Kiwi Mint Lemonade

I absolutely love kiwifruit and am always on the prowl for new recipes. This one comes from the California Kiwifruit Commission. You can change this up by adding some vodka or alcohol of your choice or make it just kiwi lemonade by leaving out the mint!

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  cup water
• 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 cup  packed fresh mint leaves
• 3  kiwi fruits
• 2 -3  lemons
•  sparkling water

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat water with sugar over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mint leaves. Let stand 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, peel kiwifruit and cut into chunks. Puree in a food processor. Place puree in a pitcher. Strain cooled syrup into pitcher, pressing on mint, then discard leaves. Refrigerate until cold. Squeeze juice from 2 lemons. Stir into kiwifruit mixture. Taste, squeeze in juice from remaining lemon for a tarter lemonade.
3. Pour into glasses. Top with sparkling water. Serve garnished with a slice of kiwifruit. Makes about 2¼ cups without sparkling water, enough for 4 drinks.