1¼ cups fresh mint leaves, divided, plus whole sprigs for garnish
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3½ cups ice
1 cup fresh lemon juice
Directions
In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup of the water, ¼ cup of the mint leaves, the sugar and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until the sugar has dissolved, 2 minutes.
Let cool completely, then strain into a blender.
To the blender, add the remaining ingredients and blend until a smooth slush forms.
Divide between glasses, garnish with mint sprigs and serve.