Fresh Mint Ginger Lemonade
I think I’m officially on a ginger kick.
That ice cream last week, and now this lemonade. It is just so refreshing! I get on these food kicks (i.e. asparagus) and can’t help myself.
Once I use an ingredient, my brain can’t switch gears. It just keeps churning out ideas…for the same ingredient. I’m not sure if this is a good thing, but it is better than no ideas, so I’m going with it.
Remember when I complained about it being too hot in DC a few weeks ago? Well, I made this lemonade that weekend. And it made the weekend much more tolerable.
Instead of making regular lemonade, I decided to change things up a bit and make a mint and ginger simple syrup infused lemonade.
It is basically lemonade that has been taken up a notch. I even went to the trouble–and that is a major exaggeration of a statement–of making mint ice cubes (as simple as putting fresh mint leaves and water in your ice cube tray a few hours beforehand).
The ice cubes are merely for decorative purposes (they don’t lend much additional mint flavor to the drink), so don’t feel like you’ll be missing out if you are in a rush!
But there is something about infused and decorative ice cubes that get me every time. I blame Pinterest.
This mint ginger lemonade is the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness with just enough mint and ginger flavor to enhance the drink, but not overpower it in the slightest.
Obviously, it tastes great chilled from the fridge, but you could easily use it as a base for homemade Arnold Palmers or make it extra adult-friendly by adding the booze of your choice. Or combine it with sparkling water for a refreshing lemonade soda!
Fresh Mint Ginger Lemonade
Ingredients
Mint Ginger Simple Syrup:
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (180 mL) water
- ½ cup packed mint leaves torn
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger diced
Lemonade:
- 3 cups (720 mL) cold water
- ¾ cup (180 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice roughly 6 to 7 large lemons
- mint ginger simple syrup see recipe above
- fresh mint leaves
- 1 lemon sliced thinly
Instructions
- Prepare Simple Syrup: Combine all of the simple syrup ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a low simmer, and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. Boil and simmer the syrup for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and place in a heatproof bowl. Allow to come to room temperature, or alternatively cover and infuse in the fridge for at least 30 to 45 minutes or overnight. This will yield a more intensely flavored lemonade). Once chilled, strain simple syrup through a fine-meshed sieve, discarding the mint leaves and ginger pieces.
- Make Lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine the cold water, lemon juice, and a full batch of room temperature or chilled mint ginger simple syrup. Stir well. Add fresh mint and sliced lemon slices to the pitcher as desired.
- Serve lemonade chilled or alternatively, over homemade mint ice cubes (simply add fresh mint leaves to your ice cube tray, along with water, and freeze).
Tips for Success:
- use it as a base for homemade Arnold Palmers or make it extra adult-friendly by adding a booze of your choice, or combine with equal parts sparkling water for a refreshing light lemonade soda.
41 Comments on “Fresh Mint Ginger Lemonade”
love this recipe! such a interesting blend of flavors but it all works so well together. great job!
Hi, just tried to make the simple syrup (first time making simple syrup) And the sugar didn’t resolve, it’s just a big lump of sugar now with mint and ginger… what did I do wrong?? I think I did exactly what you wrote 🙁
Oh no! I hope this doesn’t come across the wrong way, but did you add the water (3/4 cup) and stir it gently? It definitely should not be a lump of sugar.
If you decide to make this drink, you should add more that 3 cups of water, unless you like your lemonade very sweet.
Hi Jacob! Sorry that you found it too sweet!
Pingback: Style Bee: The Bee’s Knees #26
I made this today and it’s delicious! Thanks for the great recipe!
Hi I recently made this recipe and fell in love with it especially the simple syrup I just wanted to ask you how long the syrup will keep for?
Thank you, x
I would definitely strain it once it has infused (especially if you are keeping it)–I would say a week or a week and a half max! So glad you liked it!
Thanks so much for sharing! This lemonade is INCREDIBLE! Our guests agree that it is the best they’ve ever had. Thanks again!
Oh my goodness… this looks delicious… My kids will love this!
My summer will just not be the same without this in it. FACT.
What a great idea to include ginger in here! I love making homemade lemonades (I like to make raspberry or strawberry) and I think I’m going to have to create a recipe this summer using ginger. Amazing idea!
I’m definitely going to have to try raspberry or strawberry lemonade next! I love that idea! Thanks Louisa!
I do the same thing, one ingredient, a 1,000 different ways. Nothin’ wrong with that! This looks seriously refreshing Laura!
I’m a ginger FA-REAK!! Love this lemonade, Laura! Totally making!
Leomade is summer’s version of winter’s chili. You just have to have it! This twist sounds amazing – I could drink this every day!
Loving this ginger kick!!! I would drink this lemonade all day long… but maybe add a splash of bourbon 🙂
No one is judging 😉
First, I’m a ginger fiend. FIEND, I tell you.
Second, that ice cube photo is magical. I want it on my wall. Would that be weird? Can I buy it off you?
Hehe! Do you really? I can send you the picture if you want!!
Goodness that is a gorgeous drink! I blame loads of things on Pinterest, but how could you not? Those are lovely cubes..
Haha! Pinterest is the bane of my existence. I wish I could be on it all day long. Thanks Maria!
Mint ice cubes!!! I’m falling for it. And this lemonade.
🙂 Thanks Steph!
Awesome Lemonade makes me think warm weather, which we are having here today as it is. I grow fresh mint, so I have a steady supply of it. This drink sounds SOOOO refreshing.
I can’t tell you how much I love this combo. Those wee little ice cubes are adorable. I’m already thinking of ways I can spike this with booze. Hello, lush 🙂
This sounds great — and definitely awesome for the warm D.C. months ahead! It’s like a switch has gone off here, but I’m loving spring (even if we’re getting storms today!).
YES! It is getting warm–and I still don’t have AC! I’m getting worried…
I love ginger! This looks so delicious and refreshing!
I love making homemade lemonade with a twist! This looks so refreshing and mint grows like a weed in San Diego so I add it to drinks and food all the time!
Ugh, I am so jealous!! I need to move to SD!
Love this twist on lemonade! Mint and Ginger are such wonderful flavors..
Thanks Erika!! I totally agree!
This lemonade is speaking to my soul! I adore the ginger and mint additions!
I can’t wait for lemonade season so I can makes batches of this stuff. Love the ginger mint twist. Sounds awesome! Oh and I am loving both ginger and mint at the moment too. Such refreshing, spring like ingredients!
Totally agree! So refreshing!
Love those ice cubes!! They look amazing!!
Thanks Leah!
This lemonade looks sooo refreshing! Pinning to try this summer in the heat 😀
Thanks so much Ceara! Appreciate it!