Mint Lemonade Recipe
There is absolutely nothing more refreshing, vibrant, and restorative than a tall glass of Mint Lemonade on a sunny day! With its perfect balance of tangy lemon, sweet simple syrup, and the tingly coolness of fresh mint, this beverage is a true celebration of summer in every sip. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, lounging on the porch, or just looking for a pick-me-up, Mint Lemonade brings a burst of flavor and a beautiful, inviting color to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Lemon Juice:
2 cups
Fresh Mint Leaves:
1 cup (plus extra for garnish)
Granulated Sugar:
1 cup
Cold Water:
6 cups
Ice Cubes:
2 cups
Lemon Slices:
for garnish (optional)
How to Make Mint Lemonade
Step 1: Make the Simple Syrup
Start by making an easy but game-changing simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with the sugar. Heat gently, stirring until every grain has dissolved. This syrup ensures your Mint Lemonade is smooth and never gritty, perfectly distributing sweetness throughout the drink. Let the syrup cool completely before using so it doesn’t wilt the fresh mint or dull the lemon flavor.
Step 2: Blend the Lemon, Mint, and Syrup
Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice, that just-cooled syrup, and all your gorgeous mint leaves into a blender. Give it a good blitz until everything is evenly blended and the mixture turns a lively shade of green. Blending brings out the essential oils from the mint and ensures every glass of Mint Lemonade tastes like it was made by a pro.
Step 3: Strain for Smoothness
Now, grab a fine mesh sieve and strain the mixture into a large pitcher. This step removes any pulp or fibrous mint bits, resulting in a drink that’s silky smooth and oh-so-easy to sip. Don’t skip this simple step if you want that gorgeous, clear finish!
Step 4: Add Cold Water and Stir
Pour the remaining 5 cups of cold water into the pitcher with your strained mixture. Stir thoroughly so everything is married and harmonious. This is the moment your Mint Lemonade turns from concentrate into a shareable pitcher of refreshment.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice
Drop a handful of ice cubes into the pitcher or directly in each glass. This chills the Mint Lemonade instantly, locking in brightness with every pour. For a sparkling variation, substitute 2–3 cups of the water with chilled sparkling water just before serving for a fizzy, festive twist.
How to Serve Mint Lemonade
Garnishes
Elevate your Mint Lemonade by garnishing each glass with a fresh mint sprig and a slice or wheel of lemon. Not only do these touches look stunning, but they also enhance aroma and give that extra pop of freshness right under your nose as you take each sip.
Side Dishes
This vibrant drink pairs beautifully with light snacks like cucumber sandwiches, fresh fruit salads, or Middle Eastern mezze. The coolness of Mint Lemonade acts as a palate cleanser, making it especially good alongside spiced or grilled foods during backyard gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your Mint Lemonade into mason jars, tall vintage glasses, or even a big clear dispenser for parties—its vivid green color looks gorgeous on any table. For extra flair, try freezing lemon slices and mint leaves in ice cubes to float in each glass, or rim glasses with sugar and a fine zest of lemon for special celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Mint Lemonade left (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), simply keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store without ice to prevent dilution, and always give it a quick stir before serving as some settling is natural.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Mint Lemonade for later! Pour it into ice cube trays for a pop of instant flavor in still or sparkling water, or store in a freezer-safe container. Thawed lemonade won’t be quite as vibrant as fresh, but it’ll still taste wonderfully refreshing.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Mint Lemonade, as it’s designed to be served cold and invigorating. If your lemonade has been in the fridge, just give it a good stir and pour over fresh ice cubes, or blend with extra ice for a slushie-style treat.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice is convenient, nothing compares to the lively flavor of freshly squeezed lemons in Mint Lemonade. If you must use bottled juice, choose a high-quality, 100 percent lemon variety with no additives for the best result.
What if I have extra mint—can I use more than one cup?
Absolutely! Using more mint will only deepen the herbaceous flavor and enhance the green color. Just be mindful to blend thoroughly and strain well for a perfectly smooth and vibrant Mint Lemonade.
How can I make this Mint Lemonade less sweet?
Feel free to adjust the simple syrup to your taste! Start with a little less sugar, or try adding more cold water to dilute the sweetness. Remember, you can always add but not take away, so taste as you go.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, this Mint Lemonade is naturally caffeine-free and made with fresh, wholesome ingredients, making it a safe and delicious choice for kids of all ages—just be wary of ice cubes for very young children.
How can I make it a grown-up cocktail?
Transform Mint Lemonade into a party-ready cocktail by adding a splash of vodka, gin, or rum to each glass. It becomes the ultimate adult refresher that’s a massive hit at any gathering!
Final Thoughts
There’s something absolutely magical about how simple ingredients can create a beverage as lively and uplifting as Mint Lemonade. With its dazzling color, aroma, and zing, this drink promises to be a highlight of your summer or any time you crave a quick escape in a glass. Don’t wait—give this homemade Mint Lemonade recipe a try and treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable refreshment!
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Mint Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
A refreshing and tangy Mint Lemonade recipe that is perfect for hot summer days. Made with fresh lemon juice, mint leaves, and a touch of sweetness, this drink is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Fresh Lemon Juice:
2 cups
Fresh Mint Leaves:
1 cup (plus extra for garnish)
Granulated Sugar:
1 cup
Cold Water:
6 cups
Ice Cubes:
2 cups
Lemon Slices:
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Create Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and the sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely to make a simple syrup, then remove from heat and let cool.
- Blend Mint Lemon Mixture: In a blender, combine the lemon juice, mint leaves, and cooled simple syrup. Blend until smooth.
- Strain and Mix: Strain the mixture into a large pitcher to remove pulp and mint solids. Add the remaining 5 cups of cold water and stir well.
- Serve: Add ice cubes to the pitcher or directly into glasses. Garnish with extra mint leaves and lemon slices before serving. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For a sparkling version, replace 2–3 cups of the cold water with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more sugar or simple syrup if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
