Blueberry mint lemonade: a pitcher of something refreshing with no sugar added

Hydration matters, especially on the days when plain water has stopped appealing to you. A pitcher of this in the fridge solves that. It is lemon, mint, blueberries, and cold water, left to infuse, and it tastes bright without a spoonful of sugar in it. Make it in the morning and it is ready by afternoon.

Lemon juice is a source of vitamin C, which is involved in collagen formation and supports the tissues that line and protect your gut. Mint has long been used to ease digestion, and the blueberries lend their anthocyanins, the pigments studied for calming oxidative stress. Any sweetness here comes only from the fruit.

Crush a few berries with the mint before you pour the water over, and the whole pitcher turns a soft violet. Set it on the counter where you will see it and reach for it.

Ingredients

• 8 cups cold water
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 1/2 tablespoons mint, chopped
• 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• Lemon slices or extra mint, to garnish

The whole list is AIP Core, with no added sweetener. The sweetness comes from the fruit alone.

Method

Stir the water, lemon juice, mint, and blueberries together in a pitcher. Slide it into the fridge and let it sit for several hours, around two, so the flavors infuse.

Pour over ice and garnish with lemon slices or a little extra mint.

If you want a deeper color and more berry flavor, crush the blueberries together with the mint before you add the water. Or leave the berries whole for a cleaner, lighter taste.

*Adapted from a-clean-plate*