Naptime’s Mint Lemonade For Summer

I spent Memorial Day weekend on Martha’s Vineyard kicking up my heels and enjoying the warm breezes. While I was there I made pitcher after pitcher of this gorgeous lemonade. It has an over-the-top lemony taste with just the right hint of mint to balance out the tart fruit. I often found myself making it during my daughter’s naptime; this way it was ready for the afternoon heat. I even poured some into our popsicle maker so she could enjoy a frozen treat after dinner. 

Ingredients for lemonade (yields 3 quarts)

• 2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 12 lemons)
• 1 cup superfine sugar (or more, if you want it sweeter)
• 1 cup crushed ice
• 8 cup water
• Optional: 1 cup vodka for a more “adult” beverage

Ingredients for mint syrup

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

Directions

1. Pour all lemonade ingredients into a blender and puree until completely smooth. You may have to do this in two batches if your blender is small.
2. To make simple syrup, pour water, sugar and mint leaves into a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Swirl (do not stir!) water around until sugar is completely dissolved. Turn off heat and allow to cool.
4. Pour mint syrup into lemonade and stir until completely combined.
5. Serve over ice.
6. Relax.