Lemon and Mint Juice
I loved these drinks while I was travelling through the Middle East. Very refreshing in hot weather.
I loved these drinks while I was travelling through the Middle East. Very refreshing in hot weather.
- Carbohydrate 12.306 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.324 g
- Fiber 5.82599979400635 g
- Protein 1.296 g
- Saturated Fat 0.04212 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (261g)
- Sodium 4661.63438836775 mg
- Sugar 6.48000020599365 g
- Trans Fat 0.17388 g
- Calories 27 calories
Step-by-step
- Dissolve the sugar in the hot water.
- Add all the ingredients to a blender and mix on high until all the ice is crushed.
- Serve immediately garnished with a lemon slice and a couple of mint leaves.
- Substitute a lemon for 1-2 limes for a slightly different flavor.
The ingredient list omits the crucial detail that citrus pith contains bitter compounds capable of ruining a beverage within seconds of blending. Removing the outer yellow zest and white pith entirely before processing prevents astringency from dominating the fresh herbal notes. Because this drink relies on emulsifying whole ingredients rather than extracting strained juice, mechanical power matters immensely. High-speed blenders pulverize the fibrous mint leaves and ice cubes simultaneously, creating an opaque, frothy consistency that separates quickly if left sitting at room temperature. Freshly blended beverages of this nature lack chemical stabilizers, meaning they separate within minutes; consuming them immediately is essential for optimal texture.
Adapting for Dietary Needs and Service
Adjusting sweetness levels requires no structural recipe changes since granulated sugar dissolves efficiently in a small quantity of 140 degree Fahrenheit water before dilution. Substituting unrefined cane sugar or liquid sweeteners alters the viscosity slightly without compromising the emulsion. Freezing blended citrus bases is not recommended because the ruptured cellular walls of the mint turn dark and sludgy upon thawing.
- Strain the blended liquid through a fine-mesh sieve if a completely smooth mouthfeel is preferred over a pulpy texture.
- Pulse the blender in short intervals initially to prevent motor strain from the solid ice cubes.
- Substitute one lemon with two limes at a one-to-two ratio for a sharper, more tart flavor profile.
