EASY DELICIOUS VEGAN | Apple and Mint Punch

Store-bought Martinelli’s apple juice is the base for this refreshing, picnic-worthy summer punch recipe but don’t discount apples in July! There are some noteworthy seasonal varieties that home-juicers can turn into fresh apple juice during the dog days of summer.

APPLE AND MINT PUNCH

Ingredients:

For the Punch

2 cups water

4 teaspoons of green tea leaves, or 4 green tea bags

1 1/2 cups apple juice (100% juice), chilled

1 cup Mint Simple Syrup (recipe follows)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)

1 cup sparkling water, chilled

Fresh mint sprigs and leaves, and apple slices, for garnish

For the Simple Syrup

1 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1 packed cup fresh mint leaves

Start to prepare the punch: Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan, over medium-high heat. Turn off the heat, add the tea leaves or bags and let steep for 6 minutes. Remove the tea leaves and let the tea cool to room temperature, about 45 minutes.

In the meantime, prepare the simple syrup: Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, over medium heat. Stir occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add the mint leaves. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes; strain before using.

Pour the cooled tea into a large pitcher. Add the apple juice, Mint Simple Syrup and lemon juice. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve: Add the sparkling water and pour the punch into small glasses. Garnish with apple slices and fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Recipe closely adapted from Giada DeLaurentiis

Photo: Scott Gordon Bleicher