Cranberry Thyme Mint Lemonade Recipe

There’s something incredibly refreshing about a glass of lemonade on a warm day, but when you elevate it to a Cranberry Thyme Mint Lemonade, it turns into a delightful celebration of flavors. This drink, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon in the garden, combines the tartness of cranberries, the coolness of mint, and the subtle earthiness of thyme, making it a unique refreshment worth trying. Creating this drink can be a joyful family activity, nurturing bonds and sparking creativity in the kitchen.

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups cold water
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves, lightly crushed
• 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme
• Ice cubes
• Extra mint leaves and lemon slices for garnish

1. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, 1 cup of water, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the cranberries are tender. This will take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Once cooled, blend the cranberry mixture to a smooth consistency using a blender. The vibrant red color and sweet-tart flavor will be the star of your drink.
3. In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry puree, 4 cups of cold water, lemon juice, crushed mint leaves, and thyme sprigs. Stir well to mix all the flavors. The tangy aroma of freshly squeezed lemon paired with the fragrant herbs sets a refreshing tone.
4. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lemonade over. Garnish with extra mint leaves and lemon slices for a beautiful touch.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of summer in every sip.

• For a natural sweetener, replace granulated sugar with honey or agave syrup.
• Serve in a chilled glass for an extra cooling effect, perfect for hot days.
• If you prefer a less tangy drink, adjust the lemon juice according to your taste.
• This lemonade makes an excellent base for other drinks; try adding a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy kick.

• Refrigerate the drink base (without ice) for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
• If cranberries aren’t available, pomegranate or raspberry puree can be delightful substitutes.
• For a sugar-free variant, use a sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

• Fresh fruit platters
• Honey-glazed nuts
• Cucumber sandwiches
• Lemon or thyme-flavored cookies