Apple and Mint Punch Recipe

• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: Approximately 5 1/2 cups
• Nutritional Facts Per Serving (1 of 4 servings): Calories 153, Total Fat 0 g, Saturated Fat 0 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Dietary Fiber 2 g, Sugar 34 g, Protein 1 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 26 mg
• Total Time: 59 minutes
• Preparation: 5 minutes
• Inactive Time: 51 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3 minutes

• 2 cups water
• 4 green tea bags
• 1 1/2 cups 100% apple juice (suggested brand: Martinelli's)
• 1 cup Mint Simple Syrup (see recipe below)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• 1 cup chilled sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Optional garnish: fresh mint sprigs

Mint Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 packed cup fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat, add the green tea bags, and steep for 6 minutes. Discard the tea bags and cool the tea to room temperature, about 45 minutes. Pour into a large pitcher. Stir in the apple juice, Mint Simple Syrup, and lemon juice. Refrigerate until chilled and ready to serve.
2. To serve, stir in the sparkling water. Pour over ice-filled glasses and garnish with fresh mint sprigs for a refreshing touch.

Mint Simple Syrup Preparation:

1. In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar fully dissolves, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, add fresh mint leaves, and let steep as it cools, about 20 minutes. Strain out the leaves before using.