Summer Bliss: Homemade Mint Lemonade Recipe for Refreshing Delight

Introduction:

It's officially summer, meaning it's time for refreshing homemade lemonades to quench your thirst on those scorching hot days. Picture yourself basking in the sun, surrounded by your loved ones, as you sip a glass of invigorating mint lemonade. 

This easy-to-make beverage is the epitome of summer bliss, perfect for sipping by the poolside or serving at your next barbecue extravaganza. No matter the occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to steal the spotlight and leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

The Garden Adventure:

I was thrilled when my neighbors graciously offered me and my son the opportunity to harvest their garden while they were on vacation. They had poured their heart and soul into nurturing the plants during the winter months and didn't want their hard work to go to waste. Little did my neighbors know, this would be an incredible adventure for me and my curious two-year-old.

With excitement in our hearts, we embarked on this green-fingered expedition. The lush garden awaited us, brimming with nature's treasures. The vibrant colors and fragrant scents enveloped us as we carefully plucked ripe cucumbers, crisp green beans, and vibrant herbs. Each harvest was a small victory, a testament to the dedication and love poured into the garden.

The experience was an incredible blend of education and pure joy. My little one's eyes widened with wonder as he held each vegetable in his tiny hands, marveling at their shapes and textures. We laughed and played amidst the rows of bountiful plants, creating precious memories that would last a lifetime.

Kitchen Alchemy:

Our basket filled to the brim, we ascended the hill and headed to our kitchen to explore the fruits of our labor. My imagination was ignited with new and exciting recipes. The possibilities were endless, and I was eager to bring my ideas to fruition.

Swinging open the double doors to my LG stainless steel refrigerator, I tapped a rhythm with my foot, contemplating which ingredients I would carefully combine to concoct the perfect recipe. The subtle art of kitchen alchemy has always intrigued me: transforming seemingly simple ingredients into something magical has been my way of staying connected to creative expression over the years. Covered in goosebumps, triggered by the cold air circulating from the refrigerator, an idea hits me. I am instantly enthralled in making a homemade summer elixir designed to invigorate one's taste buds.

Pro Tips:

• For this recipe, I used my Nama J2 cold press juicer. However, using a manual juicer is also possible. If you opt for manual juicing, I recommend using more lemons than what this recipe calls for, as electric juicers tend to yield more juice than manual squeezing.

• Prepare your simple syrup beforehand and allow it approximately 30 minutes to cool in the refrigerator.

• For a pulp-free lemonade, strain the mixture several times using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Personally, I combined both methods and achieved a glass of lemonade without any pulp.

• If you plan to store your lemonade in the fridge with lemon slices or wedges in the pitcher, remember to remove them after 24 hours. Allowing them to sit for too long can give your lemonade a soapy flavor.

• This lemonade recipe can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

• The refreshing mint flavor truly intensifies after sitting for 24 hours. If you'd like to extend the lifespan of your lemonade, feel free to remove the mint and lemons from your pitcher.

Preparation:

Start by washing and cutting 10-15 lemons. I prefer to thinly slice the tops, bottoms, and four sides to remove some of the outer skin for juicing purposes. If you're hand juicing, slicing them in halves will suffice.

Over medium heat, prepare your simple syrup by dissolving 1 cup of organic cane sugar in 1 cup of water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Funnel the syrup into a mason jar and let it cool on the countertop or refrigerate until it reaches room temperature.

Ingredients:

Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup of organic cane sugar

• 1 cup of water For a richer syrup, add an additional cup of sugar

Lemonade:

• 2 cups of fresh lemon juice

• 1 ⅕ cups of water

• ½ cup of simple syrup *Adjust the quantity to taste; add more for a sweeter lemonade or less for a tart flavor*

• 2 sprigs or 8-10 mint leaves

• Ice

Instructions:

• Place the sliced lemons into your juicer and extract enough juice to fill 2 cups.

• Strain the lemon juice through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth until you achieve your desired consistency.

• In a pitcher, combine the lemon juice, water, simple syrup, and mint.

• Stir the mixture well.

• Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to serve later, or pour the lemonade over ice immediately, optionally with a sugar rim.

Enjoy this refreshing lemonade! As the old saying goes, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.

Cheers, 

Adrena