Nothing reminds us more of the end of summer than Labor Day weekend. Everybody strives to have that one last cookout or road trip before we trade in our swim suits for boots err’day. Even though I’m really excited for the fall, I still have a warm (actually hot, really hot) place in my heart for summer. I think the best way to let go of summer and prepare your mind for the next season is to commemorate your summer time.
For me, this means sharing some of my photos from my summer vacation to Merida, Mexico. Steamy, green and surrounded by Cenotes, the Yucatan is very unlike the rest of the country. You feel as if you’ve stepped into another time period with the truly beautiful architecture and culture. Leave behind the idea of typical ‘Mexican Food’ when you travel there- the cuisine is completely on its own. This is where my drink inspiration comes from today! But before I get to that refreshing summer goodie, let me share a little about the trip.
Merida is a beautiful city. I loved the food, the history and the swimming holes, but I especially enjoyed the architecture. As in many parts of the world, it was fascinating to see how the wealthy hacienda owners lived at one point.
What’s crazy is to think that beautiful houses such as the one above would have to be abandoned during difficult times!
Of course, now owned by the city they’ve been turned into hotels, banks and museums. That’s okay since that means more people like me get to enjoy them.
I also loved finding those houses that were practically crumbling from the outside- but with completely renovated insides, even fitted with high speed internet!
As we know, no todo lo que es oro brilla 🙂
My parents had to stop me from wanting to purchase a house on every street corner. I’d gladly take a little place like this one though… 
Merida the white (as it was named long ago) is actually a city of many colors and inspirations. Of course the Mayan culture is prevalent- but tons of people from around the world travel to the small city.
It’s magnificent during the summer months (although hotter than you can imagine) and it thrives on tourism- so there is something to do or see every night.
If you ever get the chance to go to the Yucatan, I highly recommend stopping for a few days in Merida. Cancun is only three hours away with the famous Chichen Itza pyramid right in between. You can also visit the beach in Progresso or go to Celestum one hour away to see the flamingos.
OK! Now onto that drink. We’re keeping the month’s theme with a refreshing say-bye-to-summer juice drink I’ve affectionately named Yu-kale-tan Juice 🙂 Oh, I’m clever… hehehe.
Inspired by my trip to Merida- this refresher uses Kale, unlike the traditional drink that uses the Chaya leaf. Very popular in Merida, the Chaya leaf is used in many aguas frescas or fresh water fruit drinks. Said to have superfood properties, it keeps you very hydrated- which is perfect in a place as hot and steamy as Merida.
Since I couldn’t find that leaf here, I went ahead and used another superfood leaf- Kale! All hail the kale.
Here’s what you’ll need:
[list][list_item icon=”fa--heart-o“]1 cup chopped Kale[/list_item][list_item icon=”fa-heart-o“”]1 cup cubed pineapple[/list_item][list_item icon=”fa-heart-o“”]1 cup of fresh orange juice[/list_item][list_item icon=”fa-heart-o“”]Carbonated water[/list_item][/list]
To make this easy recipe- simply blend the pineapple, kale, and orange juice in the blender.
Then, fill a glass with half carbonated water and half the juice for that fizzy feel- or drink the juice as is! You can also add still water.
Refreshing and good for you, this is one summer drink that you can make all year round! What’s funny is that this is the basic of the basics in kale smoothie recipes! Who knew that the Chaya leaf was being used in exact same way!?
Now, whip up a few of these and have a great Labor Day!
