A life list. Have you ever written one?
If you have, you know how difficult it is.
Maybe at the ripe old age of 28 I’ve simply done it all (sarcastic eye roll). But in all honesty, I like the person I’m becoming each day. I like that I try to be intentional about my life and my work, and when John and I say we want to do something we actually try and do it. I like that we spend every new year’s eve talking about the people we are and the people we want to become.
ZICO recently offered to send us some of their coconut water and challenged me to come up with my own life list.
Until recently, I’ve been weary of coconut water and hadn’t found one I truly enjoyed. However, I was seriously impressed at how natural and fresh ZICO tasted. Not too sweet and no strange aftertaste. I especially enjoyed their Chocolate Coconut Water, infused with coconut cream and cocoa powder (hubba hubba). Consider me a new fan.
I love that ZICO is all about “cracking life open” (as you would a coconut), or living your everyday life in a more adventurous and meaningful way.
We’re all about that. ‘Life is short’ has always been one of my favorite sayings, so I found this the perfect opportunity to set some new goals for myself and start crossing things off.
Here’s 8 things I’d like to work on:
- Try something new with photography each month (new styling, lighting, color scheme, etc.)
- Spend 5 minutes in prayer/meditation every morning
- Invite a friend out to coffee twice a month
- Plan more fun, intentional dates with John (at least 1 per month)
- Complete a long distance bike ride (20+ miles)
- Work on learning a new trade (graphic design?)
- Go indoor rock climbing
- Work on publishing a cookbook
On the topic of life is short, summer is almost over! Ahhhh. Let this cocktail be one last celebration of warmer weather, relaxed schedules and vacations galore.
It requires just 4 ingredients, is naturally sweetened with coconut water, and has the perfect amount of tart from fresh lime. Mmmm – summer in a glass.
Last but not least, I challenge you to think of something on your “everyday life” list to cross off soon – maybe even before summer ends! If you do, take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker and #CrackLifeOpen on Instagram!
Tune back in next month to see which one of my items I cross off. Any guesses?
Coconut Gin and Tonics
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 2 ounces coconut water
- 2 ounces tonic water
- 1/2 medium lime, juiced (1/2 lime yields ~1-2 Tbsp)
- Fresh mint or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Add ice to a serving glass and top with lime juice, gin, tonic water, and coconut water.
- Stir and garnish with fresh mint or basil (optional). Multiply the amount of ingredients per person, or simply repeat recipe for more drinks.
Notes
Nutrition (1 of 1 servings)
*This post was sponsored by ZICO Premium Coconut Water and Zico’s newest campaign “Crack Life Open.” As always, all opinions are our own. Thank you supporting the brands that support Minimalist Baker.
andrea says
Hi,
Great recipe – smooth and delicious. Can you please let me know where you got the glasses the cocktails were served in? Love them and can’t seem to find them.
Thanks so much!
Rosalyn says
Introduce tu correo electrónico si quieres recibir ofertas interesantes
de préstamos.
creditos rapidos
Fredrick says
creditos rapidos y seguros
Yulia says
The list is a great idea and you inspired me to write my own list! I would add to mine to try at least 2 new recipes per week… And your drink would be definitely a new recipe trial this weekend.. Would I have Gin in the house I would probably have already the shaker in my hand instead of writing these lines ^^
Heather says
Love your life list! Indoor rock climbing is awesome and you totally have to try it! (Besides, it looks to be about the easiest thing on your list :)
Katie says
Okayyyyy now you’re really speaking my language :)
Connie says
That looks absolutely refreshing!
Anya says
This is like combining my memories of Spain and my memories of the Caribbean in one.
Let’s do this!
tammy thiele says
These look like the perfect drink to cap of the Labor Day weekend with! And I would be willing to try Zico based on your review…
And I do hope the cookbook is in the future! You know you have a fan in me!
Thanks Tammy!
hippymomelizabeth says
Ok I don’t drink if I do it is really embarrassing(me), and I get violently sick and …..(haha),. I cannot do coffee either it almost gives me seizures. I just cant handle it. either. Well I still like your drink because it reminds me of my childhood when I could drink. Does that sound right? Have a good day Ive obviously said enough… Lovin you post a lot…Peace
Tessa | Salted Plains says
You just took the G&T to a whole new level of awesomeness! Great idea! If you’re looking for a place to climb in KC, Ibex is a fun place to try.
Millie | Add A Little says
This looks amazing! I’m normally not into coconut water, but I have to try this as it sounds amazing!
Also, I HOPE you publish a cookbook!!! It would be amazing!
chels says
Yo. Drinking a G&T as we speak. My sister and I like to say we drink G&T’s without the T.
My current life goal is to make a coconut G&T. I love when I have all the fixin’s.
cheers!
Chris says
What a wonderful post. You two seem like such neat folks. Came for the recipes, stayed for the bloggers :)
Ah, thanks Chris!
Shikha @ Shikha la mode says
I actually have a hidden page on my blog that has my Life List written out, and I go and look at it once a month to see how I’ve been doing. It’s so nice to have, and very motivating!
Great idea! I like to keep a monthly goal list and check back in. Putting it up on your blog makes it so much more official though! I’m sure it’s helped you stay more accountable :D
Kendra says
I think you had me sold with Coconut and Gin :) Ive never tried a “life list” but is sounds really interesting and I think Ill have to give it a go
Please do! And feel free to check back and share what you came up with. I think it’s fun to do it in a community setting :D
brita says
A lot of coco waters are too sweet for me but I LOVE Zico!
And I love this list. I agree with the above comments that I really hope you cross the cookbook off of your list as I already can’t wait to get it. My husband bikes a lot but I don’t go with him as often as I should. I think the furthest I’ve ever ridden is about 20 miles.
Glad you enjoy Zico as well! It really is a solid product.
Thanks for the kind encouragement on the cookbook! We will keep you all in formed if we move forward on it!
20 miles is impressive! That’s a starter goal for me. It seems so unattainable at this point but John is such a good cyclist that I know I’d be in good hands beside him :D Hope you’re able to get out and ride more often together!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I’ve had a chocolate coconut water from Zico in my fridge since May and I’ve been so scared to try it due to a previous bad experience w/ a different coconut water brand. I think you’ve sold me. I’m gonna open up that bad boy this weekend.
DO IT! You really will fall in love. So good! And I have had multiple bad experiences with coconut waters in general before. I really think you’ll like it, Kelli!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I tried it this morning & it tasted just like chocolate milk! :) I ended up using almost all of it in oatmeal flour waffles. You should try it! So good!
Chelsie says
Haha I do the same thing with Vodka! So good… will have to try it sometime with gin…
Smart lady! I’ll have to give that a try next time :D
Patti says
I am hoping the first item to cross off the list is Cookbook- I have recommended your site and recipes to so many people looking to get healthy and start adding Vegan recipes to their life. Very easy for first timers. You bring a great sense of humor and style to your blog also!
Personally, I have a binder of your recipes that I have printed out but would gladly buy the book for myself and all of my family! Good luck!
Patti! What a kind thing to say. Thank you so much. We always love hearing from readers, and it’s especially helpful when you let us know what you’d like to see from us! We will be working on a cookbook in the future. Stay tuned!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I am guessing you will cross of the cookbook item on your list. And if not, then you definitely should. Any cookbook of yours would be great!
Ah, thanks Hannah! We absolutely hope to!
Lauren @ alovelysideproject.com says
These look so refreshing. Love all of the goal talk. Set goals, then work hard. I am attempting to do the same, while also trying to knock procrastination out of my life. It’s a tough battle. Currently reading: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield (which is all about this topic).
Have a great holiday!
Lauren, that’s a great goal. I haven’t heard of that book! Are you liking it? I have been using the Storyline Day Planner (page 15) to better prioritize my work days to align with my overall life goals/vision. I find it a helpful tool!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven says
Cheers to these G+Ts! And I like your life list. If you haven’t already considered it, the Katy Trail is an awesome place for a long (and very flat) bike ride if you want to get out of town a bit. :)
Ooh, thanks for the tip lady! Perhaps we will give that a go when the weather cools down a bit. If you have a bike, you should join!
Elyse says
Gin and tonic is my drink and I would never have thought to add coconut wat to it- hmmm, very interesting! Thank you for the inspiration, now off to sip a drink and make a new life list!
Let us know how you like it, Elyse!
Holly @ TheVeryHungryBlonde says
I have my bottle of gin, I’m ready to go!
Meaghan says
An item on my life list: Take Dana to the climbing gym. And work towards climbing outside. ;)
How’s about Monday!? ;D
molly yeh says
i once read that coconut water is good to drink on a hangover, so i’m going to go ahead and assume that i can have six of these and not be hungover the next morning :) hehehehe. i love all the things on your life list!!!! yeah, indoor rock climbing! so much fun. i used to live near a rock climbing gym that had this amazing ethiopian restaurant nearby… climbing + ethiopian food = WIN.
Haha, nice! It sounds like my friend Meaghan is already roping me into joining her this coming Monday at her gym. Super looking forward to it. Also, that GUMMY BEAR SANGRIA?! You kidding me?!! You’re my hero.
jenna @ just j.faye says
What fantastic summer cocktail! I love using coconut water in my drinks. I feel like it helps me stay hydrated? I really like the idea of creating a life list, maybe I’ll create my own. Best of luck ticking through yours!
Thanks Jenna! I hope you do create your own! It’s been a really helpful process for me so far! I’m ticking off one today, and another Monday!
Katie @ Daily Cup of Kate says
Oh yum! I love gin and tons and definitely will be trying this out!
Gin and tons. That’s what I should’ve called these. ;D
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
I think life lists are fun! And inviting a friend for coffee twice a month sounds great to me. Orrrrr for afternoon drinks like this! Love the recipe :)
Clementine Buttercup says
Gin and tonic is my tipple of choice in the summer. This variation sounds good
I like the idea of a life list. We do a year list every NYE as a couple. We make a list of ten and include things like visiting farflung friends, climbing a particular number of mountains, etc. The list changes every year and it’s always a surprise at the end of the year when we realise that we’ve ticked almost everything off the list!
So fun to do as a couple, no? I always look forward to our NYE talks. Sounds like you guys have a lovely tradition as well! Cheers!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
This look like a perfect Labor Day weekend poolside drink!
AGREED! Hope you get to enjoy both this weekend!
Sarah | The Sugar Hit says
Coconut water G&T? DON’T MIND IF I DO!
I’d so drink one of these with you. You know, cuz, you’re like super cool and one of my food blogging heroes.
Sarah | The Sugar Hit says
OK, well this is my food blogging career made. Prepare yourself because I’m on my way to the airport to have a Coconut G&T with MY FOOD BLOGGING HERO!
(I’m not really on the way. but you’re definitely my hero)
sassy says
I can’t wait to try this, but I use an organic coconut water. Zico isn’t exactly great coconut water. Try coco libre organic coconut water, it’s way better and healthier than zico.