Red, ripe strawberries and tart, bright lemons are two of spring and summer's most beloved fruits and when combined they make quite a delicious pair. Whirl them and swirl them together with a handful of crisp mint - bringing along the herb's intoxicating floral fragrance - then sweeten with the nectar of the South. Top things off with a sparkling lemon soda and serve well chilled over ice. Such a delicious way to quench one's thirst!
Course Drinks
Servings 8servings
Equipment
small saucepan
Blender
Ingredients
2cupsof sugar
1cupwater
2poundsfresh strawberries, washed, stems removed and sliced
⅓cupfresh mint, packed when measuring
2cupsfreshly squeezed lemon juice, about 12 lemons
For serving: sparkling lemon soda and ice
Instructions
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved, about 12 to 15 minutes. Set the simple syrup aside to cool slightly.
Toss the strawberries and mint in a blender. Pour in the lemon juice and the simple syrup.
Process, starting on low speed then raising to high until the mixture is smooth, about 30 seconds.
To serve, pour ¾ cup of the strawberry lemonade base into a tall cup followed by ¼ cup lemon soda and top off with ice.
Notes
This is a great beverage to make ahead. Just keep the strawberry minted lemonade base chilled and add the ice and sparkling soda right before serving.