Apple Mint Julep

Ingredients

• 8 cups apple juice 
• 2 cups mint leaves fresh chopped
• 0.5 cup juice of lime fresh

Equipment

• sauce pan
• baking pan
• cheesecloth

Directions

1. Place chopped mint on a double layer of cheesecloth. Gather edges of cheesecloth together, and tie securely.
2. Place cheesecloth bag and apple juice in a large saucepan; bring to a boil.
3. Remove from heat; cover and let cool.
4. Pour into a large pitcher; cover and chill. Discard cheesecloth bag, and stir in lime juice.
5. Pour apple juice mixture over ice cubes.
6. Garnish with additional mint sprigs, if desired.
7. Note: To make Apple Julep Granita, pour apple juice mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Cover and freeze until firm.
8. Remove mixture from freezer; scrape entire mixture with the tines of a fork until fluffy. For an extra-special beverage, make apple julep ice cubes.
9. Pour some of the apple julep mixture into ice cube trays, place a mint sprig in each and freeze.
10. Serve with apple julep mixture or with sparkling water.