Mint Ginger Lemonade

ummer is almost here. It is the season that is welcomed in many parts of the world and dreaded in others. I happen to hail from the part that falls under the latter. Mere mention of summer makes me start thinking about anything cold or refreshing that helps cool you down in the sweltering heat. My foodie brain starts to visualize different kinds of drinks that I can make and enjoy. Guess you can say in some rather strange way summer also gets the creative juices flowing, no pun intended. Refreshing oftentimes to me means some combination of mint and what better to put it together in a drink that I have rarely seen anyone dislike, the lemonade. A simple recipe that done right can get you rave accolades.

Ingredients:

Lemon Juice .................................... 1 cup about 5-6 lemons

Mint simple syrup  .............................. 1 cup (recipe follows)

Plain or sparkling water ....................... 2 cups, chilled

Ice ................................................ as needed

Lemon slices, mint leaves for garnish 

Method:
1. Mix lemon juice, mint syrup and water together in a pitcher. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. Pour over ice filled glasses and garnish with a lemon twist and few mint leaves. 
Mint Simple Syrup:
Mint leaves ............... 1 1/2 cup packed fresh, washed
Sugar ...................... 1 cup or to taste
Ginger ..................... 11/2 inch, peeled and chopped
Water ...................... 1/2 cup
In a saucepan combine mint, sugar, ginger and water and simmer until the sugar is dissolved, 5-7 minutes. Cool, strain the simple syrup, and store in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Strain and use. ENJOY!
NOTES:
1. If you are in the mood, feel free to add some vodka, wine or rum.

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