Raw Mint Leaf Syrup and Mint Lemonade

Steps

Raw Mint Leaf Syrup

1. 1

   Wash the fresh mint and remove the leaves from the stems.

2. 2

   Roughly chop the mint leaves to help them release their aroma.

3. 3

   To a clean glass jar, layer equal parts of the chopped mint leaves and white granulated sugar.

4. 4

   Add a very generous drizzle of lemon juice (from 2-3 lemons) into the jar.

5. 5

   Press the mixture down gently with a spoon.

6. 6

   Close the lid and place the jar in the fridge to sit for 48 to 72 hours.

   Start 72-hour timer
7. 7

   Every day, give the mixture a quick mix. You will notice it slowly starts to liquefy as the sugar macerates the leaves.

8. 8

   The syrup is ready once the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid turns a light green color.

9. 9

   Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the leaves and store the finished syrup in the fridge.

Mint Lemonade

10. 10

    To make Mint Lemonade, add ice to a big cup.

11. 11

    Add the juice of one lemon and a portion of the prepared mint leaf syrup to the cup.

12. 12

    Fill the rest of the cup with sparkling water, mix well, and enjoy.