🍋 Mediterranean Mint Lemon Juice (Refreshing Limonana-Style Drink)

This bright and cooling drink is popular across the Eastern Mediterranean, especially in countries like Lebanon, Israel, and Turkey. Known in some regions as Limonana, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and fresh mint flavor.

⏱ Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)

• Servings: 4 glasses

🧾 Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)

• ½ cup fresh mint leaves (packed)

• ½–¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)

• 3 cups cold water

• 1 cup ice cubes

• Lemon slices & mint sprigs (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Mint Syrup (Best Flavor Method)

1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and ½ cup water.

2. Heat gently until sugar dissolves.

3. Add mint leaves, simmer 1 minute, then remove from heat.

4. Let steep 10 minutes.

5. Strain and cool completely.

(Shortcut: Blend mint directly into the drink instead of making syrup.)

2️⃣ Mix the Drink

1. In a pitcher, combine fresh lemon juice and cooled mint syrup.

2. Add remaining cold water.

3. Stir well and taste — adjust sweetness if needed.

3️⃣ Serve

1. Fill glasses with ice.

2. Pour mint lemon juice over ice.

3. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs.

Serve chilled and enjoy immediately!

🌿 Optional Variations

• Sparkling Version: Replace 1–2 cups water with sparkling water.

• Honey Version: Substitute sugar with ½ cup honey.

• Frozen Slushie: Blend with extra ice for a frozen treat.

• Cucumber Twist: Add ½ peeled cucumber while blending.

💡 Tips for the Best Flavor

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice (not bottled).

• Roll lemons on the counter before juicing to extract more juice.

• Slightly bruise mint leaves before steeping to release oils.

• Chill for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.

Q2: Why is my drink bitter?

Over-blending mint or using too much white pith from the lemon can cause bitterness. Strain well.

Q3: Can I make this sugar-free?

Yes — use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to taste.

Q4: Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh is strongly recommended for authentic Mediterranean flavor.

Q5: Is this drink healthy?

Yes! It’s rich in vitamin C and refreshing. Reduce sugar for a lighter version.