Mint Limeade

I know it may not seem this way for some of you up north, health but I assure you that warm weather is on its way! It’s just two short weeks until Memorial Day, information pills the official kick-off for picnics, cialis sale BBQs and pool parties. All you need now is the perfect drink recipe.

And of course, by drink I don’t mean cocktail. I am, after all, a responsible 8-month pregnant lady and someone my size and shape would get funny looks holding a cocktail. So this Mint Limeade is a deliciously virgin beverage, though I’m quite sure adding a shot or two of tequila wouldn’t detract from its charms. Usually, I’m too impatient to make quality beverages. They always require cooled simple syrup and I just don’t plan that far in advance.

That’s why I love this recipe. You basically take all the ingredients and throw them in a blender – whole limes, ice, water, brown sugar and mint leaves. The lime and mint make it super refreshing while the brown sugar adds a nice depth and almost caramel flavor. It’s definitely summer in a glass.

Shameless Plug! Check out the Miami New Times Blog Watch post featuring yours truly!

[print_this text=’Print Recipe’]Mint Limeade
If you’re feeling boozy, I’d add a few shots of tequila. Feel free to experiment with other kinds of booze and let me know how it goes!

4 limes
1 cup light brown sugar
2 cup cold water
1 1/2 cups ice
1/4 cup mint leaves
Special equipment: a good blender. If you don’t have a good one, this may be a bit pulpy – juice the limes instead of using them whole.

Roughly cut the zest off of the limes (see photo). You can save the lime zest for other uses (like flavoring stock, soup, etc.) or discard.

Toss the limes, sugar, water, ice and mint leaves in a blender and blender for 2 – 3 minutes or until really smooth.

Pour and garnish with a mint leaf.

Makes 4 limeades.

[/print_this]