Cure for the Summertime Blues

So it’s hot.  REALLY hot.  and humid.  And my apartment has no AC for the foreseeable future (or at least then next 5-6 hours).  Usually when I’m grumpy and frustrated, I like to cook or bake bread.  Running the oven when the apartment is already 85 degrees inside is, however, not a good idea.

So I figured I’d make up some lemonade, and the mint outside is growing fabulously… and I came up with the following:

Ginger Mint Lemonade

2QT pitcher (glass if possible, this is pretty to look at)
1 large or 2 small lemons, sliced thinly (save about 1/2inch off each end)
20-25 large mint leaves
1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup lemon juice (fresh is best, bottled is fine)
Several cups of ice
Cold Water

In pitcher place ice, lemon slices, lemon juice, about 10 of the mint leaves (give them a slight bruising), and 3-4 slices of ginger.  Set aside.  This works best if the ice is on the bottom and the tasty things are on top.

In a small saucepan combine sugar, 1cup water, the rest of the ginger and mint leaves, and the lemon ends.  Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes.

Add another 1/2 to 1cup cold water to the sugar mixture to cool and strain it into the pitcher.  Fill the pitcher with cold water and stir to combine.

The end result is cool, sweet, slightly spicy from the ginger, and with juuuust enough mint to be noticeable in your mouth without being overpowering.  And it’s fantastic for a hot sticky day.  You can add more or less of any of the ingredients (or make it entirely without the mint and ginger) and it’ll be just as tasty.

Enjoy!