Drinks
Limonana (Israeli Frozen Lemon-Mint Drink)
Ingredients
- - 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
- - 3/4 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
- - 1 large handful fresh mint leaves, plus extra to garnish
- - 4 cups ice cubes
- - 2 cups cold water
Method
- Juice the lemons and strain out any seeds if desired.
- In a blender, combine the lemon juice, sugar, mint leaves, ice and cold water.
- Blend on high speed until smooth, frothy and slushy in texture, about 1-2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust sweetness with a little more sugar if needed, blending briefly to combine.
- Pour into tall glasses and garnish with a fresh mint sprig before serving immediately.
Native Name: Limonana
Dietary Tags: Pareve, Vegan, Kosher
Cultural Background: Limonana – a frozen, frothy blend of fresh lemon juice, mint and sugar – is one of Israel's most popular summer drinks, its name combining 'limon' (lemon) and 'nana' (mint, from Arabic). It reflects the fusion of Middle Eastern flavours with modern Israeli café culture.
Tips: Use plenty of ice and blend thoroughly for the drink's signature frozen, slushy texture – it should be thick enough to sip slowly through a straw.
Variations: A splash of orange blossom water gives an aromatic North African-Jewish twist. For an adult version, add a splash of kosher vodka.
Storage: Best served immediately; if it separates after sitting, re-blend briefly before serving.
Reheating: Not applicable – this is a cold, frozen drink.
Nutrition: Approx. 110 kcal, 0 g protein, 0 g fat, 29 g carbohydrate per serving.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make limonana less sweet?
A: Yes – reduce the sugar to taste; the tartness of fresh lemon balances well with less sugar if preferred.
Q: What kind of mint works best?
A: Fresh spearmint is traditional and gives the brightest, most authentic flavour, though regular garden mint also works well.
Q: Is limonana suitable to serve with a meat meal?
A: Yes, it is entirely pareve, made only from fruit, sugar, mint and water.