Summer is a time for refreshment. Books, fireflies, and watermelon - these are the gifts Summer offers to us. They are simple pleasures, but to me they are infinitely dear.

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things

grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with

the summer.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Summer is also a time for special beverages. We are going to need plenty of cliche paper straws and lots of ice. Here are a few of my favorite ways to stay hydrated.

Rosemary Lemonade is piney and bright. It is the perfect addition to a picnic.

Toasted Marshmallow Milkshakes. All the charm and sweetness of a toasted marshmallow disguised as a milkshake. Irresistible. Do not leave me alone with marshmallows and a blender.

Toasted Marshmallow Milkshakes {Pedantic Foodie}

Pineapple Sage Soda is summery and delicate. The perfect accompaniment to anything grilled. I like to make the pineapple-sage syrup ahead of time and mix it with sparkling water right before I am ready to serve it.

This Iced Chai Latte is my go-to summer beverage in the mornings. Iced coffee has its place, but for me, chai is the perfect way to start the day.

My great grandmother used to make me root beer floats and they are still a favorite of mine. Raspberry Floats are perfect for summer and are incredibly simple to make.

Take time to be refreshed.

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

Floats. Ice cream and soda. So simple yet in my mind one of the most exciting vintage icons.

When I think of floats my mind transports to the basement of my great grandmother’s house. I would walk down the green carpeted steeps to find a refrigerator stocked with root beer and birch beer (a clear, mild form of root beer) and she would make me a float.

Cloyingly sweet soda topped with foamy ice cream - I felt so important sipping on my fancy “mixed” beverage.

Many years later and the charm has yet to wear off. I still get just as excited, and occasionally revert entirely to an adolescent state of immaturity and blow bubbles through my paper straws to watch the foam rise high above the rim of my glass. That is what summer is for right? Reverting to a state of carefree puerility which under normal circumstances is socially unacceptable.

These floats are something special. Full of the flavors of summer and fresh raspberries yet maintaining the classic appeal which we cherish.

This is for you. To drink, to remember, and to blow bubbles into - because deep down, we’re all dying to.

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

Raspberry Floats

recipe adapted from Bon Appetit / makes 6

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
8 oz fresh raspberries
1 liter club soda or sparkling water
1 1/2 pints vanilla ice cream

Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring often.

Divide syrup and raspberries among glasses and mash gently. Scoop about 1/2 cup ice cream into each glass and top with soda. Serve immediately. Enjoy!