Description

Ever wondered how to make a drink so refreshing it feels like a sunny day in a glass? Orange Blossom Mint Refresher is your answer! This light, zesty beverage combines the bright flavor of orange with cool mint and a floral hint of orange blossom water.

Ingredients

To make Orange Blossom Mint Refresher, you’ll need a few ingredients that come together to create a crisp, refreshing drink. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:

Water (20 cups): The base of the drink, providing a neutral canvas for the flavors to shine. Use filtered water for the best taste.
Fresh Mint (1 bunch, about 1 cup): Adds a cool, refreshing flavor that defines the drink. A whole bunch ensures a strong minty taste.
Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the drink lightly, balancing the tart orange juice and floral notes. Adjust to taste for a lighter or sweeter drink.
Navel Orange (1 large): Provides fresh, tangy juice that adds brightness and vitamin C. Navel oranges are sweet and seedless, perfect for juicing.
Orange Blossom Water (1–2 tbsp or 1½–2½ tsp orange extract): Gives a delicate, floral flavor that mimics a pina colada’s tropical vibe. Orange extract is a stronger, less floral substitute.
Optional: Orange slices and additional fresh mint for garnish, adding visual appeal and extra flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Mint: Swap with fresh basil for a slightly spicy, herby twist, or use half mint and half basil for a unique blend.
Sugar: Replace with honey, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-calorie option. Adjust to taste.
Orange: Use blood oranges for a deeper color and slightly tart flavor, or try tangerines for a sweeter note.
Orange Blossom Water: If unavailable, use rose water for a different floral touch or increase orange extract (but use sparingly to avoid overpowering).
Water: Infuse with a splash of coconut water for a tropical, hydrating boost.

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Instructions

Infuse the Mint:
- Place 20 cups of water and 1 bunch of fresh mint (about 1 cup) in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 6 hours, until the water is heated through and infused with mint flavor.
- Tip: Rinse the mint leaves thoroughly and leave them on the stems for easier straining later.
Strain the Mint:
- Carefully strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or bowl, discarding the mint leaves.
- Tip: Press the mint gently with a spoon to extract all the flavor, but don’t squeeze too hard to avoid bitterness.
Add Sugar:
- While the liquid is still warm, whisk in 1 cup of sugar until fully dissolved.
- Tip: Stir continuously to ensure the sugar dissolves completely, preventing a gritty texture.
Add Orange Juice and Flavor:
- Cut 1 large navel orange in half crosswise and squeeze the juice into the pitcher (about ¼–⅓ cup juice).
- Stir in 1–2 tbsp orange blossom water (or 1½–2½ tsp orange extract), starting with the smaller amount and adjusting to taste.
- Tip: Taste after adding 1 tbsp orange blossom water to avoid overpowering the drink with floral notes.
Chill the Drink:
- Transfer the mixture to a large pitcher if not already in one.
- Refrigerate for 4–6 hours, until completely cold.
- Tip: For faster chilling, add a few ice cubes to the pitcher, but don’t dilute it too much.
Serve:
- Serve the chilled refresher over ice in glasses.
- Garnish with orange slices and fresh mint sprigs if desired.
- Tip: Stir the pitcher before serving to ensure the flavors are evenly mixed.