Mint Citronnade

Ingredients

• 3lemons, juiced
• 1 bunchmint
• 4 tbspsugar
• 800 mlcold water
• 1 cupice

Method

1. Begin by washing the bunch of mint thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Shake off excess water and gently pat the mint dry with a clean kitchen towel. This ensures the mint leaves are clean and ready to release their essential oils when muddled.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the clean mint leaves and 4 tablespoons of sugar. Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush the mint leaves into the sugar. Apply enough pressure to bruise the leaves, releasing their fragrant oils, but avoid tearing them into small pieces.
3. Once the mint and sugar are well combined and aromatic, pour in the freshly squeezed juice from 3 lemons. Stir the mixture gently to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors. The lemon juice should start to take on a slightly green hue from the mint, indicating the flavors are mingling.
4. Add 800 ml of cold water to the bowl, stirring continuously to ensure the sugar is completely dissolved. At this stage, taste the mixture to check for balance between the sweetness and the tartness. Adjust with a little more sugar or lemon juice if necessary, keeping in mind the flavors will mellow slightly when chilled.
5. If you prefer a clearer drink, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove the mint leaves. If you enjoy the rustic texture and stronger mint flavor, you can skip this step and leave the mint leaves in.
6. To serve, fill each glass with 1 cup of ice. Pour the mint citronnade over the ice, allowing the coldness to enhance the refreshing qualities of the drink. Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for an added touch of aroma and visual appeal before serving.