labor day weekend is generally the summer cut-off, the weekend before school starts, and before summer fridays end. but i think a lot of us forget that the late summer season is still hanging around for nearly the entirety of september, so i'm not hanging up on summer yet - no squash, or pumpkin, or spiced baked goods just yet for me. i'm still savoring the mounds of green goods at the market, the vast array of ripe tomatoes, and the mighty harvest of peppers and potatoes. but by far this time of year is my absolute favorite as far as late summer fruit. the lavendar-lilac tones of figs, grapes, and plums make my eyes sore in the best way. they can be almost too sweet sometimes, but when paired with something to balance it out, be it savory, or in this case some acidity, it all makes complete sense.

with help from the lovely folks at Sanpellegrino, i made you all a beverage for your picnic, get-together, or labpr day party needs. Sanpellegrino Sparkling Fruit Beverages offers so many lovely citrus flavors, (my favorite growing up was their aranciata [orange] flavor) including the flavor i'm highlighting here: pompelmo, or grapefruit. it has such a wonderful zippy flavor, a perfect thirst-quencher for a these hot, late summer days! and with all this beautiful late summer bounty, i thought i would muddle some additional flavors in there for some fun! this is a wonderful balance of sweet grapes to tart grapefruit, and then there's a good amount of crushed mint leaves to freshen it up and give the drinks a subtle herb-y note. i love having a non-alcoholic recipe on hand especially on long weekends when friends or family come over, i never know who's got an allergy or who is expecting a little one - but if you're into an alcoholic version i've got you covered in the notes below ;)

happy weekend, and happy late summer! <3

*this post is sponsored by Sanpellegrino Fruit Beverages. beverages and compensation provided by Sanpellegrino. all opinions are my own.

grapefruit + lime-grape cooler w/ crushed mint

this drink would be perfect with a splash of vodka, a good gin (preferably not a gin that screams christmas in your mouth), or perhaps a good dry white wine. i would add just a splash to the amounts indicated below, or to taste.

| makes 8-10 servings |

lime-grape concentrate

8 ounces seedless grapes (roughly 1 1/2 cups)
juice from 1 lime

coolers

1 cup seedless grapes
1 bunch mint
ice cubes
2 cans (each 11.15 oz) Sanpellegrino pompelmo beverage
1 cup grape + lime concentrate
mint flowers or mint leaves, for serving
frozen grapes, for serving

method

for the concentrate

in a blender, blend together the grapes and lime juice until completely broken down, about 30 seconds. place a fine mesh sieve (or cheesecloth) over a clean bowl; pour the juice into the sieve and use the back of a spoon to press the juice through. pour juice into a lidded jar and refrigerate until ready to use. juice can be stored for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

for the coolers

place a few grapes and 4-5 mint leaves in a small 8 ounce glass, use a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon to crush the grapes and bruise the mint. fill the glass halfway with ice cubes and add 2.5 ounces of Sanpellegrino pompelmo beverage (roughly 5 tablespoons), and 1.5 ounces lime-grape concentrate (roughly 2 tablespoons), give a gentle stir and top with mint flowers and frozen grapes.
repeat process for additional drinks.

enjoy :)