Drinks

Mint Lemonade

A cool, lightly sweetened lemonade brightened with fresh mint and served chilled. The lemon juice is balanced with a simple syrup so the drink tastes clean, refreshing, and not overly sharp.

Ingredients

• Fresh lemons4 medium
• Fresh mint leaves12 to 15 leaves
• Cold water2 cups
• Sugar3 tbsp
• Ice cubes1 cup
• Salt1 pinch
• Mint sprigs, for garnish2
• Lemon slices, for garnish2

Method

1. Rinse the mint leaves and lemons well.
2. Make a simple syrup by heating the sugar with 2 tablespoons water in a small pan until the sugar dissolves, then cool slightly.
3. Juice the lemons into a jug, straining out the seeds.
4. Lightly bruise 8 to 10 mint leaves between your palms or with a mortar and pestle to release the aroma, then add them to the jug.
5. Pour in the cooled syrup, cold water, and a pinch of salt, then stir well.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness with a little more sugar syrup or lemon juice if needed.
7. Add ice cubes and garnish with the remaining mint and lemon slices.
8. Serve immediately while very cold.