This Lemon Mint Recipe is a delightful beverage, bringing together the tangy brightness of lemons with the cool, and refreshing taste of fresh mint. This combination of homemade lemonade recipe is a perfect option for special occasions on any hot summer day.
Creating lemonade with mint is a simple process that involves fresh lemon juice, sugar, water, and fresh mint leaves. The key is to balance the sweetness of the sugar with the tartness of the lemons and the refreshing flavor of the mint.
This homemade mint lemonade recipe is a perfect summer drink the whole family will love. It's a favorite drink in our household.
On hot summer days, my late dad used to pick the lemons from our tree, cut them into squares, place them in a large bowl, pour some cold water, and with his hands would rub all the lemons squeezing the juice and the pulp out, add sugar then leave them in the fridge to marinate for 1-2 hours.
Then pour into glasses and serve. This traditional way of making lemonade was such a delightful activity in our household and pertains to beautiful childhood memories.
For more summer drinks try my watermelon mint lemonade, for other refreshing recipes try strawberry lemonade Popsicle or lemon mint Popsicle.
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What is Lemon with Mint?
Lemonade, lemonada for Arabic, or lemon with mint is a refreshing drink that is popular not just in Palestine but also in the Middle East.
It's a simple recipe that combines freshly squeezed lemon with fresh mint leaves blended with added sugar. A refreshing drink that is available on almost every restaurant menu in my hometown Ramallah, especially during the hot summer days.
Lemonade has a long history, with its roots tracing back to the Mediterranean and Middle East, where lemons are native. Traditionally, lemonade was enjoyed for its simple yet satisfying blend of tartness and sweetness. Over the centuries, this basic recipe has evolved, incorporating various ingredients and flavorings to suit different tastes and preferences.
Mint has been used in culinary and medicinal applications for thousands of years. Its fresh, cool flavor makes it an ideal complement to the zesty lemon. When combined, mint and lemon create a drink that is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. Mint aids in digestion and provides a soothing effect, while lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, boosting the immune system and providing a revitalizing burst of energy.
WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE?
- It's easy and quick to make, kids and adults love it.
- The fresh lemon juice and the fresh mint leaves pair well together and create a lovely light drink with great flavors.
- This is a perfect drink to make for hosting a party or going on a picnic.
- It's healthy and full of vitamin C.
Equipment
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- Electrical, Reamer, or hand juicer - For juicing lemon.
- Blender or Food Processor - This is used to blend lemon with mint juice and all the ingredients.
- Pitcher - This is for storing lemon mint in the fridge.
Ingredients
Full ingredients, measurements, and detailed instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Fresh Lemons - for the best flavor use fresh lemon juice.
- Fresh Mint Leaves - the flavor of the mint adds an amazing taste to this juice, using fresh leaves is highly recommended with this recipe.
- Plain Water - water is the base for this recipe, either tap water or bottled water is fine to use.
- Sugar - you can use granulated sugar to make this drink. You can also use honey, monk fruit, or stevia as a healthier option.
Instructions
Step 1 | Cut lemons in half and juice them until you have about 1 cup of lemon juice.
Step 2 | Place the juice in the strainer (if using a reamer). You can use the pulp but make sure to remove any seeds.
Step 3 | In a blender, place lemon juice with pulp, water, sugar, and mint leaves.
Step 4 | Blend on high until the mint leaves are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Step 5 | Serve immediately or place in a large pitcher and store in the fridge.
Variations and Substitutions
- You can add Orange Blossom Water or Rose Water for extra flavor, just 1 teaspoon is enough.
- Use stevia, monk fruit sugar, and honey instead of granulated sugar.
- Turn this recipe into Popsicles
- You can add extra lemon slices to each cup for additional flavor
- You can add a hint of ginger to blend with the ingredients.
- Add ice cubes to each cup when serving.
- If you don't have a blender, use a pestle to grind mint. Add 6 to 10 mint leaves to a glass, use a pestle, and gently muddle the leaves for a few seconds. I recommend muddling the mint leaves directly into the glass to release their refreshing taste and aroma. Then pour some of the lemonade (mixed water with lemon juice and sugar) into the glass and muddle again for a few more seconds.
Experts Tips
- Adjust sweetness by adding less sugar depending on your preference.
- You can add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy version of the drink.
- Make it an alcoholic drink and add some Vodka.
- If the lemons are firm, leave them on the countertop for 2-3 days to soften and have that extra juice.
- To store, keep lemonade covered in the fridge give it a quick stir before serving to ensure that any settled ingredients are evenly redistributed.
- You can cut the mint quantity in half if you don't prefer a strong minty flavor.
Tips for Customization
- Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the amount of lemon, mint, and other ingredients to suit your taste preferences. If you like it less tangy, add more water. If you like it more sweet you can add more sugar.
- Chill Ingredients: Use cold water and other ingredients to ensure the juice is cold and refreshing.
- Ice Cubes: Freeze extra lemon mint in ice cube trays and use them in the juice to keep it cold without diluting the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed lemons provide a brighter, more vibrant taste.
Since this recipe uses lots of fresh mint, it's best to consume it within a day or two. For the best flavor, keep it in a tightly sealed container and add fresh mint and extra lemon slices before serving.
Fresh mint is preferred for the best flavor in this recipe. If you don't have fresh mint lemonade would still be good without it.
If you prefer less tart lemon flavor you can use lime. Keep in mind that limes have less juice so you'll need more limes and the flavor slightly differs from lemon.
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More Delicious Recipes
Lemon Mint Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 cups 1x
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: Palestinian/Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Lemon Mint Recipe is a delightful beverage, bringing together the tangy brightness of lemons with the cool, and refreshing taste of fresh mint. This combination of homemade lemonade recipe is a perfect option for special occasions on any hot summer day.
Ingredients
- 6-8 lemons (for about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice)
- 4-5 tablespoons of granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups of cold water
- 1 cup of fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut the lemons in half and juice them until you have about 1 cup of lemon juice.
- If using lemon reamer, place the juice in the strainer to remove the seeds. You can use the pulp.
- Prepare the mint leaves by removing the stems from leaves, wash leaves well and rinse.
- In a blender, place lemon juice with pulp, water, sugar and mint leaves.
- Blend on high until the mint leaves are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, adjust lemon juice and sugar based on taste preference.
- Serve immediately or place in a large pitcher and store in the fridge.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding less sugar depending on your preference
- You can also add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy version of the drink.
- Make it an alcoholic drink and add some Vodka.
- If the lemons are firm, leave them on the countertop for 2-3 days to soften and have that extra juice.
- To store, keep lemonade covered in the fridge give it a quick stir before serving to ensure that any settled ingredients are evenly redistributed.
- If you don't prefer a strong minty flavor you can cut the mint quantity in half.
Tips for Customization
- Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the amount of lemon, mint, and other ingredients to suit your taste preferences. If you like it less tangy, add more water. If you like it more sweet you can add more sugar.
- Chill Ingredients: Use cold water and other ingredients to ensure the juice is cold and refreshing.
- Ice Cubes: Freeze extra lemon mint in ice cube trays and use them in the juice to keep it cold without diluting the flavor.
Tony Ashman says
I was wondering what type of mint is used in this recipe?
Wafa Shami says
Hello Tony, I used apple mint in this recipe.
Jennifer says
When I visited Ramallah a couple of summers ago I always ordered this drink at different restaurants, it's delicious and refreshing. I'm glad I found your recipe and now can make it home.
Wafa Shami says
Great, glad to hear that.