Mint Lemonade

Mint Lemonade is a well known refreshing drink in Lebanon and around the levant region. Imagine drinking this cool drink on a warm day, it will immediately make you happy!

Recipe (makes a large pitcher as shown above)

Simple Syrup:

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup water

1 tsp orange blossom water

Lemonade:

1 cup simple syrup

1 cup lemon juice (2 large lemons or 3-4 small lemons)

6 cups water

4 cups ice

1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves

Directions:

1. In a small sauce pan, add the sugar and water over the stove top bring to a slight simmer or until all the sugar has melted. Then simmer for 3 minutes. Add the orange blossom at the end and turn off the heat. Set aside to cool. Note: Don’t mix the sugar and water to avoid burning the sugar at the edge of the pan.

2. Wash your fresh mint with cold water about 3 times, making sure to remove any weeds or dust on the leaves. Note: make a cold water bath with salt. Then allow the mint bunch to air dry before picking the leaves.

3. Juice your lemons. Save the zest if you like your lemonade extra lemony.

4. In a blender, add the lemon juice, simple syrup, water, ice, and mint leaves. Blend really well on high.

5. Transfer to a pitcher with extra lemon slices and lemon zest. You can also top it with other fresh herbs like basil or lavender.

6. Serve in individual cups. Enjoy!