Persian Apple and Mint Juice
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples (preferably Persian or any sweet variety)
- 1 bunch of fresh mint leaves
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional, to taste)
- 2 cups cold water or sparkling water
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples:
- Wash the apples thoroughly. Core and cut them into quarters. There’s no need to peel them as the skin adds extra flavor and nutrients.
- Juice the Apples:
- Using a juicer, process the apple quarters to extract the juice. If you don’t have a juicer, you can use a blender. Simply blend the apples until smooth, then strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp.
- Add Fresh Mint:
- Wash the mint leaves and gently crush them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their flavor. Add the mint leaves to the apple juice. If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, let it infuse for a few minutes before proceeding.
- Prepare the Lemon:
- Squeeze the juice from the lemon and add it to the apple and mint mixture. This adds a refreshing citrus note and balances the sweetness of the apples.
- Sweeten the Juice:
- Taste the juice and add honey or sugar if desired. Stir well until the sweetener is fully dissolved. You can adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
- Chill and Serve:
- If you like your juice cold, add ice cubes to the pitcher. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the juice for about an hour before serving.
- Garnish:
- Serve the juice in glasses garnished with a few whole mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.
Enjoy your Persian Apple and Mint Juice as a refreshing and naturally sweet beverage perfect for any time of the day!