Mint Water is my new obsession you guys. What's not to love about a drink you can make in less than a minute and literally, all of it is harvested straight from my homestead. Oh, plus, for those of us who don't drink soda pop (or those who are trying to stop, and I'm so happy you're moving that way) drinking nothing but plain water all day can get kind of, well… boring.
When I first quit drinking pop (yes, I hang my head to say I was a total diet soda drinker for years) I had a hard time not reaching for something sweet in the afternoon. But I knew my health depended upon kicking that sugar habit, and I can now say I've not drank soda pop for almost a decade thanks to finding healthy alternatives to soda. (Source)
If you're looking for an alternative to soda or coffee, let me encourage you to try an herbal drink, elixir, shrub or cocktail/mocktail!
It's important to note that I am not a certified medical practitioner. This post is not intended to diagnose or treat but is for informational purposes only. Please contact your healthcare professional before introducing new herbal and natural remedies into your wellness routine.
Here in the Pacific Northwest we're not always hot, but last weekend we moved close to the hundred degree Fahrenheit mark. And yes, I totally wilted. Wouldn't you know the air conditioning in my husband's truck went out that week, too? And air conditioning in the house, forget about it, I've never lived in a house with air conditioning.
Mint water benefits:
- You can grow it yourself. Mint does best in a pot because it tends to spread, which means just about anybody can grow it!
- Mint helps aid digestion. So you can sip away and help your guts at the same time. (Source) (Note: if you suffer from indigestion peppermint can relax the sphincter muscle, which helps keep the contents of your stomach away from your esophagus, making heart burn or GERD worse).
- Mint is cooling. Adding it to your water makes for the perfect cooling drink on a hot summer day.
Mint water is so easy it really doesn't require a recipe, but here's how I make mine.
Just like this easy herbal drink, the simple things in life are often the best. Mason jars up!
How to make mint water at home
3 to 4 mint leaves
ice cubes
water
4 to 6 drops Stevia extract (optional)
Rinse the mint leaves and roll them between your fingers to crush the leaves and release the mint oil. If you don't have fresh mint leaves, you can try using homemade mint extract instead.
Place in a clean Mason jar, add ice, drop in a few drops of Stevia extract if using, cover with cold water and sip and enjoy. Easy peasy!
The Stevia extract is totally optional, but makes it taste more like a “soda pop” without the sugar. And if I hadn't killed my Stevia plant, I could have used Stevia leaves instead of purchasing an extract. But this brand of Stevia extract is my pick because it doesn't have that bitter after taste.
Do you make summer mint water or any other homemade beverages?
Mint Cooler
Ingredients
- 3-4 Mint leaves
- ice cubes
- water
- 4-6 drops Stevia extract (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the mint leaves and roll them between your fingers to crush the leaves and release the mint oil. Place in a clean Mason jar, add ice, drop in a few drops of Stevia extract if using, cover with cold water and sip and enjoy.
Thanks for this! I too, am trying to kick the soda habit. I have TONS of mint. This is great idea. Kind of like a non-alcoholic mojito. 😉
Can you substitute spearmint for mint? 🙂
I love having mint water.
For those breaking pop addictions – I make mine with carbonated water! We use a soda stream to make our own bubbly water and then add mint leaves. I usually leave it in the fridge for 30 mins because I like a strong flavour!
Tried it, love it
Love cucumber water!
I love mint water, I also will throw and herbal tea bag if I have some into my water (cold not hot water) and let it gently steep and just keep adding more water and ice as needed. Haven’t drank soda since I was a kid, I never liked the carbonation.
Thank you so much for your emails. I too love gardening and canning. I love cooking and tending to the animals on the place and sewing. I grew up with these things. Since I got married we’ve lived on the edge of town but we are looking to get back out to the country.. I think I’m probably older than you but I do enjoy your comments. Most of all I am glad you are a follower of Jesus. We are too.
I am so enjoying your info.
Thank you for sharing. Didn’t think of mint water before. Do you lit it steep or drink right away?
I have been fermenting strawberry soda, lemon soda, and ginger ale.
Kind of both, I start sipping right away, but will leave the mint in all day or until I’ve finished it. Definitely a stronger flavor is you let it steep for awhile.
I started a Bunch of different mints this year Sissy! Like you I’m not a soda drinker but love a refreshing drink! Yes Daddy’s 80th Birthday Party was so Fun!! So glad my Kiddos and Grand Children could make it!
Love You!
Bevie
I have a Stevia plant but I don’t really know what to do with it. Can you advise me?
Melissa, thanks so much for the mint water recipe! I am trying to kick diet soda and artificial sweeteners. I am ordering the stevia extract you listed and I now have a good use for the bounty of mint in my container garden!
Merrilou,
So happy to hear that!
This looks really good. I just started growing chocolate mint and I’m going to try this!
Oh, Phyllis, try making sun tea with your choc mint…it is delicious! (I also add a mix of green & black tea bags, then my family enjoys it cold from the fridge the next day?)
You are So Inspiring. I enjoy All that You Share!!!