Front Porch Mint and Lime Cooler
Serves 6Prep 15m · Cook 5mSnackDrinks
My grandmother believed no argument could survive a cold glass of this, and she settled at least one fence dispute with a pitcher of it. The mint grew wild by her porch steps and forgave you no matter how much you picked. Summer, to me, still tastes exactly like this.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 large bunch fresh mint (about 2 cups leaves), plus sprigs to serve
- 3/4 cup fresh lime juice (6 to 8 limes)
- 4 cups cold water or sparkling water
- Plenty of ice
- Lime wheels, to serve
Instructions
- Make a mint syrup: bring the sugar and 3/4 cup water to a simmer, stirring until dissolved. Turn off the heat, add the mint leaves, and press them under the syrup. Steep 15 minutes.
- Strain the syrup and let it cool completely.
- In a large pitcher, combine the mint syrup and lime juice.
- Add the cold water and stir. Taste — it should be bright and just sweet enough; add a splash more lime if needed.
- Fill glasses with ice, pour, and finish each with a mint sprig and a lime wheel.
- Keep the pitcher somewhere shady and it will keep the afternoon company.
Recipe by Beatrice T.