It’s a beautiful summer afternoon. What better time to clear your schedule and invite a friend over to catch up on what’s happening in their lives. Everyone loves to talk about their vacations or what silly adventures their kids are having at camp. Too often women neglect these deeper connections with their friends, instead settling for scattered conversations amongst playdates or a five-minute conversation at drop-off.

Treat yourself this summer to an afternoon [or two] with a friend. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, it can simply be pulling two chairs up in the back yard and enjoying refreshing beverages. Make any water taste better by simply adding fruit. Some of my favorites are pineapple and watermelon.

Need an afternoon pick me up? Try our refreshing passionfruit inspired iced tea. This drink is named after the inspiring Bethany Hamilton, the Hawaii born surfer who has still managed to be top in her field after losing her arm in a shark attack.

Be Hamilton

1/2 cup black tea

1/4 passionfruit (lillikoi) juice

Directions:

Fill glass with ice, then add black tea and passionfruit juice. Stir. Garnish with a pineapple.

Passionfruit juice can now be found at some mainland grocery stores. If you are fortunate to live in a town with a L&L Barbecue, then you can pick up a can of Hawaiian Sun juice.

If you are looking for something a little stronger, our friends at the Copper Bar in the Mauna Kea resort have shared their recipe for the Mauna Kea Mule. We can’t say enough about the bar and the resort. If you are on the Big Island, try to make a stop at this iconic hotel where families have been coming for generations to connect and unwind.

Mauna Kea Mule

4 oz. Ginger Beer

1 1/2 oz. Vodka

3 each Limes

Splash of Club Soda

 Directions:

Fill a Copper mug with ice.

Pour Ginger Beer and Vodka over ice.

Squeeze (3) limes in mug.

Stir gently and add splash of club soda.

Garnish with a lime wedge and ginger candy.

Enjoy!