which made everyone happy. Ah, I miss those carefree childhood days.

Mangoes are a favorite snack with my family. The kids love them especially this time of the year when the days are beautifully sunny and clear. Yes, summer is definitely starting to take shape and settle. An ice-cold drink made with fresh, fragrant, juicy mangoes is the perfect choice for a refreshing and healthy summer drink. Pureed mango blended with ice and sparkling water makes a refreshing summer drink.

Mango Spritzer

Ingredients
Serves 2
Prep: 10 min

2 ripe mangoes, peeled

sugar, to taste

juice of half lemon, or one lime

chilled club soda, or chilled sparkling water

ice cubes, to serve

Directions

Blend the mangoes with the lime/lemon juice and sugar. Transfer to a pitcher and chill for a minimum of 30 minutes. To serve, divide the ice between glasses; pour 1/2 cup puree into each glass, and top off with sparkling water. Stir to combine. Serve immediately.