Mint Lemonade

A simple mint lemonade built with fresh lemon juice, a quick sugar syrup, and bruised mint leaves. The drink is mixed cold and served over ice for a clean citrus profile with a mint finish.

By Julienne

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 180 ml water for simple syrup
• 50 g granulated sugar for simple syrup
• 12 g fresh mint leaves plus extra small sprigs for garnish
• 120 ml lemon juice freshly squeezed and strained
• 240 ml cold water for mixing and dilution
• 20 g lemon slices for garnish
• 240 g ice cubes for serving

Instructions

1. Make a quick mint syrup: combine 180 ml water and 50 g granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves, then turn off the heat. Add 12 g mint leaves, lightly bruise them with the spoon, and steep for 5 minutes. Strain into a measuring jug and discard the leaves. The syrup is clear, aromatic, and no sugar granules remain.
2. Add 120 ml lemon juice and 240 ml cold water to the jug. Stir well. Taste and, if desired, add the optional lemon slices to the pitcher while serving rather than into the drink itself. The lemonade tastes bright, balanced, and fully mixed.
3. Fill 2 glasses with 240 g ice cubes total, divide the lemonade evenly between them, and garnish each glass with a small mint sprig if desired. The glasses are cold and the drink is ready to serve immediately.