I make this when the air feels heavy and the kitchen begs for something bright. We slice big lemons and let them rest with mint and rosemary and a kiss of vanilla. The mix wakes up fast and the scent fills the room. This sits on my counter while I tidy up. By the time I come back the sugar melts and the fruit looks glossy and ready. This mint lemonade recipe came from summers that ran long. We packed jars for the porch and passed them around. The herbs give calm and a little lift. I call this one of my healthy drinks recipes since it leans on fresh fruit and clean flavor. Friends ask for a refill before the ice has time to clink. I do not blame them. Recipes and drinks often feel fussy. This one stays simple and kind. You can spot how the rosemary plays nice with the citrus. I tuck in a sprig and smile. Vanilla rounds the edges and makes the tart feel soft. For herb fans this joins my short list of recipes with rosemary and my go to rosemary recipes. If you love fresh herbs it also fits right into mint recipes. Readers who grew up with Southern Living Recipes will nod and say yes that feels right.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla
- 4) How to Make Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla
- 5) Tips for Making Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla
- 6) Making Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla
- 8) Try these drinks next
- 9) Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
Fresh lemons meet mint rosemary and a soft note of vanilla. The result tastes bright and calm at the same time.
You make a simple press over a strainer. The juice runs clear and the herbs leave aroma that lingers.
The recipe fits warm days and slow nights. The steps stay short. The gear stays basic.
2) Easy Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla Recipe
I am Elena at Elena Cooks and I keep pitchers ready when the heat climbs. This pitcher joins my list of healthy drinks recipes. On Elena Cooks I share healthy drinks recipes that feel simple and clean. You will taste bright citrus and cool herbs and a light round finish from vanilla.
The mint lemonade recipe grew from porch days and a small garden. I grab a handful of mint and a few sprigs of rosemary and I smile. The scent moves fast and my kitchen shifts mood.
Readers ask for recipes with rosemary and I point here. It sits with my favorite rosemary recipes and it plays nice with many snacks. I file it under recipes and drinks since it fits both food chats and porch talk.
3) Ingredients for Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla
Fresh lemons choose large fruit with smooth skin and good weight for bright juice and clean scent.
Sugar use granulated or sucanat for gentle sweetness that lets the citrus stay in front.
Fresh mint pack a handful of tender sprigs for cool lift and a nod to mint recipes that we love.
Fresh rosemary add two sprigs for resin and pine notes that feel soft with lemon.
Vanilla bean or extract scrape seeds for deep aroma or add extract at the end for a round edge.
Cold water use plenty to stretch the juice and keep the mix crisp and light.
Ice fill the pitcher near the top so each glass lands frosty and fresh.
Extra herbs save a few mint leaves and a small rosemary tip for garnish in each glass.
4) How to Make Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla
step 1. Rinse the lemons then slice into thick rounds. Set a strainer over a deep bowl so the juice can fall clean.
step 2. Split the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds. Keep the pod. Drop lemon slices mint rosemary sugar seeds and pod into the strainer.
step 3. Press the fruit with a spoon. Work in slow circles. The sugar melts and the bowl fills with juice.
step 4. Lift out the solids and discard. Stir cold water into the bowl. Taste and adjust with a touch more sugar or a squeeze of lemon.
step 5. Pour the lemonade into a pitcher packed with ice. Add fresh mint and a tiny rosemary tip for scent.
step 6. Sip and breathe. The mix lands bright and smooth. Share with friends who love a mint lemonade recipe.
5) Tips for Making Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla
Use room temp lemons so the juice flows with ease. Roll each fruit on the counter with your palm to help it relax.
Add vanilla extract only after you strain the juice. Heat can fade the aroma. A small splash does the job.
Keep a jar of simple syrup for quick batches. It turns recipes and drinks into fast wins on busy days.
6) Making Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla Ahead of Time
I chill the base in the morning and add water right before guests arrive. The flavor blooms as the herbs rest with the juice.
For picnics pack the strained juice in a jar and bring cold water and ice on the side. The pour stays strong and clean at the park.
This pitcher fits wholesome drink recipes on my site and it travels well. Label the jar and you are set.
7) Storing Leftover Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla
Store the lemonade in a glass jar with a tight lid. Keep the herbs out so the flavor stays balanced.
The mix keeps for three days in the fridge. Stir before you pour since light pulp may rest at the base.
For a treat add a splash of sparkling water to a fresh glass. Friends who chase better for you beverages love that move.
8) Try these drinks next
9) Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla
Mint and Rosemary Lemonade with Vanilla healthy drinks recipes
Ingredients
- 8 large lemons washed and sliced into thick rounds
- 1 cup sucanat or granulated sugar
- 10 sprigs fresh mint plus more for garnish
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary plus more for garnish
- 1 slash 2 vanilla bean seeds and pod or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Set a medium mesh strainer over a large bowl.
- Split the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds. Keep the pod.
- Place lemon slices in the strainer. Add mint rosemary sugar vanilla seeds and the vanilla pod.
- Cover the bowl and chill for 2 to 4 hours to let the lemons release their juice.
- Press and massage the fruit through the strainer until the bowl holds the lemon juice and melted sugar. Discard the solids.
- Stir in the cold water until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Pour into a pitcher with ice. Taste and add more sugar or fresh lemon if you like.
- Serve cold with extra mint and rosemary. For a fizzy spin swap part of the water with sparkling water just before serving.
10) Nutrition
One tall glass lands near ninety calories with light sugar and bright citrus. The herbs add aroma with no extra weight.
The drink sits well inside many healthy drinks recipes since it leans on fruit water and modest sweetness. The balance feels kind to the body.
For less sugar use a smaller scoop or pour more water. For more tart add a small squeeze of lemon. Simple choices keep control in your hands. Fans of Southern Living Recipes will nod.
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