Sparkling Lemonade!

This is Booka’s favorite lemonade recipe;  using your own mint makes it extra flavorful!

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This recipe can be enjoyed with any lemons. We have found the ideal lemons to use are from local Meyer Lemon Trees. Meyers are slightly sweeter in taste and have a light orange flesh and skin because they are a hybrid of two beloved citrus plants: a lemon and a sweet orange. What makes this recipe special is the mint flaboring.

Sparkling Mint Lemonade

Makes 10 eight ounce servings.

 

7 cups chilled soda water or your favorite sparkling mineral water

1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice

1 ¾ cups chilled Mint Simple Syrup

Zest of 1 scrubbed lemon

Ice

1. Pour lemon juice into a pitcher or punch bowl
2. Add mint simple syrup. Stir briskly with a whisk to dissolve
3. Add soda water. Garnish with half the lemon zest
4. Serve immediately over ice

 

Mint Simple Syrup

2 cups sugar

2 cups water

Zest of 1 scrubbed lemon*

Handful of torn fresh mint leaves (any mint will work)

 

1. Boil water. Add 2 cups sugar. Stir to prevent sticking. Turn down heat to a simmer Continue to simmer until mixture turns golden brown and coats the back of a spoon Turn off heat
2. Add mint and half lemon zest. Let sit until mixture comes to room temperature
3. Strain out mint leaves and zest. Chill.
4. Syrup will keep in fridge for up to 1 month in a tight container

 

*lemon zest freezes well and can be kept for several months in the freezer