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Mint Lemonade Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Mint Lemonade Recipe

Nothing feels as refreshing on a hot day as a tall glass of chilled mint lemonade. The tangy kick of lemon paired with the cool, crisp flavor of mint makes it an all-time favorite summer drink. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Drinks
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Fresh lemon juice – 2 cups always use freshly squeezed juice, as bottled juice lacks brightness and flavor
  • Fresh mint leaves – 1 cup plus extra for garnish; fresh leaves release natural oils better than dried ones
  • Granulated sugar – 1 cup helps balance the sharp acidity of lemon; adjust to taste if you like it less sweet
  • Cold water – 6 cups filtered water gives the cleanest flavor
  • Ice cubes – 2 cups crushed ice works best as it chills faster
  • Lemon slices – for garnish optional, but makes your drink look refreshing and restaurant-style

Method
 

  1. Start by making a simple syrup to dissolve the sugar evenly. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with the sugar and stir over medium heat. Keep mixing until the sugar fully dissolves. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool completely before adding it to the lemonade mixture. This step prevents grainy sugar crystals in the drink.
  2. In a blender, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, fresh mint leaves, and the cooled simple syrup. Blend everything until smooth and well combined. The mint leaves will release their essential oils, giving the drink a fresh, cooling taste that pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon.
  3. Once blended, pour the mixture through a fine strainer into a large pitcher. This helps remove pulp and excess mint solids, leaving you with a smooth liquid. Add the remaining 5 cups of cold water and stir well to balance the flavors. At this stage, you can adjust the sweetness by adding a little more syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste.
  4. Fill the pitcher with ice cubes, or add ice directly to serving glasses. Garnish with extra mint leaves and lemon slices for a fresh presentation. Serve immediately while chilled for the most refreshing experience. If you’d like, you can swap 2–3 cups of cold water with sparkling water just before serving for a fizzy version.