Gather Your Ingredients
The initial step involves collecting all the necessary components to prepare the lemon mint juice. You'll require fresh lemons, which are the star ingredient,
providing the tangy and zesty flavour. Next, gather fresh mint leaves; these offer a refreshing and aromatic element that complements the lemon perfectly. Water is essential for diluting the juice and achieving the desired consistency. Additionally, sugar or a preferred sweetener is needed to balance the tartness of the lemon and enhance the overall flavour. A pinch of salt can also be added to elevate the taste and bring out the sweetness.
Prepare the Lemon Juice
Following the gathering of ingredients, the lemons need to be prepared for juicing. Begin by washing the lemons thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. Next, slice the lemons in half to make it easier to extract the juice. You can then use a citrus juicer to extract the juice efficiently. Alternatively, you can squeeze the lemons by hand. This involves holding each half over a bowl and pressing firmly to release the juice. Be careful to avoid getting any seeds in the juice. Once you have extracted all the juice, set it aside for the next step, ensuring you have approximately the required amount of juice based on your recipe.
Muddle the Mint Leaves
To infuse the lemon mint juice with the mint's refreshing essence, muddle the mint leaves. Place a handful of fresh mint leaves in a sturdy glass or a muddler. Add a small amount of sugar or sweetener to help release the mint's flavour. Next, gently muddle the leaves, using a muddler or the back of a spoon. The goal is to bruise the leaves, releasing their oils and aroma, not to completely crush them. Muddle gently for approximately 15–20 seconds. Be cautious not to over-muddle, as this can make the juice taste bitter. Once the mint is adequately muddled, this aromatic base will be ready to combine with the other ingredients.
Combine and Blend
After the mint is prepared, it’s time to combine all the elements for the juice. In a blender or a large pitcher, combine the muddled mint leaves, the freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the measured amount of water. If you are using sugar, add it at this stage and stir well until it dissolves. For those who enjoy it, a pinch of salt can be included to enhance the flavour profile. Then, blend the mixture for a short period, ensuring all the ingredients are well-incorporated. If using a blender, pulse a few times. If using a pitcher, stir vigorously until everything is combined. The resulting mixture should be a harmonious blend of lemon, mint, water, and sweetener.
Strain and Serve
The final step involves refining the juice and preparing it for serving. To remove any pulp or solid particles, strain the blended mixture. Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain the juice into a clean pitcher or serving glass. Discard the pulp and any remaining mint leaves. Once strained, taste the juice and adjust the sweetness or tartness as needed. You can add more sugar, water, or lemon juice according to your preference. To enhance the refreshing quality, chill the lemon mint juice in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve the juice over ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon slice for added visual appeal. Enjoy your refreshing homemade lemon mint juice!
