Mint Lemonade (sugar free & kid-approved)

Easy and refreshing, this fresh-squeezed mint lemonade recipe is free of refined sugars and preservatives. Kids love it!

There is nothing better than an ice cold, refreshing glass of lemonade on a hot summer day.  It's right up there with a classic burger or some homemade ice cream. Today we're sharing one of our favorite recipes for fresh lemonade. This is a healthy, all-natural twist on this American classic: fresh mint lemonade sweetened with agave nectar. That means no refined sugar!

Ingredients:

• LEMONS: 6 (at room temperature)
• AGAVE SYRUP: ½ to ¾ cups (to taste)
• FRESH MINT LEAVES: a handful
• COLD WATER: 5-6 cups
• ICE CUBES

What is agave?

Agave is a natural sweeter derived from the sap of the agave plant (a type of cactus native to Mexico). Agave syrup is a sweet brown liquid. After the juice is extracted from the plant, it is filtered, heated, and concentrated into a syrup. It tastes a little like molasses. Agave syrup is about 1.5 times sweeter than sugar, so you can achieve the same sweetness by using less.

I have always loved lemonade. Unfortunately, I think for the first eighteen years or so of my life, I had no idea that it could be made any other way besides opening a canister labeled "Country Time". When I discovered fresh lemonade, it was a revelation.  I love the mint lemonade at Le Pain Quotidien, and have been making my own version at home for some time now.  I have been using agave nectar to sweeten it recently, as I am trying to limit our our refined sugar intake.

How to make lemonade:

1. Roll room temperature lemons on cutting board to prepare them for juicing
2. Cut lemons in half and juice (I use a fork to "twist" juice out, placing a sieve over my liquid measuring cup to catch unwanted seeds)
3. You should have about ¾ to 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
4. Rinse fresh mint and chop roughly to release flavor
5. Combine lemon juice, agave nectar, and 5-6 cups of cold water to taste
6. Add freshly chopped mint and stir
7. Add ice cubes and refrigerate for 30 minutes
8. Serve with lemon slices or mint springs as garnish

What flavors can you add to lemonade?

• FRESH FRUIT: just a few sliced strawberries or limes add another level of flavor
• A HINT OF CUCUMBER: a thin slice of two will do, for clean, herbaceous flavor
• SELTZER OR CLUB SODA: add a bit of sparkle
• BOOZE (not kid friendly!): spike this lemonade with vodka or bourbon for an adults only summer cocktail.

Expert Tips & Tricks:

• use room temperature lemons for easier juicing and better tasting lemonade.
• for optimum juicing: use a fork to "twist" juice out, placing a sieve over my liquid measuring cup to catch unwanted seeds.
• add 4 cups of water first, tasting to see how "lemony" and sweet you want your lemonade. Add more water to taste.

More refreshing summer drinks:

LAVENDER LEMONADE COCKTAIL

SPARKLING CHERRY LEMON-LIMEADE

PINK SEÑORITA COCKTAIL

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