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.