Mint Lemonade

Homemade Lemonade is one of the most refreshing beverages and Mint Lemonade brings it up a notch by adding extra flavor. It’s a summer staple that you can make and keep in your refrigerator to enjoy anytime.

In our household, we adore citrus-based drinks, and Mint Lemonade is a timeless favorite that never fails to delight us.

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. Make the lemonade exactly how you like by adjust the sweetness and tartness.

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. You can also add some basil. The basil, mint and lemons go together so well.

Ingredients:

• lemons – fresh lemons 🍋 are a must for the best flavor
• mint
  • Try adding basil to the lemonade – so delicious. I often use both basil and mint.
• water

Simple syrup:

A simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water. 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.

It is much easier to add a syrup to the lemonade than to try to dissolve sugar crystals in ice cold water.

• boiling water
• granulated sugar

I made this in a pitcher that holds 2 1/2 quarts of liquid.

How to make Homemade Lemonade Video

How To Make Mint Lemonade

1. Start by making the simple syrup.
   • Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, just enough to dissolve the sugar.
   • You can also boil the water, then pour it over the sugar and stir to dissolve. The point is to dissolve the sugar.
   • 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.
2. You can also make a large amount of simple syrup and store it in the refrigerator and making Lemonade will be even easier.
3. Squeeze the juice of 3-4 lemons into a large measuring cup or right into the pitcher.
4. Using a vegetable peeler, remove thin layers of the lemon peel 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.
   • The lemon peel is for flavor, the slices of lemon are for presentation, to make your pitcher of lemonade look prettier.
5. Add another handful of mint to the pitcher, along with the lemon peel and lemon slices.
6. Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the simple syrup into the pitcher. Fill the rest of the pitcher with water. Mix to combine and enjoy.

Storing Homemade Lemonade

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.

If I’m serving the lemonade within a few hours, I store it in the refrigerator with the mint and the slices of lemon. Otherwise, I strain it all through a fine mesh sieve and store it in a large glass mason jar.

Keep a pitcher of Mint Lemonade in your refrigerator and you will make your family very happy this summer. But who are we kidding? It’s awesome all year long!

More Refreshing Beverages

• Homemade Berry Pink Lemonade
• Strawberry Cucumber Limeade
• Sparkling Citrus Pineapple Punch

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