When I was in college there was a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream store not far from campus. We didn’t go all that often but I have to admit that every time I was in there I was puzzled by one of the items on the menu, the Sorbet Splash. As a fervent ice cream lover I could not imagine why on earth someone would order sorbet mixed with seltzer water when there were so many rich and delicious ice creams to choose from. (If you wanted to order a frozen drink at least make it respectable like a milkshake!) Well it seems that my tastes have grownup quite a bit because now I understand exactly why someone would order a sorbet splash. I might even order one myself, if the opportunity presented itself. I now appreciate how a cool and refreshing treat that isn’t heavy like ice cream or a milkshake might just be the perfect indulgence. Especially if it is a good balance of sweet and tart. That’s not to say that I don’t still have a healthy appreciation for ice cream and the like, but there is a time and place for everything. On a hot summer’s day I can’t think of a better way to cool off than with a cold frosty drink. Even a sorbet splash.

Perhaps it is because I am in my third trimester of pregnancy, but now that the weather has warmed up I find myself constantly dreaming up frozen drinks of all kinds. This rhubarb sorbet spritzer is my newest iteration of the frozen drink theme that I’m sure will show up frequently on this blog throughout the summer. It is the perfect way to cool off whether you are at a Memorial Day picnic  with friends or just sitting in the backyard after school trying to keep the kids from trampling the blueberry bushes as they play soccer (is that just me?). This drink is more of a suggestion than a recipe because it can be customized based on individual tastes. I don’t like things too sweet so I preferred my spritzer made with half lemonade and half seltzer to keep the sweetness down. It I had been more ambitious I would have made my own lightly sweetened lemonade instead of using store-bought  and that would have helped with the sweetness, but this is supposed to be a quick refreshing treat not a whole big process so the store-bought lemonade mixed with seltzer is the perfect compromise. If you don’t happen to have rhubarb sorbet on hand strawberry sorbet would be lovely too, it just might be a bit sweeter. No matter how you make this drink, the lovely pink color and refreshing crisp cool taste will make you feel like you are on a mini vacation, even if it is just for long enough to finish sipping.