Mint Lemonade Recipe

Mint Lemonade

1. 1

   Make simple syrup and infuse mint

   In a heatproof measuring cup or small saucepan, combine 1 cup hot water and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of the fresh mint leaves to the hot syrup, gently pressing them with a spoon to bruise and release oils. Let the mint steep in the hot syrup for 10 minutes, then strain the syrup into a bowl or pitcher to remove the mint solids. Press the mint against the strainer to extract extra flavor, then discard the used leaves (or save for garnish if desired). Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature (about 10–15 minutes).

2. 2

   Combine lemon juice and syrup

   In a large pitcher, pour 1 cup fresh lemon juice. Add the cooled mint-infused simple syrup and stir to combine.

3. 3

   Add cold water and adjust sweetness

   Add 3 cups cold water to the pitcher and stir. Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness or strength: if too tart, add additional syrup or 1–2 tablespoons honey/agave dissolved in a little warm water; if too sweet, add more cold water or more lemon juice (up to 1/4 cup).

4. 4

   Chill and finish with mint

   Add the remaining 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves to the pitcher and gently stir to distribute the mint flavor. Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow flavors to meld. Alternatively, chill with ice in glasses immediately if serving right away.

5. 5

   Serve

   Fill glasses with ice cubes (about 1/2 cup ice per glass). Pour the lemonade into glasses. If you want a fizzy version, top each glass with a splash (about 2–4 tablespoons) of sparkling water or up to 1 cup total in the pitcher. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a mint sprig. Stir gently and serve cold.

6. 6

   Storage

   Store any leftover lemonade in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving; add fresh mint or a squeeze of lemon if flavor has faded.