Author Notes: I love minty drinks when the weather starts to warm up. Add in some zippy citrus and bubbles, and I couldn’t be more refreshed. Mint simple syrup can keep for a while in the fridge. It’s a also great with lemon juice. – vvvanessa —vvvanessa
Food52 Review: Tart and refreshing, this limeade is a perfect drink for getting into the spirit of spring. The mint syrup is intensely flavored, so you don’t need much, and vvvanessa applies a particularly light touch with this one sweet element — which we found made for an invigorating (and highly quaffable) drink. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, just add a little more of the mint syrup. Simple and lovely in its pure form, this recipe would make a great jumping off point for all sorts of riffs. If you’re so inclined, try adding a splash of vodka, or even light rum. – A&M —The Editors
Serves: about 2 quarts
Ingredients
-
1
cup sugar
-
1
cup water
-
1
cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves, washed with stems removed
-
1
cup freshly squeezed lime juice
-
ice
-
club soda
Directions
- Make mint simple syrup by combining sugar, water, and mint in a saucepan and bringing it to a boil then immdiately allowing it to simmer for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Strain the leaves.
- To assemble the limeade, add about 1 ounce each of the simple syrup and lime juice in a tall glass filled with ice. Top with about 6 ounces of club soda. Stir. Garnish with fresh mint or a lime wedge.
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Just three ingredients, other than water and ice: lime, mint and sugar.
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Amanda makes sure not to leave a drop of juice in those limes. After all, you need a full cup of juice!
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Mint, sugar and water are ready for their big moment on the stove.
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The mint leaves turn a vibrant green as the liquid begins to heat up.
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Then the color starts to dull, and the leaves crinkle up like toes that have spent too much time in the tub.
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After the syrup cools, you strain out the mint leaves and make your drinks! Make sure to start with plenty of ice.
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After the mint syrup, you add an ounce of that hard-won lime juice.
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And top it off with club soda and a slice of lime.
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