Cool glasses

Refreshing Lemonade with Mint and Berries - A Fresh and Delicious Experience

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 4-6 hours
Total time: 4-6 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 4 generous glasses

Introduction:
Imagine a warm summer day, with the sun shining in the sky and a gentle breeze caressing your face. What could be more enjoyable than cooling off with a delicious, easy-to-make lemonade full of vibrant flavors? In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare a refreshing lemonade with mint and a delicious variation with berries. It’s a simple, quick recipe with maximum impact, perfect for impressing friends and family!

Ingredients:

*For the lemonade:*
- 2-3 fresh lemons (or more, depending on taste)
- Sugar to taste (about 100 g is a good start)
- 1.5 liters of water
- Fresh mint leaves (a few sprigs for flavor and garnish)

*For the berry syrup:*
- 1 box of mixed berries (about 300 g)
- 150 g sugar
- 1.5 liters of water

Preparation:

1. Preparing the lemonade:
- Juicing the lemons: Start by washing the lemons well. Use a citrus juicer to extract the juice from them. Make sure you have about 150 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Mixing with water: In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice with the sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Gradually add the water (1.5 liters) and stir again. Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Freezing: Pour the lemonade mixture into a suitable freezer container and let it freeze completely (about 4-6 hours).

2. Preparing the berry syrup:
- Cooking the berries: In a saucepan, place the berries along with the sugar and 250 ml of water. The heat should be medium. Let them boil for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juice and a thick syrup forms.
- Straining the syrup: Once the syrup is ready, use a strainer to separate the berries from the syrup. You can use a spoon to press the berries and extract all the juice, or, if you prefer, an immersion blender will do the job faster.
- Mixing with water: Add 1.5 liters of water to the obtained syrup and mix well. Place the mixture in the freezer until it freezes completely.

3. Preparing the drink:
- Transforming the frozen drink: Once the lemonade and berry syrup are frozen, take them out of the freezer. Use a knife to break the ice in the lemonade and add half a glass of warm water (about 100 ml) to help create a smoother texture. With an immersion blender, turn the mixture into a fine puree.
- Serving: Pour the lemonade puree into glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves. You can also add a few berries for an extra splash of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:
This drink is perfect for summer parties, picnics, or simply to cool off after a hot day. You can combine the lemonade with a gin or vodka cocktail to create an elegant drink. Also, serve it alongside a cheese platter or fresh salads for a complete culinary experience.

Tips and Useful Advice:
- You can adjust the amount of sugar according to how tart you like your lemonade. Try using honey or agave syrup for a healthier version.
- Add a few slices of lemon and mint to the glasses for a stunning presentation.
- If you want to keep the drink fresh longer, use an airtight container for freezing.

Nutritional Information:
This drink is an excellent option for hydration and contains vitamin C from lemons, which supports the immune system. Berries provide antioxidants and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with various fruits like mango, peaches, or pineapple to create unique variations.

- How long can I keep the lemonade in the freezer?
Generally, frozen lemonade keeps well for about 1-2 months.

- Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This lemonade is completely vegan, with no animal-derived ingredients.

This mint and berry lemonade recipe will surely become your favorite on hot days. Make it and enjoy every refreshing sip!