There is nothing more refreshing on a hot day than an icy cold glass of lemonade. Over the weekend while I was out and about enjoying the warm weather,
I ordered a glass of house made minty lemonade. It was cold and refreshing but lacking in minty flavor and a little too sweet for me. This is a summer staple that is so easy to make at home. I include plenty of fresh mint and lemon balm, two herbs that grow abundantly in my garden. Mint and lemon balm smell amazing and are often used as a digestive tonic and are calming and soothing to the system. Mint grows like a weed, so even a small pot on a sunny window can keep you supplied for the season. I used Manuka honey as a sweetener, for it’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Feel free to use whatever sweetener you prefer. Mix up a big jar or pitcher full , cheers to the sunny days of summer
Minty Lemon-Lime Refresher
Ingredients
- 2 cups mint, lemon balm leaves, fresh picked off of stems, washed and drained or put in salad spinner to gently remove water
- 1/4 cup lime juice, fresh
- 1/4 cup Manuka honey
- 6 cups filtered water
- ice
- 1 each lime cut into slices or wedges for garnishing
Instructions
-
Place cleaned mint and lemon balm leaves in a large glass jar or heavy bottomed glass pitcher. Use wooden muddler , (I use a wooden potato masher) to gently press down on herbs and twist gently to crush or muddle them. You will smell the lemony and minty aroma. In a small bowl combine manuka honey with 2 cups of warm tap water, whisk to disolve honey and pour over muddled herbs. Add lime juice , the rest of the water and ice top with ice, stir to combine. Chill, pour into glasses and garnish with lime wedges. If you don't like the muddled leaves in your drink , strain before serving.
