Description
This Fresh Mint Lemonade is a refreshingly delicious drink perfect for warm days, combining the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice with the cool, aromatic flavor of mint. Made with a simple homemade sugar syrup and served chilled with plenty of ice, this easy-to-make beverage is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
Lemonade
- 20 fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes, as needed
Instructions
- Make the sugar syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ¼ cup sugar and ½ cup water. Simmer gently while stirring frequently until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool slightly.
- Muddle the mint: Place the fresh mint leaves into the bottom of a large pitcher. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently press the leaves to release their aromatic oils without tearing them.
- Mix the lemonade: Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher with the muddled mint. Then pour in the cooled sugar syrup and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Adjust and chill: Add plenty of ice cubes to the pitcher. Taste the lemonade and add more cold water if the flavor is too strong. Stir again to chill the mixture thoroughly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh mint leaves for the best flavor; dried mint will not provide the same aromatic freshness.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the syrup to taste for a sweeter or less sweet lemonade.
- For a sparkling version, substitute some cold water with soda water just before serving.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
