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Brighten your day with one of my favorite drinks, Mint Lemonade, a delightful twist on the classic drink! In Lebanon, mint lemonade, or lemonada, is a popular variation that infuses a cool sweet and herby flavor by blending fresh mint leaves with lemons. You’re going to love the fresh flavor of mint with this easy and delicious Mint Lemonade recipe!
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When I was growing up, lemonade always had a special twist: a splash of rose water and a generous sprinkle of fresh mint leaves pureed or muddled into the lemon juice. It’s now my favorite way to enjoy lemonade. This green mint lemonade is bright, refreshing, and a beautiful drink for warmer summer days. Once you try it, I think it might become your favorite too.
Why you’ll love this easy mint lemonade recipe
- So Refreshing: This isn’t your run-of-the-mill lemonade. Nope, this recipe packs a powerful punch of flavor. Imagine the zesty burst of fresh lemons, the cool fresh mint, and a delicate hint of rose water on a hot summer day.
- Simple and Easy to Make: All you’ll need for this beauty is a saucepan, a blender, and a bit of patience. You can whip up this homemade lemonade in no time. Plus, the joy and satisfaction of sipping on a drink you’ve crafted yourself? Priceless!
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Hosting a garden party? Check. Need a unique drink for a dinner party? Check. Want a little something special for your everyday hydration? Double-check! This mint lemonade isn’t just delicious; it’s versatile. Dress it up in a fancy glass with a sprig of mint for an elegant look, or pour it into your favorite maso jar for a low-key vibe. You’ll be amazed at how this lemonade fits into every scenario.
Mint lemonade ingredients
- Lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice over bottled varieties.
- Fresh mint: The mint is a refreshing and aromatic herb that adds a cool burst of flavor.
- Rose Water: Rose water is a popular addition in Lebanon to mint lemonade because it adds an flora sweet taste. You can find it at most Middle Eastern stores, or order rose water online.
- Sugar: Make a simple syrup by combing sugar and water on the stove until dissolved.
- Water: The water is the base for the mint lemonade and also used to make the simple syrup.
How to make mint lemonade
- Make the simple syrup by combining the sugar and part of the water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is thickened but still clear colored.
- Remove the simple syrup from the heat, add rose water, and set aside to cool.
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, mint leaves, and water to a blender.
- Blend the ingredients for mint lemonade until the mixture is smooth. You can then transfer the lemon mint mixture to a pitcher with the rose water simple syrup.
Tips for making the best fresh mint lemonade
- Get all the juice out of the lemons. Before slicing and juicing the lemons, microwave them for about 20 seconds and/or try rolling the lemon with your hand on the counter. This helps to release the most juice from lemons when squeezing by hand.
- Strain the mint. This is completely optional, but if you prefer not to have the actual mint leaves in your lemonade, you can run it through a sieve before adding your mint and lemon mixture to the pitcher.
- Use fruit ice cubes. Just fill up an ice cube tray with fresh fruit and water for an additional visual pop in your pitcher and glass!
- Make it a slushie! Once you’ve blended the mint and lemon juice together, add the simple syrup to the blender, about half the amount of water, and add ice cubes. Blend it until the ice is crushed.
- Let it chill. You can pour a glass of this minty lemonade right away or let the flavors meld together by chilling it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Add fresh fruit. Add slices of fresh fruits like strawberries, watermelon, or another citrus to infuse extra flavors for an even more vibrant and refreshing lemonade. You can add to the blender or as whole pieces after blending.
- Use sparkling water. For a fun twist, swap out regular water with sparkling water to create a fizzy mint lemonade that brings a delightful effervescence to every sip. Just make sure to add it right before serving so it doesn’t lose its fizz!
- Add ginger. Add a hint of spiciness and depth of flavor but grating or thinly slicing fresh ginger to add to the lemonade.
- Use a different sweetener. Instead of making a simple syrup, you can sweeten your mint green lemonade with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Adjust as needed to reach your desired sweetness.
- Skip the rose water. A Lebanese mint lemonade incorporates the special touch of rose water for a light and aromatic flair. However, you can choose to leave it out or substitute it with orange blossom water for a different aromatic twist.
How to store mint lemonade
To keep lemonade at its best, store it covered in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a quick stir to ensure that any settled ingredients are evenly redistributed.
How long will fresh mint lemonade last in the fridge?
Lemonade is best within one day, but will last 3-4 days when stored properly in the fridge.
Can i freeze lemonade with mint?
Yes, freezing homemade lemonade is a great way to extend the life of your drink. Divide into freeze-safe containers, leaving 1-2 inches of headspace for expansion while freezing. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Frequently asked questions
Sure thing! If you don’t have a blender, you can smash the mint leaves in a bowl using a wooden spoon or a muddler if you have one, and then squeeze in the lemon juice. Combine this with your simple syrup and water. It won’t be as smooth as the blended version, but you’ll still get all those amazing flavors!
Each lemon should give you about 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice. For this lemonade recipe, you’ll need 1 cup of lemon juice or 5-6 lemons
For a crisp and flavorful drink, it’s best to wait until right before serving to add ice to your lemonade. By doing so, you prevent the ice from diluting the flavors so that each sip retains its refreshing taste.
This mint lemonade recipe is the perfect thirst-quencher for hot summer days! It’s a freshing drink that combines the tangy flavors of lemons with the coolness of mint. I love making it for cookouts, poolside gatherings, or when I just want a refreshing thing to sip on while I work.
More cold drink recipes:
- Raspberry Iced Tea
- Homemade Lemonade
- Chia Fresca
- Ginger Turmeric Tea
- Fresh Cucumber Juice
- Celery Juice
- Fruit Ice Cubes
If you try this feel good Mint Lemonade recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
Mint Lemonade
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups water divided
- 1 tablespoon rose water
- 1 cup lemon juice about 5-6 lemons
- 1 ounce fresh mint
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup by combining the sugar and ½ cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is thickened but still clear colored, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat, add the rose water. Set aside to cool.
- Place the remaining water, lemon juice and mint into a high-speed blender and blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Transfer the mint and lemon mixture to a large pitcher or into individual cups. Pour the simple syrup on top and stir to combine. Serve with more water or ice cubes, if desired and garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Made this today as I was inspired by the heat wave. This was very refreshing. Loved the rose water. I’ve never had rose water before and happened to see it in my grocery store. Yumna, thank you for educating us on such beautiful ingredients.
You’re welcome, Vielka! I’m so glad you liked the recipe. Stay cool out there!
Yum! This drink so refreshing, such a perfect summer drink.
It’s one of my favs. I totally agree!
So good and so refreshing!!
So good and so refreshing!!!
Super excellent. The entire family loved it. Thank you Yumna you are great.