Mint squash is a simple and refreshing concentrated syrup made using fresh mint leaves, sugar, citric acid and water. It is easy to prepare at home and store well for weeks. It can be instantly mixed with chilled water or soda to make a refreshing summer drink anytime. This homemade mint squash tastes far better than the store bought concentrate and free from preservatives.
Mint Squash
Normally I make lemon squash, pineapple squash at home often, but I don't add citric acid in them because I make a small batch of them. But this time I wanted to make it with citric acid because I just wanted a version of that in my blog. I made a batch of mint squash and pineapple squash and it was spot on.
During summer, squashes, fruit juices, cooling drinks and milkshakes are always a great option to make at home. Though the syrups and squashes are easily available in stores, homemade versions always taste fresh and more flavourful.
About Mint Squash Recipe
Squash it just concentrated fruit juices. They are readily available in shops, you just need to add some water to have it. During my shopping, I come across lots of squash bottle but I have never picked one. It is because they are so simple to make at home, so why do you want to get it from stores.
Squash is basically a non-alcoholic syrup concentrate made with fresh fruits, herbs, sugar and water.
It is used to prepare refreshing drinks and can be stored for later use. These squashes are simple to prepare, budget friendly and perfect to stock up during summer. I have also shared homemade pineapple squash and rose milk syrup on my blog and they are a wonderful idea to prepare in advance and enjoy throughout the season.
Similar Recipes
This mint squash is one of the easiest homemade concentrate because it can be prepared in large batches and stored in the refrigerator for a month.
It is made with fresh mint leaves, citric acid, sugar and water. This refreshing drink comes together in under 30 minutes and perfect for hot summer days.
Homemade squash tastes much fresher and natural than the store bought drinks and is free from preservatives and artificial colors. You can store them in a bottle in the refrigerator and use it to make a refreshing drink by simply mixing it with chilled water, soda or ice cubes.
You can also make it extra special by adding lemon juices, soaked sabja seeds or fresh mint leaves for serving.
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Ingredients
- Mint leaves : Mint leaves are the main flavour of this squash. Fresh mint leaves give the drink its cool, refreshing aroma and herb taste.
- Sugar : Sugar is added for sweetness and it balances the flavour of mint leaves. It also gives the squash a smooth syrup texture and improves shelf life.
- Citric acid / Lemon salt : Citric acid gives the squash a tangy flavour and enhances the overall flavour of the mint. It also acts as a preservative and helps the concentrate stay fresh for longer.
- Lemon Juice : some lemon juice helps freshen up the squash taste and preserve it longer.
- Water : Water used to blend and boil the ingredients into a smooth concentrate. It helps dissolve the sugar evenly and makes a perfect squash consistency.
Step by Step Pictures
Pre-preparation
1)Take citric acid in a bowl and add 3 tablespoon of lemon juice to it. We are going to melt it first before adding it in the squash later. Set this aside till needed.
Making Mint Puree
2)Boil water in a sauce pan. Once it boils, add in mint leaves and blanch them for 30 seconds till it gets wilted and get bright green.
3)Strain the blanched mint leaves through a sieve. Reserve the liquid which you blanched.
4)Take the blanched mint leaves and sugar in a blender jar.
5)You can add the reserved blanched mint water to this and grind to a smooth puree.
6)Now strain this through a sieve again to remove any of the mint pulp.
7)Squeeze and extract as much mint juice as possible.
8)Mint juice is ready.
Making Squash
9)Take the mint juice in a sauce pan. Add in sugar.
10)Place it on heat and boil until it gets syrup like. Cook till one string consistency.
11)It will take some time. Now the mixture looks syrupy. Take it off the heat.
12)Now add in the citric acid and lemon juice to this mixture. Mix this really well. The citric acid adds the tangy taste to the squash and also helps preserving the syrup.
13)Once the mixture has cooled. Pour this into the bottle. Store in fridge until required.
Make Mint Squash Cooler
14)Take required amount of mint syrup in a serving cup.
15)Add ice cubes and top with cold water or soda water.
15)Mix well and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- To make the concentrate, use fresh mint leaves for the best aroma and bright green color. Avoid yellow leaves as they can result in a bitter taste.
- Always strain the mint extract well to get a smooth and clear concentrate.
- Add citric acid or lemon salt only at the end to maintain the mint flavor.
- If preferred, you can add a few drops of green food color for store bought appearance, but it is completely optional.
- Always shake the mint squash bottle well before every use and use a dry spoon while serving to prevent spoilage.
Storage and Serving
Store the mint squash concentrate in a clean, glass bottle or jar with a tight lid. Refrigerate the squash and it stays fresh for a month when used properly.
To serve this mint squash, add ¼ cup of mint squash with a cup of chilled water or soda. Add ice cubes, lemon slices or soaked sabja seeds for an extra refreshing summer drink.
FAQ
Q. Can I make mint squash without citric acid ?
Yes, you can use fresh lemon juice instead of citric acid. But the shelf life may be slightly shorter.
Q. Why did sugar crystals form in my squash ?
This happens if the sugar syrup is overcooked or not dissolved properly. Cook the syrup until smooth and slightly sticky.
Q. What can I serve with mint squash ?
It can be served with chilled water, soda, lemonade, sabja seeds or even with fresh fruit slices for a cooling summer drink.
📖 Get Recipe
Mint Squash Recipe (Mint Syrup for Juice)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 250 grams Fresh Mint Leaves
- 500 grams Granulated Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Citric Acid (Lemon Salt)
- 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 3 cups Water
Instructions
- Take citric acid in a bowl, add in 2 tablespoon of lemon juice and mix. Set aside so it melts. Wash mint leaves and strain it completely. Set aside in a sieve.
- Take 3 cups of water in a sauce pan. Bring it to a full boil. Add in the washed mint leaves in a sauce pan, cook for 30 seconds until mint leaves is wilted.
- Now strain the wilted mint leaves through a colander, reserve the strained water.
- Take the strained mint leaves in a blender, add 1 cup of sugar and the reserved water and make it into a fine puree. Once the puree is made, pass it through a sieve and squeeze out the mint juice.
- Take the mint juice in a sauce pan. Add in the remaining sugar and mix well. Bring it to a boil. Simmer the flame and cook for 15 mins or so. Now it must have got little syrupy.
- Add in the citric acid lemon mixture and mix well. Allow the mixture to cool completely. Pour and Store it in an air tight bottle and chill.
- When serving, pour little syrup in a cup and top with ice cold water or soda water and ice cubes. Enjoy.
Sandhya
How long can this be stored in the refrigerator ?
Aarthi
@Sandhyau can keep this for more than 4 to 6 months
Mahin Sharif
Aarathi your blog is simply awesome especially bachelor's and forced bachelor's(like me) it motivate us to cook our own food which is ofcourse healthier than outside food. Thanks a lot for your service....😀
OldGit
'Take citric acid in a bowl, add in spoonful of water and set aside so it melts.'
That's going to be pretty hot to melt, rather than dissolve, the citric acid!