Iced Mint Drink
A refreshing iced mint drink with zesty lemon and sweet mint flavor, perfect for hot days and gatherings, offering a cool, invigorating beverage experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound the mint leaves to a pulp.
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and pound again.
- Make a syrup by boiling 2 1/2 pints of water with the remaining sugar for 5 minutes.
- Take the pan off the heat and allow the syrup to cool.
- Add the lemon juice and mint pulp to the cooled syrup.
- Stir well together.
- Chill the mixture for several hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra refreshing touch, consider adding a splash of club soda before serving. If you prefer a sweeter drink, adjust the sugar to taste. You can substitute honey or agave syrup for sugar if desired. Fresh mint is key, but dried mint can be used in a pinch—just reduce the amount since it's more concentrated. Make sure to chill the drink thoroughly for the best experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the iced mint drink in tall glasses over ice, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation. This drink pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean recipes, especially dishes like Zucchini Provencale or Meat Kabobs. It makes a great accompaniment to light summer meals or picnics, offering a refreshing contrast to savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover iced mint drink in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier. To enjoy it again, simply pour over ice, or blend it with ice for a slushy texture. Avoid reheating as this drink is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Iced Mint Drink contains roughly 376 calories, with 9g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the syrup and mint mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more refreshing when served cold.
Is this drink suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The iced mint drink is a non-alcoholic beverage that kids will enjoy, especially on hot summer days. Just ensure the sugar level is to their liking, and feel free to dilute with more water if it's too strong.
Can I use other herbs in this drink?
Certainly! While mint is traditional, you can experiment with other herbs like basil or lemon balm for a unique twist. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain a balanced flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).