Limeade with a Touch of Mint
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After one of the best July 4ths on record (70s in Sacramento in July? unbelievable) we're gearing up for another heat wave. If the smoke clears enough for us to go outside again, I'll make another batch of this wonderful limeade. There are 3 tricks to this simple drink. The first is to make simple syrup by boiling water with the sugar first, so that the sugar is completely dissolved. The second trick is to infuse the simple syrup with some of the zest from the limes; this makes it taste even limey-er (yes, not a word, but you get my drift, and thank you Shuna for the tip). Finally plop some fresh mint sprigs in the serving pitcher, and besides being half-way to a mojito, you have a cheerfully refreshing summer drink. One that my nephew Austin has mentioned 3 times in the last 2 days as being "like really good".
Limeade with a Touch of Mint Recipe
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Infusing the sugar syrup with lime zest is a great way to bring extra lime flavor to your limeade.
Ingredients
- Grated zest of one lime (about 1 Tbsp)
- 1 cup lime juice (from about 4-6 Persian limes)
- 3/4 cup to 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups water
- Several sprigs of fresh mint
Method
1 In a small saucepan bring to a boil the sugar, one cup of water, and the lime zest. Once the sugar is dissolved (which it should be by the time the water boils), remove from heat and let cool for for a few minutes. The amount of sugar is a guideline, it depends on how sweet you like your limeade and how tart your particular limes are.
2 Place a strainer over a bowl, or wide-mouthed serving container, and pour the sugar syrup through it, straining out the lime zest. Add the lime juice and 2 cups of water. Taste for sour/sweet balance. If too sweet, add a little more lime juice. Add several sprigs of fresh mint.
Chill, or serve immediately over ice.
Makes about 1 quart.
Austin demonstrates the proper way to enjoy limeade. ;-)
Links:
Creamy Brazilian Limeade by From Our Home to Yours
Rosemary Limeade from The Accidental Scientist
Lavender Limeade by Cafe Johnsonia
Chili Limeade by Lara of Cook & Eat
Limeade with Blood Orange Juice from LivetoEAt
Cranberry Limeade from right here on Simply Recipes
Blackberry Limeade by Heidi of 101 Cookbooks
The Outback Chair that my nephew Austin is hanging out in
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I make a similar limeaid, but instead of mint I steep a few coins of ginger in the simple syrup.
Delicious!