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Lighten Up! The #MinuteMaidLights Brunch

July 14, 2014 By Lena

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of co-hosting a weekend brunch with Minute Maid Lights. It was fah-bu-lous, dah-ling! You know what they say… ladies who brunch enjoy the punch… or in this case, the hand-crafted Minute Maid Lights Mimosas personalized with flair and flourish.

(FYI – I totally just made up that saying, just because I have a strange need to make words rhyme. I’m a poet and I want everyone to know it! Okay, moving on….)

Introducing Minute Maid Light Light Orange Juice Beverage. It’s made with the goodness of Minute Maid but with 50% fewer calories than their regular orange juice – yet still provides an excellent source of Vitamin C.

Minute Maid Light Lemonade is made with real lemons, is an excellent source of Vitamin C and has 65% fewer calories than their regular lemonade. It’s the goodness of Minute Maid, now in a delicious Light version.

Minute Maid LightsWhat can you do with Minute Maid Light Lemonade? Well, you *could* enjoy it straight from the carton, as it happens to be super tangy and refreshing, but I’d rather see you whip up some Lemon Ginger Punch. (Recipe to come, folks! Plus a sweet little giveaway.) Pictured above is the “adult version” with added Pimm’s – yum! 

Back to our brunch. The “Cocktails and Creations” event included a very special cocktail demo with sassy food expert Nadine Hughes, who happens to be my favourite mixologist too. You can just see her lovely face peeking out from behind the flowers.

Minute Maid Lights(Side note: this would be a great time to give a shout out to the brand team at Minute Maid, who literally made Pinterest come to life with their inspiring decor. You’ll see what I mean in the photos to come! And you’ll want to steal some of their ideas for your next brunch, too – like these citrus place card holders.)

Minute Maid LightsJust before our guests arrived, I had a chance to marvel at the stunning DIY Mimosa Bar, starring Minute Maid Lights. From berries to basil, sparkling water to sparkling wine, it was sure to be a hit. With the bustling lights and sounds of Toronto’s Dundas Street in the background, our little brunch space was an urban oasis.

Minute Maid LightsOnce we were settled, it was time to begin the cocktail demos. In a very intimate setting, Nadine took us through the steps, creating a Toasted Coconut Orange Macarooni,  Blueberry Lemon Popsicles and of course, the famed Lemon Ginger Punch.

Minute Maid LightsI suppose if there was one takeaway from the cocktail demonstration, it would be that creating gorgeous-looking, delicious-tasting and über-creative mixed drinks is actually very simple. Truly, it’s easier than you think! All you need is a little imagination, a knowledge of complementary flavours, and in our case, an expert like Nadine Hughes to show you the way! Now wouldn’t you be the talk of the town if you served an Orange Macarooni at your party?

Minute Maid LightsAfter the cocktails demos, our guests were free to create their very own Minute Maid Lights Mimosa. And after one glance at the DIY station, you’ll agree that the options were virtually limitless. Strawberry and basil lemonade? How about a raspberry and mint mimosa? Or my favourite combination – a mixed fruit lemonade with rosemary and sparkling water. Crazy, right? But so good!

Minute Maid LightsMinute Maid LightsOur guests – local influencers from the food, fashion and lifestyle scene – took turns preparing their signature beverage, which would complement the upcoming sit-down brunch at L’Ouvrier Restaurant. Everyone got into the spirit, and if you followed the #MinuteMaidLights hashtag on Instagram or Twitter, you’d find quite the assortment of inspired mixed drinks!

Minute Maid LightsIt was time to sit down to a light, scrumptious brunch with friends. What a wonderful way to celebrate the first day of summer! Good food, good friends and great cocktails, thanks to Minute Maid Lights.
Minute Maid LightsA very special thank you to Minute Maid for collaborating with me on this event, to Nadine Hughes who served up delicious summer concoctions, and of course, to all the guests who made the event a success! Stay tuned – I’ll be back to share the recipe for Lemon Ginger Punch, and serve up a juicy summer giveaway!

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: #MinuteMaidLights, Minute Maid Light Lemonade, Minute Maid Light Orange Juice, summer cocktails

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Victoria Ess

    July 14, 2014 at 9:15 am

    What a great setup! I look forward to the recipe for the punch!

    • Lena

      July 14, 2014 at 12:00 pm

      It’s so good Victoria, you’ll love it!

  2. Parent Club

    July 14, 2014 at 9:35 am

    Looks like fun! I love adding Minute Maid Orange juice to cranberry juice.

    • Lena

      July 14, 2014 at 12:00 pm

      Mmmm – I like that combination too!

  3. Soozle

    July 14, 2014 at 10:00 am

    Wow! I really love the idea of using the punches as a base for drinks.. Dont ask me WHY I havent thought of it, but I love the great ideas (and presentation!) in your post

    • Lena

      July 14, 2014 at 12:01 pm

      Hahaha I think there are a lot of us guilty of not thinking the same thing! Which is strange because it’s SUCH a good base!

  4. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    July 14, 2014 at 10:28 am

    looked like a lot of fun. did you try the Blueberry Lemon Popsicle sounds so good.

    • Lena

      July 14, 2014 at 12:01 pm

      Yes I did – and it was divine! I may just have to share the recipe for that as well :)

      • Chandra Christine O'Connor

        July 16, 2014 at 4:25 pm

        sweet! sound delish

  5. Darlene Schuller

    July 14, 2014 at 12:16 pm

    Wow! Looks like a fabulous time! I can’t wait to try that punch, and omg the Blueberry Lemon Popscicles!

    • Lena

      July 14, 2014 at 1:07 pm

      I know!! It was made with Greek yogurt, lemonade and blueberries cooked with sugar to make a syrupy concoction :)

  6. nicky

    July 14, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    yum! that mimosa looks delish!

    • Lena

      July 14, 2014 at 1:07 pm

      All of the drinks were so good!

  7. Anne Taylor

    July 14, 2014 at 1:53 pm

    The set up is so beautiful! I love the fresh herbs! I would enjoy cocktails made with these products as I enjoy sweeter drinks!

    • Lena

      July 14, 2014 at 2:19 pm

      That’s awesome Anne, you’re my kind of gal!

  8. Yuen C

    July 14, 2014 at 2:02 pm

    Looks like you enjoyed the event!

    • Lena

      July 14, 2014 at 2:20 pm

      We did! It was a great brunch :)

  9. MrDisco

    July 14, 2014 at 2:31 pm

    i like that this comes in Light varieties

    • Lena

      July 14, 2014 at 4:29 pm

      Me too – perfect for summer!

  10. JaimeeM

    July 14, 2014 at 2:33 pm

    AHHH, love this! they’re so much more creative with minute maid than I am, lol

    • Lena

      July 14, 2014 at 4:29 pm

      Agreed! Though I’m happy to have a little inspiration now!

  11. Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews)

    July 14, 2014 at 3:36 pm

    It was such a great way to kick off my weekend – thank you again for having me! And I was SHOCKED at how easy it was to create pretty looking drinks. I was totally the “just serve it from the carton” type of girl but this brunch and Nadine totally inspired me :)

    • Lena

      July 14, 2014 at 4:29 pm

      So happy to hear that Elaine! That was exactly our intent :) And yes, Nadine is amazing!

  12. Flora M

    July 14, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    That mimosa bar looks SO interesting – and you all look like you had fun making them !
    I would definitely have to use the regular Minute Maid though.
    I checked the light ingredients on their website, and alas – as I had suspected – they contain Aspartame (I am allergic to aspartame and a plethora of other artificial sweeteners).
    Would also love it if you shared the recipe for the Blueberry Lemon Popsicles as well :)

    • Lena

      July 15, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      I know that Light beverages are always a personal choice, and I love the original just just as much! And will totally have to share the popsicle recipe now :)

  13. Suzie M

    July 14, 2014 at 7:29 pm

    looks like great fun

    • Lena

      July 15, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      It was a blast!

  14. Judy C (Judy Cowan)

    July 14, 2014 at 9:20 pm

    Looks like quite the event. I love the Minute Maid Light Lemonade and have already enjoyed several cartons of it this summer!

    • Lena

      July 15, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      That’s awesome to hear! It’s my fave :)

  15. Holly

    July 14, 2014 at 11:35 pm

    Looks like a great time! Yum, mimosas!

    • Lena

      July 15, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      Indeed! They were so delish!

  16. Melinda L.

    July 15, 2014 at 10:09 am

    Looks like a wonderful brunch. Cheers!

    • Lena

      July 15, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      Thanks Melinda, cheers!

  17. Athena

    July 15, 2014 at 10:41 am

    Looks like a great and yummy day out!

    • Lena

      July 15, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      We had such a blast!

  18. Renee LeBlanc

    July 15, 2014 at 4:24 pm

    Looove the toasted coconut rim still, that ones my fav!

    • Lena

      July 16, 2014 at 10:11 pm

      And it was sooo good, Renee :) I have to re-create that!

  19. MrDisco

    July 15, 2014 at 6:34 pm

    love the lemon name holders

    • Lena

      July 16, 2014 at 10:12 pm

      It was such an ingenious design idea! Totally agree!

  20. sarah sar

    July 16, 2014 at 1:43 am

    Ok, the Orange Macarooni looks way too good. I want some!

    • Lena

      July 16, 2014 at 10:12 pm

      It is SO easy to make too! I need to get more creative in the kitchen!

  21. Donnas

    July 16, 2014 at 7:35 am

    It looks like it was a whole lot of fun.

    • Lena

      July 16, 2014 at 10:12 pm

      It was a great time, Donnas, thank you!

  22. Brandee H

    July 16, 2014 at 12:28 pm

    This looks like a lot of fun. My son recently tried the Minute Maid lemonade and loved it!

    • Lena

      July 16, 2014 at 10:13 pm

      I think they make the best lemonade, and I love the Minute Maid Lights version too!

  23. nicky

    July 16, 2014 at 1:35 pm

    i love the photo with the slices of lemon, orange and lime! so colourful :-)

    • Lena

      July 16, 2014 at 10:13 pm

      YES! Makes me want to reach through the computer screen!

  24. La Cuisine d'Helene

    July 16, 2014 at 5:37 pm

    Such a beautiful setup and I like the pictures!

    • Lena

      July 16, 2014 at 10:13 pm

      Thank you Helene!

  25. MrDisco

    July 16, 2014 at 9:39 pm

    love those giant drink dispensers with the faucet

    • Lena

      July 16, 2014 at 10:13 pm

      Hahaha yup, I need to get me one of those :)

  26. Ella Pretty Blog

    July 16, 2014 at 11:51 pm

    I read this post on my phone but waited to comment until I was on my laptop – loved the event – was just showing hubby your post so he could see how amazing it was…and you’re right – it was so pinterest-worthy – especially the mimosa bar :-)

    I’ve already made the lemonade cocktails at home – and I can’t wait to make the blueberry popsicles – they were so yummy and I know my kids would love them.

    Thanks so much for inviting me – and I’m so glad I got to sit next to you and catch up – can’t wait for our next meet-up!

    • Lena

      July 21, 2014 at 7:43 am

      Thank you so much for joining us! I admit I’ve made the Ginger Lemonade at least three times since the brunch – it’s my favourite by far! It was a great afternoon :)

  27. Treen Goodwin

    July 17, 2014 at 9:24 am

    wow looks like so much fun , i didn’t realize minute maid came in light that’s awesome :)

    • Lena

      July 21, 2014 at 7:43 am

      It does! And it’s very awesome!

  28. Michelle K

    July 19, 2014 at 9:30 pm

    Did you say Mimosa? Any way you have lemonade it’s a winner..My daughter loves Lemonade So does the husband for that matter!!

    • Lena

      July 21, 2014 at 7:44 am

      A family of lemonade lovers… love it!

  29. Keri

    July 24, 2014 at 6:56 pm

    Looks fun… and the drinks look yummy!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 4:07 pm

      The drinks were scrumptious Keri!

  30. Susan T.

    July 24, 2014 at 9:04 pm

    What a fun event! I love any drink featuring lemonade!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 4:07 pm

      Me too! I think it’s my fave summer drink!

  31. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    July 25, 2014 at 11:57 am

    went to walmart yesterday didnt see any of the light juices there.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 4:08 pm

      Oh poops :( Do you have a Loblaws near you? I used to see them at Walmart, but they’ve been sold out recently for me too… found them at Loblaws though!

  32. BobbiJo Pentney

    July 26, 2014 at 11:17 pm

    I wish I had your creativity.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 4:08 pm

      Oh, I can’t take the credit! The Minute Maid brand team is behind the decorations!

  33. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    July 27, 2014 at 3:32 pm

    hope you post this recipe soon my mouth waters thinking about it. Blueberry Lemon Popsicles

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 4:09 pm

      Oh!! I will definitely do that for you Chandra! Thanks for the reminder!

  34. Hibbat

    July 31, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    awesome pictures! would love the recipe for the punch!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 4:09 pm

      Click on over to my giveaway post! It’s there!

  35. Jenny

    August 1, 2014 at 12:31 pm

    Everything looks amazing! And I love your hair Lena, you’re so gorgeous!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 4:11 pm

      Aw, *blushing* – thank you Jenny!

  36. Debbie White Beattie

    June 18, 2018 at 5:31 am

    This all looks delicious and it looks like you had a fun day

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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