Lemonade with mint

Mint Lemonade - The Perfect Refreshment for Summer Days

Who doesn't love a fresh, refreshing lemonade that lifts your spirits on the hottest days? Mint lemonade is not just a classic drink, but also a symbol of summer, of moments spent with loved ones on terraces or in gardens. This recipe is simple yet full of flavors and will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Let’s venture into making a mint lemonade that will quickly become the star of any gathering.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 4 fresh lemons
- 13 teaspoons of sugar (or to taste)
- A few fresh mint leaves
- 2 liters of still or sparkling cold water
- Ice cubes
- Sugar crystals for decoration (optional)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Juicing the lemons: Start by washing the lemons well. Use a juicer to extract the juice from the 4 lemons, being careful to remove the seeds. Fresh lemon juice is the key to delicious lemonade. Instead of store-bought juice, which may contain additives, fresh juice will give you an authentic flavor.

2. Dissolving the sugar: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice with 12 teaspoons of sugar. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. If you prefer a less sweet lemonade, you can adjust the sugar amount to taste. You can also use healthy alternatives like honey or agave syrup.

3. Preparing the mint: In another bowl, add a few fresh mint leaves and gently crush them with a teaspoon of sugar. This technique will release the essential oils from the mint leaves, adding a fresh taste to your drink. If you want to enhance the flavor, let the mint sit for a few minutes before adding it to the lemonade.

4. Combining the ingredients: Add the mint mixture to the lemon juice dissolved with sugar. Then, add the zest from two lemons, cut into thin half-rings. The zest adds extra flavor and a pleasant color to the drink. Now, pour cold water over the mixture and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or whisk. This is the stage where the flavors blend harmoniously!

5. Serving: Fill the glasses with ice cubes to keep the drink cold. Then, pour the lemonade into the glasses. If you want to impress, you can decorate the rim of the glasses with sugar crystals, obtained by moistening them with a little lemon juice and then rolling them in granulated sugar.

6. Garnishing: Add a few fresh mint leaves on top for an attractive look and to enhance the aroma. Your drink is now ready to be enjoyed!

Practical tips:
- Sugar-free version: If you are looking for a healthier option, you can skip the sugar altogether or use natural sweeteners. You can also experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or coconut sugar, to add a caramelized note.
- Fruit mixes: You can also add other fruits to your lemonade, such as strawberries, raspberries, or peaches to create a colorful and flavorful fruit lemonade.
- Alcoholic drinks: If you want to turn the lemonade into a cocktail, you can add a little gin or vodka for a more sophisticated drink.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 80
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Sugars: 19 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Vitamin C: an excellent source

The history of lemonade:
Lemonade is a historic drink known since ancient times and has been popular in various cultures. It is associated with refreshing and revitalizing, served on hot summer days. This mint lemonade recipe brings a fresh and modern twist to a traditional drink, combining citrus flavors with the freshness of mint.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use green lemons?: Of course, green lemons bring a different note of acidity and flavor, offering an interesting variation of lemonade.
- How long can lemonade be stored?: Lemonade is best served immediately, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Make sure to stir it well before serving again.
- Can I make lemonade with sparkling water?: Absolutely! Using sparkling water will add a fizzy texture and a refreshing sensation.

Your mint lemonade recipe is not just a drink, but an experience that will delight your senses and bring a smile to the faces of those who enjoy it. Enjoy!