Ginger and Mint Lemonade

A few weeks ago as I opened my windows to let the cool breeze of spring wake me up on a lazy sunday morning, I was welcomed by a gust of hot and dry wind. So it was true after all. Summer had officially started! 

As a kid staying in Mumbai, summer was my favorite time of the year. It was the beginning of a looooong vacation from school, endless hours of having fun with my friends- playing badminton, riding our bicycles , going to water parks- and not to mention devouring into tons of juicy and delicious mangoes..Yummm!

As times have changed and us as an individual gotten pre-occupied with other priorities, summer time in Mumbai seems like a daunting time of the year which brings with it nothing but the scorching heat and humidity accompanied by sweat and exhaustion. 

Enjoying a summer day relaxing and maximizing the pleasures it brings has become a luxury which we don't treat our selves nearly enough.

A cool glass of Ginger and Mint Lemonade seems just right to enjoy the lovely, long days of summer and bring back that summer loving child within you. The cooling affect of mint with lemons along with that 'zing' from the ginger is the perfect pick me and a refresher.

Ginger and Mint Lemonade

Ingredients

For the ginger and mint syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar (or according to the sweetness preferred)
• 2 oz of ginger, peeled and finely grated
• A sprig of mint

For the lemonade:

• Juice of two lemons
• 1 1/2 cups of cold water
• A pinch of salt
• Ice for serving
• Lemon slice and Mint for garnish

Directions

For the Syrup:

• Mix water and sugar and simmer until the sugar dissolves.
• Turn off the heat and add the grated ginger and mint leaves.
• Let it steep until the syrup has cooled down (~ 30mins)
• Strain the syrup using a sieve and press down on the grated ginger and mint leaves to extract all the flavors.

For the Lemonade:

• Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt and the prepared syrup into a jug.
• Add 1 1/2 cups of water (more or less depending on how strong you want the lemonade). Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Pour lemonade over ice filled glass, garnish it with few slices of lemon and mint.

Enjoy on a hot summer day!