The refreshing taste and invigorating scent of Mint Lemonade, also called Limonana, is the perfect beverage for hot summer days. It is a popular drink in the Middle East and has been enjoyed for generations.
Blending lemon juice, mint, sugar, and ice gives the lemonade a unique combination of flavors that make it a favorite for many around the world. No need to head to cafes or restaurants, you can make it at home in a few minutes!
Simple, Refreshing, and Delicious
Origin of Lemonade
It is believed that lemonade originated in the Levant region of the Middle East. It is also known as Limonana, a word combining Lemon and Na’na which is the Arabic word for mint. Its refreshing qualities make it an excellent choice for those looking to cool down on a hot day.
Lemonade has some health benefits. The menthol in mint and vitamin C in lemon keeps you healthy and hydrated. A glass of cold lemonade is often served at social gatherings and celebrations to show hospitality and generosity. Prepare a bottle or two of limonana and share it with family and friends on a picnic or during an outdoor party.
What a Refreshing Delight!
Why You Will Love This Mint Lemonade
You shouldn’t get store-bought lemonade anymore. It may contain added sugars or preservatives, which can be detrimental to your health. With 4 ingredients only, homemade lemonade or limonana is a great choice to stay healthy and hydrated. So why not give it a try?
Lemonade’s flavor comes from citric acid, which provides its refreshing zestiness, making it a perfect thirst-quencher on a hot day.
What You Need
Ice
Lemon juice
Packed mint
Sugar
Water
Enjoy the Fresh Taste of Summer!
Steps to Prep
Add the ice, lemon juice, mint, sugar, and water into a blender and blend them until incorporated.
If you like the lemonade to be more like a slushy, add more ice. Garnish your glass with lemon slices and whole mint leaves. Chill, serve, and enjoy!
Variations of Mint Lemonade
Lemonade made of mint and lemon is super delicious on its own. But why not make some variations for some extra flavors?
Add a splash of soda water or sparkling water to your lemonade to give it a bit of fizz and make it even more refreshing.
Do you like spicy flavors? Add some freshly grated ginger. It goes well with the tartness of lemon and the freshness of mint.
Make it super healthy and replace sugar with honey. Honey adds an extra depth of flavor to your lemonade. It also adds some health benefits to your drink.
Do you want to add extra flavor and a beautiful color? Add some cranberry juice and enjoy a glass of pink lemonade.
Make your lemonade more Middle Eastern add a few drops of rose water or orange blossom water and enjoy a subtle fragrance in your glass.
Pro Tips for the Best Mint Lemonade
Use the electric juicer or the hand juicer to juice the lemons. You can microwave them for 20-30 seconds and roll them firmly against the kitchen counter. It is a good way to extract the maximum juice especially when using the manual juicer.
You can zest the lemons and store them in a freezer bag for up to 6 months to use them in other recipes. A great way to reduce waste!
For the ultimate benefits, consume the lemonade within a day or two maximum. Cover the glass or store it in a bottle in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving each time.
Adjust the tartness or sweetness of your lemonade by adjusting the amount of sugar you use. You can use any sweetener you like.
For frozen mint lemonade or lemonade slushie, add a little water and plenty of ice. For a smooth lemonade, use less ice and more water and blend them until fully liquid.
Mint Lemonade, a Glass from Heaven!
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Transfer any leftover minted lemonade to a clean, airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. Properly stored, minted lemonade can typically last for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Strain the Mint: If your minted lemonade contains fresh mint leaves, consider straining them out before refrigerating the beverage. This can help prevent the mint leaves from becoming soggy and affecting the flavor of the lemonade.
Keep it Covered: Ensure that the container holding the minted lemonade is tightly sealed to prevent any odors from the refrigerator from affecting the taste of the beverage.
Serve Chilled: When ready to serve, give the minted lemonade a good stir and pour it over ice for a refreshing and chilled beverage.
Consider Freezing: If you don’t plan to consume the minted lemonade within a few days, consider freezing it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the lemonade cubes to a freezer bag or container for longer storage. This allows you to enjoy individual servings without the risk of the entire batch spoiling.
A Refreshing, Herby Summery Drink!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you are left with some lemonade, pour them into popsicle molds and freeze them. You will have some delicious summery popsicles!
If you are ok with lemony drinks, you can omit sugar. If not, you can substitute it with stevia, honey, coconut sugar, or any sweetener you prefer. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Yes, lemonade can be customized with a variety of flavors such as fresh herbs (mint, basil), fruits (berries, watermelon), or even sparkling water for fizz.
Recipes You Need to Try
Rich White Hot Chocolate Recipe
Middle Eastern Mint Tea (Shai Bi Na’Na)
Strawberry Cheesecake Croissants
Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake
Basbousa Bil Qishta (Semolina Cake With Cream)
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Mint Lemonade
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 2-4 cups ice
- 1 cup lemon juice about 6 lemons
- 1 cup packed mint
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Add the ice, lemon juice, mint, sugar, and water into a blender and blend them until incorporated.
- If you like the lemonade to be more like a slushy, add more ice. Chill, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use the electric juicer or the hand juicer to juice the lemons. You can microwave them for 20-30 seconds and roll them firmly against the kitchen counter. It is a good way to extract the maximum juice especially when using the manual juicer.
- You can first zest the lemons and store them in a freezer bag for up to 6 months to use them for other recipes. A great way to reduce waste!
- For the ultimate benefits, consume the lemonade within a day or two maximum. Cover the glass or store it in a bottle in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving each time.
- Adjust the tartness or sweetness of your lemonade by adjusting the amount of sugar you use. You can use any sweetener you like.
- For frozen mint lemonade or lemonade slushie. add a little water and plenty of ice. For a smooth lemonade, use less ice and more water and blend them until fully liquid.
One Response
Very refreshing