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Mint Lemonade

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
10 minutes
Prep
0 minutes
Cook
4
Servings

Ingredients

  • 150 ml (2/3 cup) fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
  • 100 g (1/2 cup) sugar, or to taste
  • 800 ml (3.5 cups) cold water
  • 20 g (1 cup) fresh mint leaves, plus extra sprigs to garnish
  • Ice cubes, to serve

Method

  1. Combine the lemon juice, sugar and 200 ml (3/4 cup) of the water in a blender. Blend briefly to dissolve the sugar.
  2. Add the mint leaves and blend for 20-30 seconds until the mint is finely chopped and the mixture turns pale green.
  3. Strain through a fine sieve into a jug, pressing to extract all the liquid.
  4. Stir in the remaining water and adjust sugar to taste.
  5. Serve over ice, garnished with fresh mint sprigs.

Introduction: Mint lemonade, known as limonana in the Levant, is a refreshing blended drink combining fresh lemon
juice, mint leaves and sugar, popular throughout Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine, especially in the hot
summer months. It is a common sight at halal cafes and juice stands, and is a particularly popular drink for
breaking the fast at iftar during Ramadan due to its hydrating, revitalising qualities.

Cultural Background: Mint lemonade, known as limonana in the Levant, is a refreshing blended drink combining fresh lemon
juice, mint leaves and sugar, popular throughout Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine, especially in the hot
summer months. It is a common sight at halal cafes and juice stands, and is a particularly popular drink for
breaking the fast at iftar during Ramadan due to its hydrating, revitalising qualities.

Tips: Blend the mint only briefly — over-blending can make the drink bitter. Straining well removes any gritty mint pulp for a smooth, refreshing drink. Adjust sugar and water to taste, as lemon tartness varies.

Variations: Add a splash of orange blossom water for a floral note. Blend with ice for a slushy, frozen version. Add a few cucumber slices for an extra-refreshing summer twist.

Storage: Store in a covered jug in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; stir before serving as it may separate.

Reheating: This is a cold drink and does not require reheating.

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