Turkish Mint Drink Recipes

CACIK (TURKISH TZATZIKI)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix the garlic, yoghurt and mint. Gently add the cucumbers and season well with salt.
• If serving as a dip, add to your serving bowl and top with extra virgin olive oil and some fresh mint. Serve immediately, or as soon as possible.
• If serving as a soup, add water until you reach the desired consistency. Transfer to 4 small bowls, topping with a little extra virgin olive oil and fresh mint and serve immediately.

TURKISH MINT DRINK

Steps:

• Bring the water to a boil, add the sugar, dissolve and then add the vinegar.
• Bring to boil again and then simmer for at least 30 minutes.
• Add the mint, remove from the heat immediately and cover pot with a firm fitting lid. Allow to cool.
• When cool, transfer to dry bottles along with the mint leaves for storage.
• Serve with water and ice in the desired proportions. Garnish with a few fresh mint or spearmint leaves.

MINT LEMONADE - TURKISH STYLE

Steps:

• 1. In a large saucepan, add 1½ cups sugar and water, stir and set aside until needed.
• 2. Peel the lemons and limes and then grate the rinds.
• 3. Now, using a mortar and pestle, pound the lemon and lime rind with the remaining 2 tbsp of sugar until the sugar absorbs the flavors.
• 4. If you DON`T have a mortar and pestle, (use a wooden spoon) rub the lemon and lime rind in the 2 tablespoons of sugar. (until the sugar absorbs the flavors)
• 5. Put the grated rinds in the saucepan with the water and sugar and bring the mixture to boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
• 6. Reduce the heat and continue to boil gently for 5 minutes then remove from the heat and let the mixture cool down.
• 7. While the mixture is still slightly warm, add the lemon lime juice and mint.
• 8. When cooled pour into a large bowl, and cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
• 9. When ready to serve, remove the bowl from the fridge and strain the mixture using a fine mesh wire strainer.
• 10. Press down on the ingredients to get out as much liquid as possible, then discard them.
• 11. If needed, adjust the amount of sugar and water to your liking.
• 12. Serve this beautiful Mint lemonade with ice, lemon slices and mint sprigs. Enjoy