I might be the only person on the planet who likes humidity. It reminds me of being a child. Growing up in New Jersey, instead of blasting air conditioning, we’d cool off by swimming at night. The sky would be so dark you could see the Big Dipper as you floated on your back in the pool. The lights in the pool would attract moths that would flutter and hover above the surface of the water, occasionally taking a dip of their own. I can still hear the sound of my father’s repetitive splash as he swam back and forth, back and forth.
These days I don’t have ready access to a swimming pool, and in New York City the lights of skyscrapers are so bright that seeing even a single star is rare. Still, muggy nights bring back all the memories of childhood summers for me. Instead of cooling off with the rattling air conditioner by my bed, I drink a beverage that brings me back to my roots.
Behind our pool ran a small brook, and alongside the brook grew wild mint. This refreshing herb is perfect for jazzing up one of earth’s most precious resources, water. It’s easy to grow, but you can also purchase it at almost any grocery store. Here are a few super simple variations:::
- Simply wash the mint, put it in your glass of water (with or without ice), and enjoy immediately
- Muddle the cleaned mint in your glass of water and enjoy
- Store a large batch of water with fresh, washed mint in your fridge
- Freeze the mint in ice cubes and plunk into your water whenever you want — as the ice melts the mint flavor will become stronger
- Try pairing the mint with other flavors such as fresh squeezed lime
It’s so important to stay hydrated, but water sometimes gets boring. Infusing water with mint is a great way to drink more water.
Starving artist might enjoy these other summer food posts:::
Stephanie Nikolopoulos 
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