Description
This homemade mint juice is a refreshing drink perfect for hot summer days, featuring vibrant green color and aromatic flavor. Easy to make, it can be customized with lemon juice and adjusted for sweetness, making it a delightful and invigorating beverage to enjoy chilled over ice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water (for blending)
- 1 cup cold water (for diluting)
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
- Ice cubes (for serving)
- Mint sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Gather Your Ingredients: Start by collecting all the ingredients listed above. Fresh mint leaves are key, so make sure they are vibrant and fragrant.
- Wash the Mint Leaves: Rinse the mint leaves thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Prepare the Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the sugar with a couple of tablespoons of warm water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely to create a simple syrup.
- Blend the Mint: In a blender, add the washed mint leaves, the dissolved sugar syrup, and 1 cup of water. Blend on high speed until smooth, about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Strain the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher. Press down on the mint pulp to extract as much liquid as possible, then discard the pulp.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): If desired, squeeze the juice of one lemon into the strained mint juice for a tangy twist.
- Dilute the Juice: Add 1 cup of cold water to the strained mint juice and stir well. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
- Chill the Juice: Refrigerate the mint juice for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Your Glasses: Fill your favorite glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the Mint Juice: Carefully pour the chilled mint juice over the ice-filled glasses.
- Garnish: Add a sprig of fresh mint to each glass for an appealing presentation and extra aroma.
- Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste.
Notes
- Use Fresh Mint: The quality of your mint leaves will greatly affect the flavor. Always opt for fresh, vibrant leaves.
- Adjust Sweetness: Start with less sugar and add more if needed, tasting as you go.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other herbs or fruits for a unique twist.
- Store Properly: Store any leftover mint juice in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes