ORANGE AND MINT DRINK CITRUS MINT SPARKLER

By Clara Kapelembe Bwali (@blackgarliczambia)

 Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh orange juice, chilled
• ½ cup sparkling water or tonic water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup (optional)
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves
• ice cubes
• orange zest, for garnish
• mint sprig, for garnish
• edible flowers (optional, for a fancy touch)

Method

1. Chill the serving glass for a frosty look.

2. In the glass, gently crush mint leaves with a teaspoon of honey or a little orange juice to release their aroma.

3. Add ice cubes, then pour in the fresh orange juice, followed by the sparkling water.

 4. Stir in lemon juice gently for a balanced citrusy flavour.

5. Top with a sprig of fresh mint, a twist of orange zest, and edible flowers for a pop of colour.

6. Serve with a reusable straw or an elegant stirrer to complete the look.