Homemade herb lemonade: how to avoid the taste of hay

Ingredients and Preparation Rules The quality of this homemade lemonade depends on the freshness of the raw materials. The herbs must be healthy, undamaged, and free from chemical treatments. To prepare a base using 3 liters of water, the following ingredients are required: Mint: 80–100 g Melissa: 50 g Tarragon: 30–40 g Blackcurrant leaves: 8–10 young leaves Sugar: 250–300 g Lemon: 1 large fruit For those seeking a deeper dark color reminiscent of a classic soda, a small amount of caramelized sugar may be added. Mariya Kostina, specialist in regional Russian cuisine: "The main mistake of many home cooks is attempting to turn the drink into a decoction by boiling the herbs for too long. The aroma evaporates instantly, and the taste turns into 'hay,' so it is important to act gently."