With the Kentucky Derby next weekend, it is mint julep season. For nearly a century, the mint julep has been a staple at the track. This year, try this delicious, healthful version with a hint of lemon sweetened by dates.
The lemon and ginger in this refreshing beverage aid in digestion and detoxification. The dates are simmered with the ginger and lemon to sweeten the drink without adding sugar. The lemon peel is also simmered with the mixture to add important phytonutrients. The spritzer can be served in flutes as a substitution for a cocktail. The mint garnish can be chewed to calm the digestive system.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1 large ginger root, sliced (about 12-14 slices)
- 6 dates pitted, cut in half
- 4 lemons, juiced, peel reserved
- 1 bottle natural sparkling mineral water, chilled
- mint, for garnish
Procedure
1 Add the water, ginger, dates, and lemon peel to a pot on medium heat. Bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
2 Strain the liquid into a bowl and allow to cool completely. Reserve the dates for another use.
3 Once the beverage has cooled, add the lemon juice and sparkling water. Add the water a little at a time and keep tasting
until it has reached the desired flavor, depending on desired strength. Put a mint sprig at the bottom of each glass and pour
in the spritzer. Serve.
Servings: 12
