For most of the summer I've been thinking about these homemade sippy cups. Aren't they just perfect? I love how something so simple turned mason jars into cute party cups for kids. I've been wanting to do it myself, but just couldn't commit to re-fashioning all those lids with spray paint and holes. I would have to have space just for those cups, or new lids for the jars.
Instead I decided to make a paper lid for my jars. One that is interchangeable and can be customized for whatever event you may be hosting. Using spray adhesive, I attached pretty paper to parchment paper for a little stabilizing and waterproofing, and then I traced the mason jar lid around the paper and cut a piece to place inside the rim. Using a hole punch, I made a slot for the straw to slip through.
Once the drinks are finished, the fancy tops can be recycled and my party cups go back to being good old mason jars. Now, the drink you see inside is just a lovely as the vessel it's sipped from.
I have a favourite antique market, which we try to frequent once a month over the course of the summer and early Fall. Last weekend, I happened to pick-up 10 back issue of Cooks Illustrated for $2. A great bargain, if you ask me. On the car ride home, my nose was buried in the pages as I learned all about the proper way to make lemonade.
Did you know, the taste of this beverage is so much better if you mash the citrus, as opposed to juicing it. And you don't need to make a simple syrup in order for the sugar to dissolve? Brilliant, really.
The idea is that you thinly slice the lemons (or limes!), add the sugar and place everything in pot. For 3-4 minutes, crush the mixture with a potato masher. This will release the oils and flavour from the skin, as well as the insides. The sugar will dissolve in the process, and you'll find yourself left with a syrupy substance.
Strain the entire thing through a fine mesh sieve, and add cold water and a few berries, if you desire. It couldn't be easier and the taste is one that's much more pure than when I've made this drink following the traditional method of making it.
Mashed Limeade (makes 2 glasses)
- 3 limes, outsides washed and scrubbed
- 3-5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 cups cold water
Once the limes have been washed well, trim off the ends and slice thinly.
Place the limes in a pot and cover with the sugar (how much you use depends on how sweet you like your drink)
Using a potato masher, crush the mixture repeatedly for 3-4 minutes, or until a thick syrup rests at the bottom of the pot.
Strain the mixture in a fine mesh sieve set over a glass measuring cup, or bowl, using the back of a spoon to press down on the solids in order to get all of the liquid.
Chill the syrup, add the cold water and shake well.
Divide between two glasses and garnish with fresh berries and a slice of lime.
I love this! The jars and the yummy drink! :)
Posted by: Katrinaskitchen | 08/11/2011 at 08:52 AM
Are those paper straws? If so, can you tell me the brand and where you get them? I've been looking for paper straws for a while and haven't been able to find them without having to buy a box of 2000!
Posted by: Ann | 08/11/2011 at 12:25 PM
Hi Ann - They are paper straws! I bought mine at a Japanese paper supply shop here in Toronto. I think there are 120 in the box, and it was $6. I might suggest trying Etsy.com for them or even ebay for smaller quantities. The brand I bought was Kikkerland.
Posted by: Jan Scott | 08/11/2011 at 08:35 PM
Oh my goodness, too cute!! What a great idea.
Posted by: Paula | 08/12/2011 at 12:54 AM
Good Morning...This is such a "cool" idea! I LoVe Limeades...I get them at our local Sonic. But, I have them add cranberry and cherry..they are wonderful! I definately will have to try making my "own" this way! Thanks, for your research...I can't wait to try it! Have a GREAT Day!
Posted by: h2ogardenlady | 08/12/2011 at 11:30 AM
I love these awesome sippy cups. Terrific idea with the dinosaur paper lids.
I am a bit leary of mashing citrus. Tried it once with Sangria and it was terribly bitter.
I will try again and see how it goes.
Posted by: Pat | 08/13/2011 at 04:55 PM
So brilliant... love the "mashed' limeade!!
Posted by: Julie | 08/14/2011 at 05:12 PM
The best book I've read this summer is Man's Search For Meaning. I've never read it before, and I thought it was amazing.
Posted by: company logo design | 08/27/2011 at 04:18 AM
Love these. Yummy, healthy, cute, and looks like even I could do it. I am going to make these for my little guy's party. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Bevin - Kippo Kids | 02/07/2012 at 12:42 PM