Benefits of Southern Mint Lemonade

Benefits of Southern Mint Lemonade can’t be ignored this summer.

Let’s talk about the benefits of Southern Mint Lemonade. With the heat rising during summertime, we tend to get overheated and lethargic. In order to stay hydrated and keep our immunity healthy, a nice glass of mint lemonade might be just what the doctor would order. Read on for the full recipe and benefits of my favorite low-sugar mint lemonade.

Growing up in the south, the weather is hot mostly year-round with the exception of December and January. The humidity is the icing on the cake and in summer season, you are drenched and perspiring the moment you walk outside. Lemonade was always a way for us kids cool off. We would be in the sun all day and need the hydration during playtime. I recognize as an adult just how clever my mom was in getting me and my sister the proper nutrients. Sure, there was always water we could reach for but in those early ages, lemonade is an easy thing to get your kids to drink. Even with the added sugar, the benefits of it are to be celebrated!

Everyone talks about macronutrients, but let’s not overlook micronutrients.

Unless you’re living under a rock, I am sure you know some of the benefits that lemons provide and a major one is vitamin c. Second to oranges, lemons provide a high amount of C, not only in their juice but in the peel as well. A fresh squeeze of a lemon will get you close to half the daily recommended amount of vitamin c which is around 90mg for me and 75 for women. The benefits of C include immunity boosting, lowering the risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases.

Mint, which I personally love for its cooling sensation, is super popular in drinks, salads, smoothies, etc. Aside from the boost in flavor that it provides, it’s rich in nutrients as well. Think vitamin A, iron, and manganese- all help with bodily functions like growth and development, organ functioning, and strong bones. Mint also helps with digestion, can improve brain function, and for the sake of hygiene, helps with breath. Who knew this little green plant could be so mighty?!

Souther Mint Lemonade: Recipe ready

Now that we’ve explored the benefits of this tasty drink’s ingredients, let’s make some mint lemonade!

SOUTHERN MINT LEMONADE

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Serves 2.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp honey with hot water (I used monkfruit sugar in this recipe)
• 1/2- cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 4 lemons)
• 3 cups cold water (or can chill for 30 min after making)
• 1 small bunch of fresh whole mint leaves, rinsed and dried

Instructions

• To make fresh simple syrup, combine sugar and honey and 1 cup hot water over high heat, in a small saucepan. Whisk and set aside to cool.
• While the syrup is boiling, this is the time to squeeze your lemons into your pitcher/jar. I chose to hand squeeze this time.
• When the simple syrup has boiled and cooled, add it to the fresh squeezed lemon juice.
• Then add the 3 cups cold water, ice, and fresh mint leaves.
• Stir. Enjoy.

I’d love to know your experience in making this mint lemonade too and hope you enjoyed it as much as I do!

XOXO, Natasha