Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• juice of 2 oranges
• juice of 6 lemons
• 4 teaspoons grated orange peel
• fresh orange or lemon slices and sprigs of mint for garnish

Preparation:

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil and boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Place mint leaves in a small bowl; add sugar syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, and grated orange peel. Cover and let steep for 1 hour.

Strain into a 1-quart container. Cover and keep refrigerated.

To serve, mix 1 part lemon mint mixture with 2 parts water. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon or orange slices and sprigs of mint if desired.


Makes about 1 quart syrup, or 3 quarts of lemonade.

Feel free to add your favorite chilled vodka and/or rum to inebriate.