June has been a really hectic month full of changes. I left a job where I had been at for 8 1/2 years, and I started a new job that I’m really thrilled about. As much as I’m super excited about this new opportunity, I am sad to leave my previous job and my work friends–many of them are like a second family. I don’t like change, it’s really difficult for me to get used to new things. Thankfully, the transition has been relatively easy. But I had never imagined how stressful the whole thing would be.
On a happier note, I’m off on vacation to Panama to spend time with friends and family. I’ve made zero plans. There is something liberating about having a completely open schedule. I’m usually a planner–I plan everything. However, all the other things in my life took precedence over planning a vacation.
It’s been really hot in DC in the past few weeks. I’m not a soda drinker, but sometimes I just want something carbonated and refreshing. I’ve been making this “lychee soda” with fresh lychees and sparkling water. It’s very easy: peel and pit lychees, place the flesh of the fruit in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Sometimes it’s nice to keep it a bit chunky so that you have pieces of lychee in the drink. I usually add about an inch of lychee puree to a glass, and then top it with sparkling water. Save some lychees to add as a garnish. If you can’t find fresh lychees, you can used canned. They come canned in syrup. The syrup is great for sweetening the drink if you like things a bit sweeter.
Substitute the sparkling water with sparkling wine for a delicious brunch drink.
One Vanilla Bean 
Congratulations on the new job, and wishing you a wonderful vacation! Thank you for this fabulous timely recipe! With lychees in season, and summer starting to heat up, lychee soda is just perfect!
I like to drink ginger ale.