With the amount of lemonade that I’ve consumed this summer, I’m probably 30% lemonade by now. I’ve already shared recipes for a tropical pineapple lemonade, creamy Brazilian lemonade, tangy ginger lemonade, and refreshing cucumber lemonade this year. What did they all have in common? A garnish of mint leaves – because mint makes everything better (including infused water recipes)! This is why I’m finally sharing a homemade mint lemonade recipe where mint is the star! This mint lemonade recipe is inspired by a Lebanese lemonade (limonana mint) I get a lot when visiting family in Lebanon. So think less about a glass of regular lemonade with mint leaves scattered in. Instead, this drink is tinged green with the abundance of finely chopped (blended) mint leaves – for a flavor explosion you can’t escape (nor will you want to). More so, limonana is also often served in “slushie” form, which is even more refreshing (method in recipe notes!) For people who are on the fence about mint, this drink is not for you! However, if you love mint, and want a refreshing summery drink that is not only inexpensive but adjustable (reduce the sugar, use unrefined sugar, or even sugar-free for this sweet treat!), then you’ve found your perfect summer drink. This is perfect for serving at your next BBQ, potluck, garden party, or family gathering! Want more summer drink inspiration? You might also like this raspberry lemonade, peach iced tea, strawberry limeade, a watermelon keg, and/or Mexican horchata! Alternatively, check out my curated list of 40+ delicious summer drink recipes! And if you simply love mint, you can try this fresh mint tea – enjoy it warm or iced!
Optional add-ins and variations
Sugar-free: you can make a sugar-free mint lemonade by using a sweetener instead. I like to make a simple syrup still with the sweetener. However, you could add it directly to the lemonade. Adjust the amount to personal taste, and different sweeteners differ in taste/sweetness. Orange blossom water/rosewater: just a few drops of either (I use homemade rosewater or rose extract) will add a subtle fragrance of flavor to the Lebanese mint lemonade. Coconut water: you can substitute some (or all) of the water for coconut water instead for extra flavor. Alcohol: there are several ways to add booze to this mint lemonade, including vodka, bourbon, gin, and tequila. Chia seeds: you can add ¼ cup chia seeds to this mint lemonade recipe and leave it to chill for several hours for added texture, protein, and nutrients.
How to make Limonana mint
If you try this mint lemonade, I’d love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie! To reduce waste, you can first zest the citrus and store the zest in a reusable freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months in the freezer. It’s best to do this before slicing or juicing; otherwise, it can become very fiddly! Then you can save the left-over skins and use them to make Natural All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner. I blended mine into fine pieces (this will more easily infuse the mint lemonade with the flavor). However, you could blend for longer into very fine pieces (almost a liquid consistency). When serving, add extra lemon slices, whole mint leaves, and lots of ice. Alternatively, you can add these to individual glasses (especially the ice, to avoid watering down the entire pitcher!).
