I’m in denial that summer is nearing an end. I’ve been here before and I know myself enough to know that it happens in a moment. One moment its tomatoes and the next it’s apples, warm drinks and pumpkin everything. But that moment hasn’t happened yet so I’m still planning on repeated pitchers of this peppermint lemonade.

This was our lemonade of choice this summer. It’s what we sold at the stand and has been the perfect drink to chase away the heat. I love the lingering cold feeling that peppermint leaves on the tongue especially on a particularly hot day, of which we’ve had many. And I’m hoping for several more.

Although I’ve yet to try it, I imagine a splash of vodka or gin would go quite nicely here as well. Cheers to a bit more summer!

Peppermint Tea Lemonade

Originally the idea here was to create a Peppermint Arnold Palmer of sorts but it ended up being more like a flavored lemonade. You can add more water to the tea base if you'd like to go with my original plan but this is how I made it again and again. Also, I leave the tea bags in until the pitcher runs dry. By the last glass the peppermint flavor is intense and incredibly refreshing. Feel free to add in more tea bags from the get-go if you like it real minty.

1 cup hot water

1 cup sugar

3 peppermint tea bags

1 cup fresh lemon juice

2 cups cold water

fresh mint leaves (optional)

Stir together the hot water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add the peppermint tea bags and let steep for at least 10 minutes.

In a large pitcher combine the peppermint syrup (I keep the tea bags in) with the lemon juice and water. Taste and adjust to your liking.

Serve over ice with fresh mint if you have it.