Mint Lemonade Recipe – Cool, Citrusy & Easy to Make. This is no ordinary glass of lemonade. Inspired by limonana, a Lebanese-style mint lemonade I’ve come to love on visits to the Middle East, this version is zesty, herby, and vibrant green — thanks to a bold blend of fresh mint and lemon.
It’s sharp, sweet, and incredibly refreshing — like sunshine in a glass, with just enough mint to cool you right down. The flavours are blended together for a smooth, punchy drink that feels a little bit like a treat, but is so easy you’ll want to make it on repeat.
Perfect for summer afternoons, weekend lunches, or any time you need a reset in a glass — this is one of those drinks that everyone loves, mint fan or not.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- More than just lemonade – This isn’t a glass of lemon water with a mint leaf. It’s bold, herby, icy, and bursting with real flavour.
- Super quick to make – Just blend, strain (if you like), and serve. No cooking, no fuss, and ready in minutes.
- Perfect for hot days – Whether you serve it over ice or blend it into a slushie, it’s cooling, refreshing, and just the thing to take the edge off summer heat.
- Great for sharing – Serve it in jugs for a barbecue, Iftar table, brunch, or sunny garden lunch — it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients Used
This isn’t just any lemonade — every ingredient here plays a role in creating that cool, citrusy lift that makes this drink so addictive. Here’s what brings it all together
- Fresh lemon juice
Sharp, zesty, and full of sunshine. It’s what gives the drink its bold, citrus base — bright enough to wake you up on a sleepy afternoon. - Mint simple syrup
Instead of just throwing in mint leaves, we make a quick infused syrup. It sounds fancy, but it’s as simple as simmer, strain, done. The result? A smooth, sweet mintiness that feels fresh, not overpowering. - Fresh mint leaves
Blended straight into the lemonade for that unmistakable green colour and a cool, herby kick in every sip. It’s what makes this drink zing. - Cold water
To dilute, balance, and refresh. Still water works beautifully, but you can go sparkling for a fizzy twist. - Plenty of ice
Not optional, in my opinion. This drink is made to be served ice cold, with the kind of chill that makes your glass sweat in the sun.
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How to Make Mint Lemonade
This recipe is all about layering fresh, simple ingredients into something more than the sum of its parts. Here’s how to make it:
- Start with the syrup
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil. Add crushed mint leaves and let it simmer for a few minutes to infuse. Then take it off the heat and let the flavours steep. Once cooled, strain out the mint and pop the syrup in the fridge — it’ll stay good for a couple of weeks. - Juice the lemons
Squeeze your lemons and strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds. Freshly squeezed is key here — it’s what gives the drink its clean, citrusy base. - Blend the mint
Place fresh mint leaves in a blender with a lemon juice and a splash of water. Blend until smooth, or until the mint is finely chopped — you can go super green or keep a bit of texture, depending on what you like. - Mix it all together
In a large jug or glass, combine the 1 part mint lemon mixture, 1 part mint sugar syrup, and 3 parts of cold water. Give everything a good mix. Taste and adjust the balance if needed — more syrup for sweetness, more lemon if you like it sharper. - Serve it cold
Pour over ice and finish with lemon wheels and fresh mint leaves. Serve straight away, or chill and keep in the fridge for later. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Helpful Tips & Tricks
- Adjust to your taste
Everyone likes their lemonade a little differently — sharper, sweeter, or with more mint. The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Add a splash more syrup or lemon juice at the end until it’s just right for you. - Strain if you prefer a smoother drink
The blended mint gives the lemonade its signature green colour and fresh flavour, but if you want a cleaner, smoother finish, strain it before serving. - Make the syrup ahead
The mint syrup keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you can make it ahead and whip up a fresh batch of lemonade whenever you fancy. - Serve super cold
This lemonade is at its best ice cold. Chill everything ahead of time — the syrup, the lemon juice, even the water — so you don’t have to rely on ice alone. - Try sparkling water
For a fizzy version, swap some or all of the still water for sparkling. It adds a lovely lightness and makes it feel extra special. - Make it a slushie
Blend the finished lemonade with a handful of ice for that classic limonana slushie effect — perfect for hot days.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh lemon juice really does make a difference here. It gives the lemonade a brighter, cleaner taste that’s hard to get from bottled juice.
How long does mint lemonade keep in the fridge?
It keeps well for up to 2–3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the mint and lemon can separate a little over time.
Do I have to make the mint syrup?
Not at all! If you’re short on time, you can stir sugar straight into the lemon juice and water and blend in the mint. The syrup just gives a smoother sweetness and helps the mint flavour come through more gently.
Can I use a sugar substitute or make it refined sugar-free?
Yes — try honey, agave, or maple syrup instead of sugar when making the syrup. The flavour will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I make this into a cocktail?
Absolutely! Add a splash of vodka, gin, or white rum to each glass for a refreshing summer drink. Just be sure to taste and balance the sweetness as you go.
If you make this recipe I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below and let me know. It genuinely makes a difference to know what’s working and what isn’t, and I read every single one. You can also find me on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook where I share new recipes, behind the scenes and whatever else is happening in the kitchen at Poetry of Spices.
Ingredients
For the Mint Lemonade:
For the Mint Simple Syrup:
method
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the gently crushed mint leaves. Stir constantly and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 20–30 minutes. Strain and refrigerate.
1½ cups sugar, 1½ cups water, 1 cup fresh mint leaves (crushed)
Squeeze the lemons and strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds.
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Add the fresh mint leaves to a blender with lemon juice and a little water. Blend until smooth or until the mint is in fine pieces, depending on the texture you prefer.
30g fresh mint leaves, 1 cup lemon juice, a splash of water
In a large pitcher, combine 1 part lemon juice, 1 part mint syrup, and 3 parts cold water. Stir in the blended mint and mix well. Adjust to taste if needed.
1 cup lemon juice, 1 cup mint syrup, 3 cups water
Pour into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with lemon wheels and fresh mint leaves. Best served cold.
Ice, lemon slices, whole mint leaves (for garnish)

2 comments
Oh this was so good! I’ve been trying mint lemonade recipes since my trip to UAE, where I had it for the first time. This was exactly like that . Thank you!
Gaby
Ahh that makes me so happy to hear, Gaby! Mint lemonade in the UAE really does hit differently — I’m so glad this brought that same taste back for you. Thanks so much for trying it and letting me know!