[ad_1]
As summer heats up, refreshing mint recipes are the perfect addition to your menu. From drinks to desserts, incorporating fresh mint into your dishes can add a cool and refreshing twist. Here are some ideas for how to use mint in your summer recipes.

Mint Lemonade

This classic summer drink gets a refreshing twist with the addition of fresh mint leaves. Simply mix lemon juice, sugar, water, and torn mint leaves together for a cooling and invigorating sip.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
• 1/2 cup sugar (or more to taste)
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
• 6 cups water (divided)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with the sugar and mint leaves. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
2. Once the mint syrup has cooled, strain it to remove the mint leaves and pour it into a pitcher.
3. Add the lemon juice and remaining 5 cups of water to the pitcher and stir well to combine.
4. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until it’s very cold.
5. When ready to serve, pour the lemonade over ice cubes in glasses and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint if desired.

Tomato and Mint Salad

For a simple and refreshing summer side dish, try this tomato and mint salad. Combine diced tomatoes, minced red onion, torn mint leaves, olive oil, and a touch of salt and pepper for a juicy and flavorful salad.

Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, chopped mint leaves, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top of the salad.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated.
4. Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve the tomato and mint salad as a refreshing side dish to your favorite main course.

Mint Pesto Pasta

Pesto is a classic summer pasta dish, and this recipe takes it up a notch with fresh mint. Simply blend basil, mint, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil together for a refreshing and garlicky pesto sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (such as linguine or spaghetti)
• 2 cups fresh mint leaves, tightly packed
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, tightly packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor, pulse the mint leaves, parsley leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and black pepper until finely chopped.
3. With the motor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the feed tube until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
4. Toss the pasta with the pesto until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Serve the mint pesto pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh mint leaves if desired.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Cool off on hot summer days with this classic frozen treat that gets a refreshing twist from fresh mint leaves. Simply mix together heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and torn mint leaves before adding in chopped chocolate for a cool and creamy dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons mint extract
• 2 drops green food coloring (optional)
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the mint extract and green food coloring (if using).
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until very cold.
4. Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. During the last few minutes of churning, add the chocolate chips and let them mix in evenly.
6. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

Mint Tea

Sipping on a hot cup of tea doesn’t have to be reserved for the winter months. For a refreshing summer drink, brew up some mint tea using fresh mint leaves and hot water. Add a touch of honey for sweetness and enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 sprigs of fresh mint leaves
• 2 cups water
• Honey or sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the mint leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Heat the water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
3. Add the mint leaves to the water and remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Cover the saucepan and let the mint steep in the hot water for about 5 minutes.
5. Remove the mint leaves from the tea and discard them.
6. If desired, sweeten the tea with honey or sugar to taste.
7. Pour the mint tea into a cup and serve it hot.

Cucumber and Mint Water

Staying hydrated during the summer months is essential, and this cucumber and mint water recipe makes it delicious. Simply slice cucumber and add it to a pitcher of water along with torn mint leaves for a refreshing and hydrating drink.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 4-5 sprigs of fresh mint leaves
• 8 cups water

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cucumber and mint leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and add them to a large pitcher.
3. Add the fresh mint leaves to the pitcher.
4. Pour 8 cups of water into the pitcher and stir to combine.
5. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the cucumber and mint water for at least 2 hours, or until chilled.
6. Serve the cucumber and mint water over ice, garnished with additional cucumber slices and fresh mint leaves if desired.

Mint Mojito

This classic cocktail gets a refreshing twist with fresh mint leaves. Muddle together mint leaves and lime juice before adding in rum, sugar, and soda water for a refreshing and flavorful summer drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• Club soda
• Crushed ice
• Lime wedge and additional mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a tall glass, muddle the fresh mint leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup until the leaves are fragrant and slightly crushed.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
3. Pour in the white rum and stir well to combine.
4. Top off the glass with club soda and stir gently.
5. Garnish the Mint Mojito with a lime wedge and additional mint leaves.

Mint Chocolate Truffles

For a sweet and refreshing dessert, try making these mint chocolate truffles. Mix together melted chocolate, heavy cream, and torn mint leaves before rolling into truffle-sized balls and chilling in the fridge.

Ingredients:

• 10 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions:

1. Place the chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Add the softened butter and peppermint extract to the chocolate mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until it is firm enough to handle.
7. Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to form the chocolate mixture into small balls.
8. Roll the truffles in unsweetened cocoa powder, shaking off any excess.
9. Place the truffles on a plate or tray lined with wax paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until they are firm.
10. Store the Mint Chocolate Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Cucumber and Mint Gazpacho

This chilled soup is perfect for a hot summer day. Blend together cucumber, mint leaves, garlic, olive oil, and bread for a refreshing and flavorful gazpacho.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and diced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the diced cucumbers, green onions, minced garlic, mint leaves, parsley leaves, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Pulse until the ingredients are chopped and well combined.
2. Add the vegetable broth to the blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Taste the gazpacho and add salt and pepper as needed.
4. Chill the gazpacho in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until it is cold.
5. Serve the Cucumber and Mint Gazpacho in bowls or glasses, garnished with additional fresh mint leaves or cucumber slices.

Mint Julep

This classic southern cocktail gets its signature refreshing twist from fresh mint leaves. Muddle together mint leaves and sugar before adding in bourbon and crushed ice for a cool and delicious summer drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh mint
• Crushed ice

Instructions:

1. In a julep cup or a tall glass, muddle the mint leaves and sugar until the leaves are bruised and the sugar is dissolved.
2. Fill the cup with crushed ice.
3. Pour the bourbon over the ice and stir gently to combine.
4. Add more crushed ice to fill the cup.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Note: You can also make a Mint Julep by shaking the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and straining into a glass with crushed ice, but the traditional method is to muddle the mint and sugar in the glass.

Incorporating fresh mint into your summer recipes is a delicious and refreshing way to beat the heat. Try out some of the recipes above to add a cool twist to your menu.
[ad_2]