This frozen mint lemonade is a delightful summer drink that I first encountered while on vacation, and I couldn’t resist recreating it at home! Initially enjoyed in Central America, I later discovered that this refreshing beverage is known as Limonana in the Middle East—essentially a mint-infused lemonade that can be served over ice or blended into a slushie, as I experienced.
Inspired by a Trip to…Panama?
For those familiar with this mint lemonade as a popular Middle Eastern beverage, you might be surprised to learn that I first tasted it during a trip to Panama. While dining at a local restaurant, I noticed someone ordering a “lemonade,” only to be served a vibrant green slushie.
Intrigued, I decided to order one for myself. Upon tasting it, I quickly realized this was no ordinary lemonade! It was intensely minty, sweet, and lemony. The slushie texture was incredibly refreshing on a hot day (I was traveling with my cousins on a sport fishing adventure). When I made a version at home for Judy, she insisted I share the recipe with our readers!
Types of Mint
Adding mint to lemonade offers a delightful twist on the classic recipe, but the flavor can vary based on the type of mint used.
There are over 30 varieties of mint utilized in cooking—countless more if you include various cultivars and hybrids. In the U.S., spearmint is one of the most common types found in grocery stores, and both Judy and I prefer it for this recipe due to its availability.
We also have apple mint thriving all over our property (a challenge for another day—never let mint escape its container, as it can be quite invasive), which Sarah and Kaitlin enjoy. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Any fresh mint you have on hand should work well! Just keep in mind that some types, like peppermint, have a stronger menthol flavor that can be overpowering.
Mint is remarkably easy to cultivate (it’s hard to kill the plant), so if you have a sunny balcony or windowsill, consider growing it in a pot to enjoy this drink all summer long. Just remember to keep it contained!
Honey vs. Sugar as Sweetener
This recipe calls for honey instead of the usual cane sugar. I appreciate honey for its health benefits and antioxidants, as well as its more complex natural flavor. We use our own organic honey from our farm.
If you don’t have honey on hand, you can easily substitute agave nectar or simple syrup (a mixture of equal parts cane sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves).
Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking! Judy prefers it less sweet, while I enjoy mine a bit sweeter.
Mint Lemonade Recipe Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a powerful blender: the mint (reserve some for garnish), lemon juice, water, ice, honey, and a pinch of salt.
Blend until well combined. For a more icy texture, blend at a slower speed; for a smoother slushy consistency, blend faster.
Alternatively, you can mix all the ingredients in a pitcher, chopping or crushing the mint leaves for a more traditional lemonade experience.
Serve and enjoy!
Tip!
Transform this drink into a cocktail by adding 4 ounces of vodka, tequila, or your preferred liquor.
Also, consider trying these other refreshing summer beverages!
