Name: Mediterranean-Style Mint Lemonade (Limonana) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups crushed ice; 4 cups water; 2 large lemons (or limes), washed, cut into small pieces, and seeds removed; Juice of 1 large lemon; 1 bunch fresh mint leaves, stems removed (about 25-40 mint leaves), plus more for garnish; 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar (cane sugar or part honey can be used, adjust to taste)

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Introduction

Refreshing and vibrant, Mediterranean-Style Mint Lemonade, or Limonana, is a perfect drink to brighten any warm day. Combining zesty lemons with cool mint, this homemade lemonade is both sweet and invigorating, ideal for quenching your thirst.

The image shows two clear glass goblets filled with a smooth, pale green drink, placed on a silver round tray with intricate designs. The drink has a creamy texture and slight froth on top. In front of the glasses, there is a bright yellow lemon cut in half, showing its juicy inside. A white cloth with dark stripes is partially visible on the left side of the tray. The background features a soft, bright white marbled texture with some green leaves blurred out behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups crushed ice
4 cups water
2 large lemons (or limes), washed, cut into small pieces, seeds removed
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 bunch fresh mint leaves, stems removed (about 25-40 leaves), plus more for garnish
1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste; cane sugar or part honey can be used)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the crushed ice, water, chopped lemons, lemon juice, mint leaves, and sugar to the pitcher of a high-quality blender.
Step 2: Cover and blend on high speed until the mixture reaches your desired consistency, smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Taste the lemonade and add more sugar or mint leaves if you prefer a sweeter or mintier flavor, then blend again briefly.
Step 4: Pour the lemonade through a mesh strainer into a serving pitcher to remove pulp and mint bits. Add fresh mint leaves for garnish and cover the pitcher.
Step 5: Refrigerate until ready to serve. For a clearer drink, strain again when pouring into glasses. Enjoy chilled.

Tips & Variations

Use lime instead of lemon for a slightly different citrus flavor.
Substitute some or all of the sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
Adjust the amount of mint according to your preference; more mint will give a stronger herbal note.
Add a splash of sparkling water before serving for a fizzy twist.

Storage

Store leftover lemonade in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving. For best flavor and freshness, enjoy it cold and soon after making.

How to Serve

Two clear glass goblets filled about three-quarters with a smooth light green drink sit on a large ornate round silver tray. Behind them, a clear glass pitcher with the same drink is placed on a white cloth with blue patterns on the edges. To the left, a white plate holds several bright yellow lemons. In the background, blurred greenery and window light create a soft, fresh atmosphere. The drink is thick and creamy, with a uniform pale green color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this lemonade without a blender?

While a blender is ideal for achieving the smooth texture and fully extracting mint and lemon flavors, you can muddle the ingredients manually and strain well, though the texture will be less uniform.

How can I make this lemonade less sweet?

Start with the minimum sugar amount and adjust to taste after blending. You can also reduce sugar by using naturally sweet fruits or a sugar substitute, keeping balance with the tart lemons and fresh mint.