If I were stranded on a desert island in the scorching sun (if only) this is the drink I'd be dreaming of to quench my thirst. Homemade lemonade is pretty much unbeatable on a hot day anyway, but the mint raises this to a heavenly level of refreshing. If mint's not your thing, add a few raspberries instead and turn the whole shebang the most beautiful blush pink. Ahhhh.
FRESH MINT LEMONADE
Makes 4 large glasses
120ml (½ cup) lemon juice, and 4 strips of the pared rind
8 large leaves of fresh mint
½ cup white sugar
¼ cup water
cold sparkling water
ice
1) Warm the sugar and water together in a small pan, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then leave to cool. This will be more than you need for this amount of lemonade but it will last for weeks in the fridge.
2) Place the lemon juice and mint in a blender with a splash of the sparkling water, then blend until the mint has broken down. Pour into glasses, top up with sparkling water and ice, then add the sugar syrup to taste. I find that about 4 to 5 teaspoons is about right, but then I like my lemonade on the tart side.
Mmm thanks. this is SO delicious. It is now my new favourite summer drink. It doesn't sound much different to normal lemonade but tastes incredible.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'm glad you like it too! I've been drinking gallons of this recently - must now be insured against scurvy and the common cold for at least a few weeks..
ReplyDeleteI just made this today and it was amazing! So refreshing and tasty, everyone I gave some loved it. Thanks for the recipe! I'll have to try making it with raspberries too next time. :)
ReplyDeleteCheck out my blog: Principessa Gabriella
Hi Gabriella - yes, it's yummy isn't it?! I love finding something that is halfway to healthy and tasty too..!
ReplyDeleteCan this be made ahead of time? I'm thinking it cannot since it uses sparkling water. I've got all the ingredients to try this wonderful sounding beverage. THanks!
ReplyDeleteHi @Anon
ReplyDeleteYes, you could make it ahead by making the sugar syrup and lemon/mint liquid, then popping those in the fridge until needed.
Then simply whip it out when you want a glass and mix the two with water - easy!