Recipe: Apple and Mint Punch by Giada De Laurentiis

Quench your thirst with a refreshing blend of apple and mint with Giada De Laurentiis’ palate-pleasing punch. Whether you’re lounging poolside or looking for a morning pick-me-up on your way to work, this light and sweet beverage will help you beat the heat.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup water
½ cup sugar
1 packed up fresh mint leaves
2 cups water
4 green tea bags
1 ½ cups apple juice (recommended: Martinelli’s)
1 cup Mint Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
1 cup sparkling water, chilled
Ice
Mint sprigs (optional)

PREPARATION

For the Mint Simple Syrup:

STEP 1: Add water and sugar to a small saucepan.


STEP 2: Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes.

STEP 3: Remove the pan from heat and add mint leaves.


STEP 4: Allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes. Strain before using.


Now you’re ready to make your punch:

STEP 5: In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil over medium-high heat.

STEP 6: Turn off heat and add tea bags; let steep for 6 minutes.


STEP 7: Remove tea bags and cool tea to room temperature, about 45 minutes.

STEP 8: Pour cooled tea into a large pitcher.

STEP 9: Add apple juice, Mint Simple Syrup and lemon juice.


STEP 10: Refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, add sparkling water and pour punch into ice-filled glasses. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, if desired.




Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Thanks to A Bullseye View. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.