Mint-infused Lemon and Lime Refresher

Refreshing Lemon-Lime Mintade

Servings: 6

Preparation Time: 10 minutes, plus chilling

1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

1 cup (235 ml) water

2 large limes

2 medium-large lemons

1 bunch (approximately 2 ounces or 55 grams) fresh mint leaves and stems

3 cups (720 ml) chilled club soda or seltzer

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and introduce the zest of both lemons and limes—remember to only use the colorful outer skin, omitting the bitter white pith. Toss in most of the mint leaves, reserving a few for garnishing later. Cover the saucepan with a lid and allow the mixture to cool in the refrigerator for about an hour.

While the mint-zest syrup chills, proceed to juice your lemons and limes until you obtain a total of 1 cup of juice, split evenly between lemon and lime. After the syrup has sufficiently cooled, strain out the solids, and mix in the freshly squeezed lemon-lime juice. This refreshing juice-syrup blend can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, ready for your next serving.

To serve your delightful Mintade, fill a medium glass with ice. Pour in the juice-syrup mixture until it’s halfway full, then top the glass off with chilled seltzer. Don’t forget to garnish with the reserved mint leaves. Enjoy this zesty drink immediately for the best flavor!