Lemonade
Homemade lemonade with mint tastes like summer holidays in a glass. It is the kind of fresh lemonade you pour for the whole family and the jug keeps coming back empty. This is a simple mint lemonade with clean ingredients and a bright citrus aroma that feels friendly and fresh.
Ingredients:
- Four lemons
- 1l /33,8 (fl.oz) / 4,2cup unflavoured sparkling water
- Eight tbsp cane sugar
- peppermint / mint
Recipe steps:
- Squeeze the juice out of the lemons.
- Put cane sugar in a jug, juice of squeezed lemons and mint.
- Pour unflavoured sparkling water over everything and mix to dissolve the sugar.
- Serve cold, decorated with mint and ice.
Ingredients and balance:
Choose firm fragrant lemons and wash them well. The juice brings a lively tang and young mint leaves add a cool finish. Cane sugar softens the edges and sparkling water turns every sip playful. Adjust sweetness to taste. For a kid friendly pitcher swap part of the sugar for honey. You will get a clean lemonade with no artificial flavors and a gentle natural sweetness.
Technique notes:
Make a quick simple syrup so the sweetness blends in smoothly. Warm equal parts sugar and water until clear and let cool completely. Roll each lemon under your palm before juicing and it will release more liquid. If you love a fuller aroma, take a small strip of zest without the white pith and rub it into the sugar before making the syrup. Strain the juice to keep out seeds, bitterness then stays away. Do not crush the mint hard. Gently bruise the leaves between your fingers. Add sparkling water only at the end so the bubbles stay lively in the glass.
Variations and ideas:
Start with classic mint and lemon, then play. Fresh ginger slices bring cozy warmth. A spoon or two of raspberry purée turns the drink pink and bright. Basil pairs beautifully with lemon and cucumber ribbons make the pitcher extra crisp. In spring a dash of elderflower syrup is lovely, in autumn a touch of pear purée with a hint of cinnamon feels snug. For a lower sugar version reduce the syrup and add a few extra drops of lemon. Freeze a tray of lemonade ice cubes and your drink will not dilute as they melt.
Serving and pairing:
Serve very cold. Pack the glasses with ice, tuck in thin lemon slices and a sprig of mint and top up at the table. This is the perfect non alcoholic drink for a barbecue and a happy partner to simple salads, grilled vegetables and picnic sandwiches. For parties prepare two jugs. One classic mint and one raspberry lemon so everyone finds a favorite.
Make ahead and storage:
Prepare the syrup and lemon juice ahead and chill them in clean jars for up to three days. Mix right before serving and finish with ice cold sparkling water. If some lemonade remains, strain out leaves and slices and refrigerate. It will still taste lovely the next day although the fizz will be softer. Mint ice cubes are a sweet idea and they keep the flavor bright to the last sip.
Common pitfalls and easy fixes:
Bitterness comes from the white pith or crushed seeds. Zest only the yellow layer and strain the juice. Too sweet is easy to fix with a squeeze of lemon and a splash of sparkling water. If the drink feels flat it often needs a tiny pinch of salt. Add sparkling water at the very end to keep those bubbles dancing.
Why you will love this recipe:
It is an easy homemade lemonade with mint that works every time. Few ingredients, clear flavor and a pretty look in the glass. If you are searching for the best summer lemonade for the family, this one is ready with a warm smile.
