For me, I love a good cocktail inspiration. Honestly, who can resist a story behind a drink?

I am currently loving Campari’s short film, The Legend of Red Hand- it’s the latest installment of Campari Red Diaries, an annual series of short films focused on the notion that “every cocktail tells a story”. Aside from the cocktails, the fashion scorches the screen with vivid reds and blush tones on the stunning Zoe Saldana who plays Mia Parc, a charismatic photographer in pursuit of the perfect cocktail. Naturally, the glamour doesn’t stop at the edge of the screen, with Zoe lighting up the red carpet with a fiery Alberta Ferretti red satin gown at the premiere of the film in Milan. Gorgeous!

Drawing inspiration from the on-screen styles and Zoe’s premiere gown I wanted to create a drink that emulated her old Hollywood style but was easy to craft for a viewing party and/or brunch with friends.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Brita at Target for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

After a couple of weeks of putting my Brita stream to good use I decided it was time to get creative and put together a recipe or two inspired by my new kitchen essential. Obviously water had to be the main ingredient, so I brainstormed on favorite recipes of mine that featured water. Uh, lemonade obviously, especially with spring just around the corner. Next, fruit ice cubes. These are perfect for little (or big) ones that don't necessarily love the way water tastes and need a some incentive to get that daily intake quota. Throw them together and voila! Pretty, spring flavored goodness with fresh filtered water from the Brita Stream Pitcher. 

To put it together, I started things off with the ice cubes. They're super simple to make, so little guys and girls can lend a hand. I wanted to keep the ice cube flavors in theme with the lemonade so I went for strawberry, basil and lemon ice cubes. Easy and flavorful with or without the lemonade. They definitely were a colorful touch to my water and they were actually really good, who knew?! The Brita Stream was kind of a lifesaver when it came to making these because of the controlled pour top.  Easier to get the water in the tray and not on the counter with that little guy.

Fruit Ice Cubes

Silicone Ice Trays

Water

Sliced Fruit of Choice - I used Lemon, Strawberry and Basil 

First slice up the fruit into bite sized pieces so they can fit easily into the trays. 

Add the fruit slices and herbs. I alternated between flavors. Some with just one fruit and some with a mix of the two. I suggest keeping it simple instead of overpowering your taste buds. 

Cover with water. 

Freeze until solid. I went ahead and let them set overnight. 

Pop them out of the tray and into your favorite drink for a little extra oomph! 

Next: the lemonade. Since we had a pretty decent sized surplus of fresh basil in the house I wanted to incorporate it and knew that it would go great with the lemons. Although I still felt like something was missing; thus, the addition of strawberries. The three together are actually kind of amazing, and this belongs on your spring recipe list. It's ridiculously refreshing. 

Strawberry Basil Lemonade (Yields 4 Servings)

4 Cups of Water

1/4 C White Sugar or 1/3 C of Honey

Juice of 1-2 lemons

Fresh basil

Strawberries, sliced 

Lemon, sliced for garnish

In a small sauce pan, combine 1 cup of water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stir to dissolve sugar and then let cool. 

In a pitcher, add the remaining water, lemon juice, and syrup. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Add basil, sliced strawberries and lemons. Muddle together if desired. 

Serve chilled with fruit ice cubes and spring sunshine. 

Don't forget to check out the Brita Stream Pitcher, now Available at Target .

Lemonade, it's a classic favorite and immediately takes me back to summers in the yard sipping down giant cups full of the beverage with my little brother. It's one of those nostalgic drinks that can transport you to a simpler time in your life. I mean, lemonade stands? We all had them. It's still my drink of choice during the warmer months, but my most recent thought is why can't we add it to fall and winter season fare as well? Turns out, we can! And I made it happen with the help of Tropicana® Original Lemonade (they also have Tangerine Lemonade, which sounds amazing). As someone who grew up near the Tropicana® plant in Florida they've always been my brand of choice, so it was an obvious fit for partnering on this recipe. #MixedWithTrop

As far as crafting the recipe goes, my initial thought was a cocktail would be the best way to add a grown-up spin on lemonade but later decided that it would be even better if I could share the same feeling that lemonade brings me with the boys. Thus a winter mocktail was born. *Feel free to add a shot of vodka or spiced rum to the recipe to elevate girl's night get-togethers or holiday parties. It would absolutely make for a vibrant cocktail.

Now, when I think of fall and winter I immediately think of the fruits of the season: cranberries and oranges. You can find them in abundance and they'll likely end up in some form or another on your Thanksgiving table this month with some of your other staples. The oranges are a sweet citrus while the cranberries add a hearty tart flavor, making them the ideal additions to lemonade. Mix them together for a colorful, flavorful concoction that will have you convinced lemonade is no longer reserved for Spring and Summer.

Winter Cranberry Orange Lemonade (Serves 6)

1 59 oz. bottle Tropicana® Lemonade

1 12 oz. bottle of Tropicana® Cranberry Cocktail

1 cup of fresh cranberries, whole and halved

2 large oranges, sliced

In a pitcher add fruit and lemonade. Stir. Add cranberry cocktail.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. I left mine for a couple of hours to let the flavors soak into the fruit and vice versa.

Garnish with orange halves and cranberries. Serve chilled.