Mint Lemonade
In our home, we mostly drink water, and on some occasions, coffee or tea. The only time our glasses hold anything different is when I make this Kompot, Mors or a refreshing, delightful lemonade or iced tea.
Since I really like the smell and taste of citrus, it’s no surprise that Lemonade is at the top of my list of beverages. It also doesn’t involve any cooking, which is why it’s a great everyday option. However, everywhere I’ve tried it, it’s way too sweet. One of the biggest advantages of making things at home is that you have complete control over what goes in there. You can add more or less sugar or lemons.
The addition of mint is absolutely divine. It transforms the Lemonade from ordinary to something incredible. The taste is so refreshing and bright, just like a beverage should be. This isn’t really a recipe but a method, and you can adjust it to your taste buds as much as you like.
Ingredients:
3-4 lemons
large handful of mint
water
Simple syrup:
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup sugar
I made this in a pitcher that holds 2 1/2 quarts of liquid.
Instructions:
Start by making the syrup.
Is this necessary? No, but it makes it much easier. The ratio of sugar and water is usually 1 part sugar: 1 part water, or even 2 parts sugar: 1 part water, but I don’t like things to be too sweet, so this is my preference. Dissolve the sugar in boiling water. You can also combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring it to a boil on the stove. The point is to dissolve the sugar.
It is much easier to add a syrup to the lemonade than to try to dissolve sugar crystals in ice cold water.
I like to add some mint to the syrup as well. Steeping the mint in the hot syrup will extract even more mint flavor than just adding it to the lemonade.
You can also make a large amount of simple syrup and store it in the refrigerator and making Lemonade will be even easier.
Squeeze the juice of 3-4 lemons into a pitcher.
You can also use limes or oranges if you’d like. I use whatever I have in my fruit bowl at the moment.
Using a vegetable peeler, peel off thin layers of the lemon zest and add it to the pitcher.
You can also slice 1/2-1 lemon.
The lemon peel has oils in it which are extremely aromatic. Take advantage of it and add it to the Lemonade. Without the lemon peel, your drink will taste blah. Add another handful of mint to the pitcher. Fill the pitcher with water, remembering to leave a little room for the syrup.
Stir in the syrup, mix to combine and enjoy.
The longer the Mint Lemonade stands, the more flavorful it becomes. If you’re not going to drink it in an hour or two, discard the mint and lemon peel. The mint will become brown and the lemon peel will give your Lemonade a bitter note. Keep a pitcher of Mint Lemonade in your refrigerator and you will make your family very happy this spring and summer.
- 3-4 lemons
- large handful of mint
- water
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup sugar
- I made this in a pitcher that holds 2½ quarts of liquid.
- Start by making the syrup. Dissolve the sugar in boiling water. You can also combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring it to a boil on the stove. The point is to dissolve the sugar. It is much easier to add a syrup to the lemonade than to try to dissolve sugar crystals in ice cold water.
- I like to add some mint to the syrup as well. Steeping the mint in the hot syrup will extract even more mint flavor than just adding it to the lemonade. You can also make a large amount of simple syrup and store it in the refrigerator and making Lemonade will be even easier.
- Squeeze the juice of 3-4 lemons into a pitcher. You can also use limes or oranges if you'd like.
- Using a vegetable peeler, peel off thin layers of the lemon zest and add it to the pitcher. You can also slice ½-1 lemon.A
- Add another handful of mint to the pitcher.
- Fill the pitcher with water, remembering to leave a little room for the syrup. Stir in the syrup, mix to combine and enjoy.
- The longer the Mint Lemonade stands, the more flavorful it becomes. If you're not going to drink it in an hour or two, discard the mint and lemon peel. The mint will become brown and the lemon peel will give your Lemonade a bitter note. Keep a pitcher of Mint Lemonade in your refrigerator and you will make your family very happy this summer.
Theresa
I love lemon and mint! I will be trying this soon thanks, for sharing.
Snow
Wow! I always love to have a glass of water with lemon but I never had the idea of putting mint. Mint is one of my favorite herbs and it grows right in our garden! Thanks so much for this idea!
olgak7
My sister-in-law gave me this idea. We’ve been hooked ever since.
natasha
Good idea Olga :))
jenny
Instead of sugar try adding honey! It tastes amazing!! Love this drink, its so refreshing!!
Piyush Agarwal
That definitely looks refreshing. In this heat mint and lime are the best combination. I also am a fan of this quick mint mojito recipe – http://onlyveg.us/how-to-make-virgin-mint-mojito-in-under-5mins/
Quite a thirst quencher.
Ella-Home Cooking Adventure
Love lemonades, this sounds very good:)
Busy Mom
Hi, thanks for the yummy minty lemonade recipe! My family enjoyed it. And I love the pictures you’ve posted! Here is a link to my blog post, if you’d like to read (although my pictures are not nearly as pleasing to the eye :)): http://busymomrecipes.com/drink/hint-of-mint-lemonade/
olgak7
Thank you for sharing your pictures.
I’m glad your family enjoyed the Mint Lemonade. It’s a staple in our home all the time.
Emi
This recipe is genius and so delicious!! Thank you so much for sharing it! I will definitely use it in the future.
olgak7
Thank you, Emi:). It’s a staple for us at almost any party.