If lemons and blueberries are heavenly matched in a dessert, why not in a drink?

I wanted to make a healthy, flavorful refreshing sugar-free drink and blueberries, naturally, came to mind. The trick is to let the mint leaves steep in the hot liquid and then remove them before serving. Mint really adds a punch! I also added lemon zest, one of my new favorite ingredients. But make no mistake – blueberries are the star of this drink, and lemon and mint are used only to enhance the blueberry taste.

This is so easy and delicious- a refreshing change from strawberry or raspberry lemonade.

BLUEBERRY MINT COOLER

8 cups water
1 pint blueberries
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 cup lemon juice
1 handful mint leaves
Sweetener to taste*

Boil all ingredients except mint and sweetner for about 3 minutes, until blueberries have burst and are very soft. Strain liquid through a fine mesh strainer. Add mint leaves while liquid is still hot. Let cool to room temperature. Sweeten to taste. Serve over ice cubes. Serves 6 to 8.

*NOTE: You can choose whatever sweetener you would normally use. If you decide to use sugar, you will need 1 cup and you will need to add it before bringing the mixture to a boil so that the sugar will dissolve. I liked Truvia brand stevia sweetener in this, but you could use another zero-calorie sweetener as well.

– posted by Donna