Bottled Beverage Recipe

Dissolve sugar and honey

In a small saucepan combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons honey with 1 cup of the filtered water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar and honey fully dissolve and the mixture is just shy of simmering (do not boil). This should take about 3–4 minutes.

Remove the pan from heat and let the syrup cool for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon fine sea salt until dissolved. Set aside to cool to near room temperature (about 10 minutes) before combining with citrus to avoid cooking the fresh juice.

Juice and mix

While the simple syrup cools, zest a small strip of lemon (optional) and then squeeze fresh lemons and oranges to yield 3/4 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup orange juice. In a large measuring pitcher combine the remaining 3 cups filtered water with the cooled simple syrup, the fresh lemon and orange juice, and stir thoroughly to combine.

Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed: add up to 1–2 tablespoons extra honey (if sweeter desired) or up to 1 tablespoon more lemon juice (if brighter desired). Remember the drink will be slightly muted when chilled and when served with soda water if using.

Muddle mint

Lightly clap the mint leaves between your palms to release aroma, then add them to the pitcher and gently press (muddle) with the back of a spoon 6–8 times — do not pulverize. Add the thin lemon and orange slices into the pitcher and stir once to combine.

Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow the aromatics to infuse. For stronger flavor, refrigerate up to 2 hours. If time is limited, add a handful of ice to the pitcher to cool quickly (see note below).

Prepare bottle

Place a fine mesh strainer over the clean 1-liter glass bottle or a large measuring cup. Strain the chilled beverage into the bottle to remove mint pieces, zest/peel fragments, and any pulp. Use a spoon to press remaining liquid through the strainer but avoid forcing solids through.

If you prefer a lightly carbonated drink, pour 1 cup chilled soda water into the bottle and stir gently once. If you prefer still beverage, do not add soda water. Fill the bottle leaving about 1 inch of headspace, cap tightly, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve: pour over ice (about 1/2 cup per serving) into chilled glasses and garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a thin lemon or orange slice. Bottle will keep refrigerated, capped, for up to 4 days. Shake gently before serving if any separation occurs.