3 Simple summer fruit drinks

Allow mashed fruit and mint to sit a while to intensify the flavor.

5 tablespoons superfine sugar

24 ounces club soda, divided

2/3 cup mint leaves, divided

2 1/2 cups blackberries, divided

1. Combine sugar and 1/4 cup of club soda in bowl; stir to dissolve sugar. Add half the mint and half the blackberries and mash with back of a spoon until it forms chunky paste. Place in bottom of 4 glasses; top with ice.

2. Add remaining club soda and drop in the remaining mint and blackberries (reserving 4 for garnish, if desired) and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings

_____

To make a slushy, freeze the coconut water in ice-cube trays before puréeing with melon.

4 cups watermelon chunks

2 cups unsweetened coconut water

1 tablespoon basil

Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree. Serve over ice. Makes 4 servings

_____

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 (3-inch) piece ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped

1 cup peach nectar

2 peaches, cut into thin slices

2 cups club soda

1. Combine sugar, water and ginger in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil and immediately reduce to a simmer; cover and simmer gently 30 minutes. Strain, discarding solids, and cool.

2. Place several ice cubes in each of 4 glasses; pour in one-fourth of the cooled ginger syrup and the nectar. Add the peach slices and top each with club soda. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings