OK, here comes the Fourth of July, the heat, fireworks, independence, food and drink.  We here offer “all things Inspirational” and inspiration comes in all sizes – large, small, heavy and light.  This one’s light.  So sit down, put your feet up, have the butler pour you a cool one, and take the load off.

Some things in life are so simple that, yes, they are inspired.  I found one years ago that gets me through the summer.  I like iced tea with lots of lemon to balance the sweet.  Here’s a recipe for a no-cal drink that’s super easy to make without the no-cal taste and totally refreshing.

I use Crystal Light Natural Lemon Iced Tea and Crystal Light Natural Lemonade – you know, the kind that comes in those little 2” plastic canisters.  If ya’ don’t have a butler, just rip the top off one of each yourself, pour them both into a 1 gallon jug and add water.  Stir and serve with ice and a tall glass.

You don’t even have to cut up those messy lemons – the lemony flavor being just right from the lemonade.  I’ve heard this called an Arnold Palmer, but to me it’s just a Half n’ Half – half iced tea and half lemonade.  Now I didn’t say it was an original, but I do feel that I’ve refined the process down to its basic simplicity.

And people just love it.  They’re always saying, “Well, Pete, I think I’ll have a little more of that iced tea.”

Another plus: That jug can sit in the back of the fridge while you’re away for that 2 week vacation and taste exactly the same when you return as when you first made it.  It doesn’t spoil or get stale or go flat.  It just sits there and quietly whispers, “Drink me, drink me.”

You can also, of course, use any of the powdered iced tea/lemonade brands; they all work – just do it half n’ half.  I just prefer the Crystal Light brand cause it’s the simplest and it don’t make ya’ fat.

Also great for the kids as a replacement for those sugary colas that make ‘em go zoomin’ to the moon.

Oh yes, it’s also very inexpensive.  What’s to lose?  It’s an inspired drink guaranteed to cool you down and make you feel a bit patriotic.  It’s as American as iced tea and lemonade.