Easy Mint Lemonade

By Ashley Hymore

With the days getting longer, and temperatures on the rise, it's clear summer is here! Barbecues and picnics allow the hottest season to be full of easy entertaining, so I wanted to share my recipe for the perfect al fresco beverage. It's the classic summer lemonade, but with a little twist! I love this recipe because it has the right balance of tart and sweet, and the mint adds a refreshing quality.

Remember, always wash your lemons before use, and let them sit out to become room temperature to get the maximum amount of juice.

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 bunch fresh mint
• 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 gallon cold water
• 1 lemon, sliced

Add 1 cup of water to a pot and bring to a boil. Add sugar and stir until dissolved and remove from the heat. Roughly tear up fresh mint and add to sugar mixture. Allow mint to steep for about 4 minutes. Strain the mint out and allow sugar mixture to cool. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and cold water, stirring well. Pour lemonade into a glass over ice, garnish with a lemon slice and mint leaf.