Spearmint Water
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Homemade spearmint water is a refreshing summer drink. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)
Spearmint Water
We continue to have record-breaking temperatures where I live, hot enough that I can’t walk barefoot on my composite decking. I also have deck umbrellas up to protect my plants and water them at least twice if not three times a day.
With record hot temperatures, staying hydrated is important and homemade spearmint water is a delicious way to add some variety to your summer drinks.
I started making spearmint water a good decade ago. Spearmint (Mentha spicata L) is a fast-growing perennial herb. Most people will complain how aggressive it can be and grow. I’ve found using them up in water was a good way to keep their growth under control while enjoying a refreshing drink.
Spearmint grows at the edge of a small pond with daylilies. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)
How to Make Spearmint Water
Using a quart jar, start with 2 cups of freshly-cut spearmint that hasn’t been treated with ,or exposed to, chemicals.
Wash them gently in cold water.
Cut up the stems in smaller pieces to expose the spearmint flavoring.
Stuff into the quart jar and add cold water. You can also add more spearmint springs after the jar is full of water.
Let marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Enjoy.
Once you make this the first time, you can experiment on how much spearmint you like in your water. I keep two quart jars going so I don’t run out.
Trimming spearmint for water encourages them to grow bushy. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)
Spearmint Trimming
Regularly harvesting spearmint means the plants stay bushy instead of tall.
I can tell where I have harvested the spearmint before by how the plants are branching their growth.
Remember to save a sprig to add to your refreshing glass. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)
I’ve used spearmint over the years as garnish. Now it’s easy to include making a refreshing summer drink from these easy to grow herbs.
