Raw Mint Syrup and Mint Lemonade

Ingredients

• 2 cup fresh mint leaves (washed, stemmed, and coarsely chopped)
• 2 cup granulated white sugar (equal parts to the chopped mint)
• 3 lemon juice (approximately 2-3 lemons)
• water (a splash if necessary to help dissolve the sugar)
• ice (for serving the lemonade)
• sparkling water (to top off the lemonade)

Steps

1. 1

   Wash the mint leaves and remove them from the stems.

2. 2

   Coarsely chop the mint leaves to release their aroma.

3. 3

   In a glass jar, place alternating layers of equal parts chopped mint and granulated white sugar.

4. 4

   Add a generous splash of lemon juice (the juice of 2 to 3 lemons) over the mixture.

5. 5

   Gently press the mixture down with a spoon.

6. 6

   Close the lid and let it rest in the refrigerator for 48 to 72 hours.

7. 7

   Quickly stir the contents once a day. You will notice the mixture slowly starting to liquefy.

8. 8

   The syrup will be ready when the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid turns a light green color.

9. 9

   Strain the mixture to remove the mint leaves and store the resulting syrup in the refrigerator.

10. 10

    To prepare the mint lemonade: in a large glass, add ice, the juice of one fresh lemon, a portion of the prepared mint syrup, and top off with sparkling water.

11. 11

    Mix well and enjoy.

Notes

Use granulated white sugar, as any other type of sugar will alter the pure mint flavor. If the maceration process takes too long, it is usually due to an excess of sugar; you can add a little water to help dissolve it.

Nutrition per serving

• syrup
• mint
• beverage
• lemonade
• natural remedy
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• refreshing