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Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Celebrate Summer with Minute Maid!

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

For the longest time, I felt I couldn’t talk about summer without looking like a schmuck. I mean, clearly Mother Nature didn’t get the memo this year; it’s been chilly, dreary and downright depressing for most of May and June. However, summer is “officially” here and and it looks like even the weather joined the party; with temperatures in the high 30’s for Toronto this week, it’s gonna be sizzlin’ hot!

Of course, this year I’ll actually have a patio to lounge on, which excites me to no end. I am such a “drinks on the patio” kind of gal, and thankfully, I’m already armed with delicious, refreshing summer cocktail recipes from Minute Maid. If you didn’t catch my “Minute Maid: Six Ways to Celebrate Summer!” post, please do – you’ll find a wealth of amazing summer drinks to try, including a Tropical Citrus Granita, Peachy Sparkler, Summertime Sangria and more! (Mmm… sangria.)

Now it’s one thing to say “Let’s Celebrate Summer!” – and quite another to actually follow through with it. So, proving that we’re all about hot summer nights and cold fruity concoctions, I teamed up with Minute Maid and mixologist Nadine Hughes to host a #CelebrateSummer event in Toronto. I invited a handful of my favourite bloggers and social media influencers from the GTA for a very special Girls Night Out; we munched, we mingled, and we had a chance to sample some of Minute Maid’s favourite summer treats! And, we were introduced to Minute Maid Smoothies – an easy, affordable way to enjoy smoothies at home. Made with real fruit and no added sugar, they’re so easy to make: just pour into your blender, add ice, water and blend for the perfect smoothie every time. BONUS: each 250mL prepared cup contains two servings of fruit. Yum yum yum!

Minute Maid selected the perfect venue; the penthouse of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Toronto. With an urban vibe and a fresh burst of colour, it set the mood for our summery event.

Of course, being greeted by Summertime Sangria went a long way to put us in a warm weather frame of mind – and if you’ve got a few Minute Maid punches in the freezer, and some fruit in your refrigerator – chances are, you can make some right now! We served virgin and alcoholic versions (and we all know which one I enjoyed… by the glassful). Also on hand: delicious, light and healthy canapés, and sweet cookies to complement our cocktail party.

Awesome friends arrived (with eerie punctuality) at the start of the event, and I had a great time meeting, greeting and laughing with some of Toronto’s greatest influencers. Although I knew most of the attendees from the Toronto scene, it was fabulous to connect with a few online friends in person. Below: the sweetheart that is @FabFrugalMama; a group of gorgeous gals including @ChickyMara, @AliMartell, @ShopwithRobin and @SandyEl; the very awesome @Mom2Michael and @MapsGirl.

 

Of course, the fun began when Nadine started making the drinks – most of them from scratch – right before our very eyes! It was proof that anyone can be the hostess with the mostess; all you need are a few staples from Minute Maid (which you likely already have on hand) and a little imagination. In addition to demonstrating the recipes, Nadine also showed us creative ways to serve the beverages. The end result resembled something you would order at a fancy restaurant – but can be easily made at home in minutes! 

Pictured above: Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz garnished with fresh basil. Although it’s an unexpected combination, the earthiness of the basil perfectly accentuated the crisp sweetness of the watermelon and grapefruit. It was definitely a crowd pleaser. Below: Nadine makes a Peachy Sparkler that was to.die.for. You’ll want to try this one at your next bridal/baby shower, summer party or picnic for sure!

Now it’s unfortunate that I was called away just as the smoothies were being circulated, because they truly were the star of the show. Available in Strawberry Banana and Tropical flavours, they received two thumbs WAY up from the attendees. After all, they’re incredibly easy to make, beyond delicious, and are an über convenient way to sneak in two servings of fruit, especially if you’re always on the go. And if you don’t believe me, here’s proof they made an impression, via @HartGalla and sent just last week:

Of course, I truly believe that Nadine saved one of the best recipes for last: Minute Maid’s Pucker Up Granita. Think Mojitos are hard to make? Think again. If there’s one cocktail recipe you try this summer, put Pucker Up Granitas at the top of your list! Tart, tangy and incredibly refreshing, you’ll need to make enough for seconds. And maybe thirds.

It truly was a Girls Night Out to savour. Friends, food, and great summer drinks from Minute Maid – what more could you ask for? We all left with a greater understanding of just how simple it is to create showstopping cocktails at home… in minutes… and with simple ingredients that save you time and money. Viva the fruity summer cocktail!

Of course, since Girls Night Out is all about being surrounded by your girls, special love to @TeacherMomofTwo, one of my most fave bloggers ever. She was originally unable to attend, but moved heaven and earth to come support me and share a cocktail. That’s what friendship is all about!

You can find all the Minute Maid #CelebrateSummer recipes here. In the meantime, you just know I’d love to share the deliciousness! One lucky reader will win a Minute Maid Smooth and Delicious prize pack valued at $150! It includes one Oster blender, two reusable smoothie cups and coupons for a wide variety of Minute Maid frozen products, including Minute Maid’s brand new frozen Smoothies! Available in Strawberry Banana and Tropical flavours, Minute Maid Smoothies are made with 100% juice, real fruit puree and no added sugar.

To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck, and happy summer everyone!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. ivy pluchinsky

    The Minute Maid’s Pucker Up Granita looks awesome and I would try that one first

  3. Vanessa Cook

    Definately celebrate summer at the cabin at the lake….what better way to stay cool than trying the Watermelon Grapefruit Frizz!!

  7. Bailey-Eileen Dexter-Parr

    Pucker Up Granita would be my first choice! I plan to spend the summer BBQ with family & friends.

  10. Francesca

    nice ideas!I would use it to make fruit juices and drinks for my kids so i could add some fruit and veggies to their diet as they don’t eat any!!!

  11. emma walpole

    We celebrate the kick off to summer with a bbq and a trip to the cottage. I would try the peach sparkler first but they all sound so yummy

  17. Erin Brayshaw

    I would try the pucker up granita for sure and I spend my summer hanging with my kids.

  18. Christina Webber

    I love peach so definitely the Peach Sparkler. We celebrate summer with plenty of beach time. Love the beach.

  19. Chantale

    This is going to be our first year of doing lots of BBq . I think the first cocktail I would try is the Watermelon grapefruit fizz.. It sounds delicious

  28. Judy C

    We celebrate summer by camping, the Peachy Sparkler sounds like something I would love to try

  31. SusanW

    We just hang around home and swim in the pool, with my son in baseball we cant go to far!
    And I would try the Pucker Up Granita’s First! I love Mojitos :)

  32. pam b

    I celebrate summer by doing lots of camping and boating. I’ll definitely be trying the peach sparkler! Yum!

  33. Lindsay C

    I love celebrating summer with drinks on the patio and long drives with the windows open (or the top down!). The pucker up granita sounds right up my alley as I love anything sour.

  34. tanyab79

    spending time outside camping, mini-putting, swimming and many other activities.

    I would like to try first the Peachy Sparkler.

  39. patti townsend

    Camping and playing in creeks catching critters with the kids!
    would love to try the peachy sparkler :D

  44. Sunshine G

    The watermelon grapefruit fizz. We always start off with my birthday BBQ every summer!

  48. Sandra Smith

    We celebrate with lots of family time outdoors (camping, biking, swimming and BBQ’s) and I would try the watermelon grapefruit fizz first :)

  49. Paula-Marie

    Can’t wait to try the Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz!!! Sounds perfect for our Canada Day BBQ!

  51. Deb

    We celebrate with an annual fishing trip to the Cariboo, Hubby looks forward to it all year long! I would love to try the Minute Maid’s Pucker Up Granita, it sounds delish!

  53. Andria R

    I celebrate summer with trips to the beach! I think I would try Minute Maid’s Pucker Up Granita first…it sounds so crisp and refreshing!

  56. Laird N Crystal Englot

    I love summer! Our favorite thing is to go camping and relax with some delicious drinks! I would definately make the Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz!

  57. Anu Chopra

    We love taking the boys to the beach and I would try the Minute Maid’s Pucker Up Granita first!

  59. gloria

    love to bbq with the family and relaxing in the backyard with a Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz

  64. Marlene Unruh

    Lots of family get togethers in the back yard, baby shower yesterday, I’d try the peach sparkler.

  66. Londia

    We celebrate summer with BBQ’s and plenty of them.
    I would try the Tropical Citrus Granita

    silverneon2000 at yahoo dot com

  71. Kelly Bouma

    Think I’ll try Summertime Sangria and to kick off summer we have the July 1st parade in Port Dover, Ontario – great parade

  75. Tamara D.

    Camping and playing at the lake are our favourites! I would try the pucker up granita first… Looks delicious!

  78. Debbie Bashford

    less clothes more BBQ’s. and I would try the Pucker Up Granita first as I love tart and tangy!

  79. Kelly McCutcheon-Renaud

    How do you pick just one! Summertime Sangria looks yummy! But also the Pucker up Granita looks yummy! Could use one right now as it is so hot and humid here!

  81. Flora M

    Backyard BBQ’s are a given, I also enjoy taking my grandchildren out and about – whether just to the local ice cream shop or a day trip somewhere. This summer I will be teaching my oldest granddaughter how to sew as well :o) Most definitely going to look for the new Minute Maid Frozen Smoothies in the store next shopping trip – strawberry banana sounds yummy :)

  85. Haylie Langwald

    I celebrate summer by lazy mornings and going to as many festivals as we can! I would try the peachy sparkler first!

  86. erin m

    i celebrate summer by getting out the flip flops, and I think I will try the Minute Maid’s Pucker Up Granita first.

  88. Amy Menzies

    We do lots of boat trips and barbecues. I want to try the Pucker Up Granita so bad!!

  89. Jamie Maracle

    Lots of trips to the Beach, swimming, BBQ’s, entertaining in the backyard and hopefully this year a camping trip. I’d love to try the peachy sparkler

  92. Cheryl P

    We enjoy summer by spendinga s much time outside as we possibly can. Sumemr is too short not to!!! I think the lime slushy like drink looks the most refreshing for a hot summer Canadian day!

  93. STACEY DEMPSEY

    We love to have barbeques and trips to the river . luckily for us we can do that almost daily as it is nearby

  95. Carey Hurst

    Lots of Beach and camping in the summer. Tons of family and neighbour get togethers.Pucker Up Granita would be my first taste …. excited to try :) Thank You!!!

  96. Jennifer

    I celebrate summer by spending as much of it as I can outside… Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz. Would create some of my own cocktails, too.

  98. Shelley Nelson

    Peachy sparkler would be great for the BBQ we are going to host for some of the neighbours!

  99. Shelley Nelson

    We celebrate summer with great BBQs, a summer holiday and lots of time at the beach

  104. Steph Bkn

    Pucker Up Granita Is on my list of must try’s!! We celebrate summer with jam making & salsa making every summer with the kiddies, strawberry jam making is our fav, the kids love going strawberry picking! Plus who doesn’t love the beach?!

  105. Anne Taylor

    The Summertime Sangria sounds amazing! We celebrate summer by heading down to the beach. We live in Victoria on the southern tip of Vancouver Island so there are many beaches to explore!

  106. Tanya Wagner

    I would try the Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz first! I love to spend time outdoors in the summer, whether it’s gardening, bbqing, camping, campfires, swimming, going to the beach or just hanging out playing with the kids!

  107. Lori L.

    We celebrate summer by spending lots of time at the pool. The Minute Maid drink I most want to try first is the Pucker Up Granita – you sold me on it!

  110. Lori Bazan

    I love all the cocktails mentioned but Peachy Sparkler sounds to be the best for me!!!

  114. Soozle

    I like to celebrate outside – the garden, the farmers market, the beach, the lake.. just outside!

    I would like to try the peach sparkler

  119. hannasmom

    We celebrate summer with days at the lake and camping trips! I would try the Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz for sure!

  120. Crystal Quibell

    When not pregnant (currently 34 weeks!), around the patio eating some good food (and minus the kids). :) Watermelon Grapefruit Frizz sounds delish!

  122. Tricha

    I celebrate summer by going to the cottage with the family. I will definitely try the SUMMERTIME SANGRIA first. Lots of fruits makes this the perfect summer drink.

  123. elaing8

    I would try the Pucker Up Granita.It sounds really good.
    I like to spend my summers reading on the deck,gardening and having lots of bbq’s.

  127. Andrew P

    I celebrate summer by going camping + bbqing. I would try the Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz

  128. MrDisco

    I celebrate summer by burning my parka and tacking the gloves on my front door as a warning to the next snow flake that crosses my path.

    I will try the Peachy Sparkler first

  129. Tammy Dalley

    We celebrate by camping,going to the beach, campfires and lots of bbq’s! I would try the Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz first , sounds delicious!

  130. Tina L.

    we celebrate by going to the park, bbqing, and just spending more more outdoors. I would like to try the Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz first.

  132. Andrea

    Maybe SUMMERTIME SANGRIA. I really love minute maid punch just mixed with gingerale though. So yummy :)

  134. Doris Calvert

    Peachy Sparkler sounds good, we celebrate summer with BBQ’s , Bon Fires, and going to the lake!

  135. Olivia L

    I like to picnic in the park and spend the day at the beach. The tropical citrus granita looks really yummy and perfect for a backyard BBQ!

  138. Heidi C.

    We like to BBQ, head to the beach, play outdoors. The Watermelon Grapefruit Frizz sounds yummy!

  139. Brenda Penton

    Lots of BBQs and trips to the beach are how we celebrate summer. I’d try the Peachy Sparkler first.

  142. Elaine D

    How do you Celebrate Summer?
    Going to the beach
    which Minute Maid cocktail will you try first?
    The Peachy sparkler

  145. Victoria Ess

    I celebrate summer with drinks on a patio, and I’m looking forward to adding Summertime Sangria to the mix of drinks!

  148. Rebecca

    Watermelon and grapefruit, two of my faves! Definitely have to try this one!!
    Summer time is all about the bbq at our place and picnics in the park

  152. angela m

    We celebrate with BBQ’s, picnics and camping. I want to try the Pucker Up Granita first
    thanks

  153. SweetPanda

    We celebrate summer with lots and lots of BBQ’s, going to beach and swimming. I would love to try the Peachy Sparkler

  155. paula huie

    we celebrate by swimming and BBQing all the time!! the cocktail i’d most like to try is the Peachy Sparkler

  156. francine

    Pucker Up Granita and we enjoy summer by taking the kids to the park (especially the splash pad on a very hot day)

  157. Deb Dorrington

    We celebrate summer by going camping some weekends and going to the beach a lot. I would love to try the Summer Sangria, but omitting the club soda and using red wine in it’s place.

  158. Karla Sceviour

    we go camping,swimming,road trips,bbq`s etc..:) I would try the Pucker Up Granita,,yum!

  162. Teresa Claire

    I love Grapefruit so my favourite to try first would have to be Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz! Amazing pictures of everyone, Lena :)

  163. jen s.

    I celebrate summer by spending as much time outdoors as possible – whether walking, laying out, on a patio etc. the Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz sounds great – i’d try that one first. thanks!

  164. NT

    We celebrate by hitting the beach as soon as the sun is warm (even though the water is too cold). And BBQs are synonymous with summer, no?
    First thing to try would be the peachy sparkler.

  166. Angela Mitchell

    I’d love to try the Peachy Sparkler. We celebrate summer with local summer events from parades, to Fairs, to music festivals.

  171. Darlene Schuller

    Summertime Sangria, I’d have that with me at the beach almost every day. We live a 15 mins walk away from the beach so a lot of our summer time is spent between there & the local library.

  172. Eva Mitton-Urban

    FUN – water balloons/frisbee/SUPER SOAKERS every summer day celebrating BBQ’ing and LAUGHING

    eva mitton-urban

  173. Eva Mitton-Urban

    Oooppps meant to also indicate that the Tropical blend would be my choice of flavors to try

    eva mitton-urban

  174. 409cope

    I like to spend most of the summer in my backyard pool.
    I would love to try the Summertime Sangria first.

  179. KittyPride

    Minute Maid’s Pucker Up Granita looks like a real goodie, made me pucker up just reading about it ;)

  181. sarah sar

    we take an annual family camping trip the week before Canada Day weekend. yes, we’re leaving tomorrow! The Peach Sparkler sounds delicious, I would love to try that.

  185. Suzanne Smith

    I would try the Pucker Up Granita first and I will celebrate summer with wonderful friends and family on patios and in pools across the Okanagan Valley in BC. Have a great summer too, Lena. Love your blog.

  186. Rebecca Moeller

    Sitting in the sun, reading a book and enjoying a Watermelon Grapefruit Frizz!

  189. Tanja Paquette

    I would love to try the peachy sparkler. I liked reading your article on change room wars.

  191. Clifford

    I celebrate summer by having as many BBQs as possible and going camping almost every weekend. I would love the Pucker-up Granita, sounds good to me!

  196. Stephanie F

    I like to have bbqs and swim in the summer. Now I can do that enjoying the Peachy Sparkler!

  199. Lisa KH

    I celebrate summer with lots of BBQs and evening chilling on the deck. I’d most like to try the Pucker Up Granita.

  201. ginette4

    We celebrate summer with lots of bbq’s and pool parties, first one I will try is their Peach sparkler

  204. Carole Dube

    I celebrate summer by doing yoga in the parc and a Pucker Up Granita would be very refreshing after working out.

  206. Carol M

    Celebrate by being outdoors as much as possible including drinks on a patio somewhere. Summer Sangria would be my pick.

  207. Pamalot

    I would try the Pucker Up Granita first.
    summer involves a lot of adventures:biking, travel, day trips, bbqs

  211. Amber Y

    we have bbq’s all summer long with friends and family. I’d love to try that peachy sparkler.

  217. Tammy

    We love spending time outdoors and with our friends and family during the summer. I’d love to try the Peach Sparkler.

  218. Mary I

    We celebrate summer with parties by the pool The Strawberry Banana smoothie would be a great addition to the party

  219. Michelle B

    We celebrate summer by cooling off at the water-parks! I’d try the Peach Sparkler! It sounds delicious.

  222. michelle

    Strawberry Banana – i can make it kid friendly or with an adult twist. love it

  225. Destiny

    I just got back from the cottage for Canada Day long weekend, and I was just saying that a nice smoothie would’ve been amazing near the lake! <3

  226. Bcteagirl

    I celebrate summer with fun hikes in the park/wilderness. Celebrating with a peach sparkler when I get back sounds like a great plan!

  230. Kris Kipp

    We love to celebrate summer with a backyard BBQ and a refreshing dip in the pool. I think I would try the Pucker Up Granita recipe first.

  232. elaine bolduc

    I would like to try the tropical smoothie, and I don’t have much of a chance to celebrate anything because I am a bus grandmother helping to raise a handicap grandson.

  235. Susan T.

    I celebrate summer by soaking up the sunshine and drinking frosty beverages. I love watermelon so I would try the Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz!

  236. Florence C

    I usually have ice tea but the Viva the fruity summer cocktail sounds for interesting

  237. Bons

    I celebrate summer with outdoor picnics and I’d love to try the Strawberry Banana cocktail first.

  240. Lorena H

    I celebrate summer by taking family vacations and making memories. Peachy sparkler sounds delicious.

  242. David

    Summer’s my fav season – would try to spend as much time outdoor! I would love to give the Peach Sparkler a try! thanks!

  245. Deborah

    They all look so good I think I may have to throw a girlie party to try them all out!! We can’t discriminate now can we???

  246. Holly Buttle

    Well, I am actually so busy in the summer running around lol I don’t have much time to sit and relax, but i love sneaking in some beach/pool time and of course some BBQs with the family. (when we were younger, my Grandma would always have one at her place every Sunday, with all the family..♥ I miss her so much) but doing it with my own families are like a turn back in time :D. Its so relaxing (just what I need hehe).

    And I would definately love to try the Tropical Smoothies ones :) YUMMY!!!
    THank you for this awesome review and giveaway :)

  247. Belinda McNabb

    We just enjoy spending time outside during the summer. I will be trying the Pucker Up Granita first

  248. Lindsay Cyr

    I would love to try out the Strawberry Banana! We spend out summers outside most of the time, with 2 little ones it can be hard to get them inside the house at bedtime, they love playing in the outdoors and at the local playground!

  251. Adriana F

    We celebrate summer by bringing out the kiddie pool for the kids. I would love to try the Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz.

  252. Karry Knisley

    I would love to try the Peach Sparkler….I will be going to many BBQ’s and a few weddings

  253. Catharine

    The Pucker up granita looks yummy. Family fun times this summer by the pool and beach. BBQ is a must

  259. Joy

    I celebrate summer with barbecues and enjoying fresh strawberries that we have picked ourselves. I would try the Peachy Sparkler first!

  260. Amber

    Beach, beach, beach and BBQs!!! First we will try Strawberry Banana smoothies for the kids and Pucker Up Granita for Mom!!!

  261. beth

    We enjoy having family and friends over to our place to swim. Id also love to serve pucker up granitas

  267. Tanis

    I would try the tropical drink first. We normally spend summers on the beach, on our deck and doing a little camping!

  269. Paula Schuck

    Well I love the barbecue and also I would totally enjoy the granito. Yummy! I am a summer girl. I love sun and beaches. That’s my happy place.

  273. Vickie Cheung

    Love to hang out on the patio w/friends and explore new neighborhood in the city during summer time. nothing beats cold drinks for patio time

  278. SueSueper

    I celebrate summer by visiting relatives (usually road trips and stay with them) Enjoy relax time.

    Tropical sounds like my first go to MM Smoothie – Gotta love Pineapple.

  280. Tara Gauthier

    We usually like celebrating summer by going camping but are super busy and weren’t able to go last weekend on our planned trip as we bought a house instead!

    I would try the peach sparkler!

  281. sueboobadoo

    we spend most of the summer lounging by the pool and I would love to try a Peach Sparkler

  282. Harjit

    The Minute Maid Pina Colada is the smoothie mix of my dreams. The virgin drink is just as tasty as the non as I am expecting my first little bundle of joy this late Fall. Thank you for the chance to win yummy products from a very reliable, trustworthy brand~Minute Maid! Twitter fan@plumerea

  286. Christy Martin

    I have been to a few waterfront festivals and try to BBQ as much as possible. I would love to try the Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz garnished with basil!

  288. Sarah p

    summertime sangria has my name all over it! :) Now that our daughter is a bit older (going on 2) she’s at a really fun age, so this summer is full of as many adventures as possible! We like going for long walks, swimming, and exploring new playgrounds. Thanks for another great giveaway!

    Sarah @ Living As We

  289. Dianne G.

    Summer to me means sitting outside and relaxing in the shade. The drinks all sound good but the Peach Sparkler really peaks my interest.

  290. shon szezendor

    strawberry banana sounds awesome and I think it would be a delicious drink at a BBQ.

  297. vivia Hsu

    I would love to celebrate summer by relaxing in my lawn chair with a nice Pucker Up Granita in my hand.

  300. Jen C

    I would love to kick back on the patio with a Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz! Sound Heavenly!!! Thanks for the great recipie and opportunity in the contest. Cheers!

  302. Jenny

    I like the Peach Sparkler…and I love to celebrate summer with my friends and family. We usually host quite a few get togethers during the summer because once the school year is back in session, it is more difficult to find the time!

  305. debbie campbell

    I like to have BBQs for family and friends. I would definitely try the Sangria!

  312. jennifer wexler

    i would like to try the peachy sparkler. I celebrate with my friends by hosting BBQs

  318. Donnas

    I’m looking forward to lots of barbecues this summer, and I think that the Pucker Up Granita is interesting, and I’d love to try it.

  321. Wanda Muise

    I love being under a big tree reading a book and I want to try the strawberry banana!!

  325. Amy D.

    The pucker up granita sounds delicious. I decided to do less this summer, which means clearing my schedule to sit on my behind and read a book on the patio. A nice cocktail would help me with that goal :)

  327. Melissa

    I made mojitos with the limeade and had a bunch of friends over to beat the heat with a salad potluck by the pool :)

  330. Melissa Finn

    We spend a lot of the summer in the water- in the pool, at the beach and at the splash pad. I would make the Pucker Up Granita.

  331. Megan Barnecutt

    The Pucker Up Granita would be my first choice…and my second, third, & fourth choice!! Great job everyone!