Orange-mint julep

Makes 6

2 1/2	cups water
2	cups sugar
2	cups fresh mint leaves
1 1/2	cups lemon juice (from about 7 lemons)
3/4	cup orange juice (from about 3 oranges)
	Grated rind of 1 lemon
	Grated rind of 1 orange
1	quart ginger ale

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat.

2. In a large bowl with a mallet or spoon, crush the mint. Add the leaves to the hot sugar syrup with the lemon and oranges juices, and grated rinds. Stir well.

3. Strain the mixture and discard the solids.

4. Fill glasses with crushed ice and three-fourths full with the juice mixture. Top with ginger ale. Adapted from Bob's Southern Bistro