Citronnade à la Menthe

[Mint Lemonade]

It has been quite hot around here lately. I am certainly not complaining, as I tend to like the peculiar atmosphere heatwaves create -- blazing sun, closed shutters, quiet afternoons and glistening faces -- and it happens seldom enough in Paris for me to welcome the meteorological oddity. Not to mention the opportunity to wear tank tops and strappy sandals.

To ward off the thirst and dehydration, I have been making batch after batch of this sugar-free, mint-infused lemonade. It's simple as can be, but in the heat one hardly has the energy for anything more elaborate, and this is a delightfully refreshing and tasty beverage to tinkle your ice cubes in.

Citronnade à la Menthe

- one large lemon
- two liters of water (preferably filtered or bottled)
- twelve leaves of fresh mint

Walk barefoot into the kitchen. Slice the lemon in two, juice it and pour the juice into a large jug. Add in the water. Rinse the mint leaves under cool water, and add them into the jug. Stir with a long wooden spoon. Take a moment to recuperate after this strenuous activity.

Cover the jug, and let rest in the fridge for a couple of hours. Take a nap in the meantime. When you wake up, put a few ice cubes in a glass, stir the lemonade again, and pour some in your glass. If a mint leaf falls out, keep it as a pretty garnish, or put it back in the pool with its sisters.

Drink avidly. Press the cold jug on each of your cheeks, eyes closed. Pour yourself another glass, return the jug to the fridge, and go sit close to that fan.

Repeat every hour, or as needed.