Patrick Markby makes an easy syrup from Driscoll's strawberries, lime and mint, to mix with sparkling water. Be sure to buy an extra package of berries for garnish and so the cook can sample while preparing the syrup. Keep the syrup on hand in the refrigerator for coolers on demand!

• 1/4 lb. Driscoll's strawberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 whole lime zest
• 1 Tbs. lime juice
• 3/4 sprig fresh mint
• 1/2 cup strawberry syrup
• 4 cups chilled sparkling water, or seltzer
• 4 wedges or slices lime
• ice cubes
• 4 sprigs fresh mint
• 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. Driscoll's strawberries

To prepare syrup (first 6 ingredients): Rinse, drain, hull and halve berries into a medium bowl and set aside. In medium saucepan, combine sugar, water and lime juice and boil for 2 minutes. Add berries and bring mixture back to boiling. Stir in mint and lime zest. Cover and let stand 10 minutes. Strain, without crushing or pressing. Cover and chill.

To prepare each cooler: Pour syrup into tall glass. Add water and squeeze of lime along with lime wedge or slice and ice cubes. Garnish with mint and a whole Driscoll’s berry.

Per serving: calories 61, fat 0.2g, 2% calories from fat, cholesterol 0mg, protein 0.3g, carbohydrates 15.8g, fiber 1.0g, sugar 14.3g, sodium 9mg, diet points 1.5.

Dietary Exchanges: Milk: 0.0, Vegetable: 0.0, Fruit: 0.2, Bread: 0.0, Lean meat: 0.0, Fat: 0.0, Sugar: 0.8, Very lean meat protein: 0.0

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