Sparkling ginger-mint lemonade

Enjoy as a mocktail or in a spiced-up gin & tonic!

At this time of year, I often find myself craving all things citrus. Lemon is a particular favourite of mine – I love its bright, fresh, tanginess which adds a huge pop of flavour to any recipe. With fresh ginger and mint, this lemonade is as healthful as it is delicious. I usually mix fruit concentrates with soda water, but find this one is especially delicious with tonic water (with or without a splash of gin). This lemonade – spiked or not – would be great for pitcher drinks for a party. Cheers to spring sunshine in a glass!

Ingredients

Lemonade concentrate:

• 1/2 cup (125 mL) peeled, chopped fresh gingerroot
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) packed coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) honey
• 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) boiling water
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) cold water

To serve:

• ice cubes
• fresh mint leaves
• lemon slices
• tonic water or club soda
• gin (optional)

Method

• Combine ginger, mint and honey in a medium-sized heatproof bowl. Add boiling water and let sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally with a metal spoon.
• Strain into 4 cup (1 L) canning jar or glass pitcher, pressing on solids in the strainer with the back of a spoon to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
• Add lemon juice and cold water. Stir.
• The lemonade concentrate can be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
• To serve, fill glasses with ice. Add a 1.5 oz (3 tbsp / 45 mL) shot of gin, if using, then add enough lemonade mixture to fill the glasses 3/4 full. Top with tonic water or club soda. Garnish with mint leaves and lemon slices and serve.

Makes approximately 3 cups of lemonade.