Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a drink that’s equal parts refreshing, vibrant, and delightfully zesty, Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) will absolutely steal your heart—and your taste buds. This sparkling, cooling beverage, with its perfect marriage of citrus and fresh mint, is a Lebanese summer staple that instantly transports you to a sun-dappled garden café. Whether you’re hosting a backyard brunch, craving a sweet (but not too sweet) pick-me-up, or simply need to take the edge off a sweltering afternoon, Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) is the answer. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s joy in a glass—full of tang, gentle herbal notes, and a subtle floral perfume that feels a little bit magical.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about making Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) is how each ingredient plays a starring role in both taste and appearance. With just a few fresh, high-quality ingredients, you build an irresistibly crisp flavor and a gorgeous, naturally green hue that’s entirely unique to this Middle Eastern classic.

• Lemons (2 medium, roughly chopped with skin): The bold, tart foundation of the juice—don’t skip the peel, as it brings in just the right touch of bitterness and aroma.
• Lime (1 medium, roughly chopped with skin): Adds a sharp, citrusy brightness and depth that balances the lemons beautifully.
• Mint leaves (¼ cup): The secret to that vibrant green color and signature herbal burst—use fresh, fragrant leaves.
• Maple syrup (½ cup): A naturally sweet touch that rounds out the tartness—feel free to adjust to taste or swap in honey or sugar if you prefer.
• Orange Blossom Water (1 tablespoon, optional): For an enchanting floral note that transports your drink straight to the heart of Beirut.
• Cold water (3–4 cups): Keeps everything light and thirst-quenching—the colder, the better!
• Ice: Essential for that frosty, invigorating finish; you can blend it right in or add cubes to your glass before serving.

How to Make Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana)

Step 1: Prep Your Citrus and Mint

Start by giving your lemons and lime a good wash, since you’ll be blending them with the skins on. Cut each into chunks—don’t worry about making them perfect, just be sure to remove the seeds for a smoother finish. Rinse your mint leaves and measure them out; pluck only the leaves (not the stems) for the best flavor.

Step 2: Blend the Magic Together

Add your chopped lemons, lime, mint leaves, maple syrup, orange blossom water (if using), cold water, and ice (if you want a slushier texture) straight into your blender. Blitz everything on high until the fruit and mint are completely pulverized and the mixture looks vibrantly green. Take a taste—now’s your moment to add a splash more maple syrup or water if you want a sweeter or milder sip.

Step 3: Strain and Serve

Set a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag over a large pitcher or bowl, and carefully pour the blended mixture through. Press or squeeze to extract as much liquid as possible, leaving the pulp behind. Pour your fresh Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) into glasses filled with ice, garnish as desired, and serve immediately for maximum freshness.

How to Serve Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana)

Garnishes

An irresistible glass of Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) deserves a little flourish! Try a sprig of fresh mint, a thin lemon wheel, or a spiral of lime peel on the rim. For a touch of sparkle, float a few pomegranate seeds or an edible flower in the glass—these little accents make every sip feel extra-special.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) with a light mezze platter is absolute perfection. Think warm flatbreads, creamy hummus, herbed tabbouleh, or crispy falafel. The zippy, fresh flavors of the juice cut right through richer dishes, making it an ideal palate cleanser in between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) into an unforgettable centerpiece by serving it in a tall, clear carafe with layers of lemon and lime slices, or pour it over crushed ice in highball glasses for a mocktail vibe. For a party twist, freeze it into popsicles or serve in mini mason jars with colorful straws. Presentation is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) left over, transfer it to an airtight glass pitcher or jar and keep it chilled in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 24–36 hours, as the vibrant flavors and color will start to mellow, but it’s still delicious even after a day or two.

Freezing

For longer storage or to create a ready-to-blend slushie, pour your juice into ice cube trays and freeze. Later, just blend the frozen cubes with a splash of water to recreate that ultra-refreshing taste and texture—no waste, all flavor!

Reheating

Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) is always served cold, so reheating isn’t needed. Instead, if your juice has chilled beyond your liking, just let it sit at room temperature briefly or freshen it up with new ice and a sprig of mint before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon or lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemons and lime are absolutely key to capturing the zing and natural oils that make Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) so unique. Bottled juices don’t provide the same complexity or vibrant color, but if you’re in a pinch, add extra zest or a little peel to mimic the effect.

Is there a substitute for maple syrup?

Absolutely! Good old-fashioned sugar, agave nectar, or even honey work beautifully as sweeteners. Each will bring its own subtle note to the juice, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.

What if I don’t have orange blossom water?

No worries—the orange blossom water is totally optional and intended to add an aromatic touch. If you leave it out, your Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) will still taste wonderfully fresh and lively.

Can I make this drink in advance for a party?

Definitely! Prep and strain your Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) the morning of your event and keep it well-chilled. Give it a good stir before pouring, and consider setting out fun garnishes or ice trays with mint leaves for that wow factor.

How do I adjust the sweetness and tartness?

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. After blending, simply taste and tweak—add more maple syrup if you’d like it sweeter, a splash more water for a gentler sip, or extra lemon for even brighter zing. It’s your drink, your rules.

Final Thoughts

Nothing captures the spirit of summer or a shared table with friends quite like a fresh pitcher of Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana). Whether you’re cooling off after a sunny walk or serving up smiles at a family gathering, this gorgeous green drink delivers every time. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to this touch of Lebanese sunshine!

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