| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 140 | 0g | 0g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 33g | 1g | 1g | 0.02g |
There’s something so refreshing and revitalizing about a cool glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. If you’re a lemonade enthusiast, I invite you to try my variation of a classic lemonade, the Borage and Mint Lemonade. With a pop of flavor and the healthful benefits of borage and mint, it’s a natural thirst quencher that’s much more than just a pretty drink. Hopefully, you’ll come to love it just as much as I do!
Nature’s Gifts in a Glass
I lean on my roots in the spectacular Rocky Mountains of Colorado to inspire me in the kitchen. When I brew up a batch of this Borage and Mint Lemonade, I remember my childhood summer days exploring the verdant mountain trails, where wild mint grew in abundance. For this recipes, I’ve combined these refreshing mint leaves with borage leaves, an essential ingredient in many traditional British recipes.
The Health Power of Mint and Borage
It’s not just the refreshing taste that makes this drink wonderful. The ingredients pack a real punch when it comes to health benefits. Mint has been used for ages for its digestive benefits, and it also contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties. Borage, often overlooked in modern cooking, is likewise blessed with anti-inflammatory properties and has been associated with improving skin conditions, respiratory health, and arthritis.
This lemonade is a hit at summer BBQs, and it pairs fantastically with my seared trout recipe or a simple grilled chicken. It’s like having a slice of mountain freshness right in my urban kitchen. Plus, the vibrant green color and the optional garnish of borage flowers make it a visually stunning addition to any dining table.
That’s why I love the Borage and Mint Lemonade recipe. It’s more than just a beverage—it’s a celebration of natural ingredients, fond memories, and health benefits, all in a single glass.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of fresh borage leaves
- 1 cup of fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups of fresh lemon juice (approximately 8-10 lemons)
- 1.5 cups of granulated sugar
- 6 cups of water
- 1 cup of crushed ice
- 6 slices of lemon for garnish
- Borage flowers for garnish (optional)
- Mint sprigs for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by rinsing the borage and mint leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Step Two
In a pot, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water, stirring occasionally.
Step Three
Once the sugar has dissolved, add the borage and mint leaves to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about ten minutes. This will infuse the sugar water with the flavors of the herbs.
Step Four
While the herbs are simmering, juice your lemons until you have two cups of fresh lemon juice. Set this aside for now.
Step Five
After the herbs have finished simmering, strain the infusion through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher or jug. Make sure to press the leaves to extract all the flavor. Discard the leaves.
Step Six
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and crushed ice into the pitcher with the strained infusion. Stir well to combine until the lemonade is chilled.
Step Seven
Pour the lemonade into glasses, garnishing each with a slice of lemon, a borage flower and a sprig of mint, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Note: The lemonade will be at its best if served immediately, but can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to stir it well before serving to redistribute any lemon juice or sugar that may have settled at the bottom of the pitcher.
