Limonana is a thirst quenching slush drink with lemon and mint flavors. It’s easy to make and a favorite drink on a warm summer’s day. Trust me, it will be love at first sip.
This Middle Eastern mint lemonade is one of the most popular drinks of the summer months. No question why.
It’s a simple homemade lemonade with fresh mint plucked right from the herb garden (or grocery store), lots of ice.
It transforms quickly and easily into one of the most delicious of frosty summer beverages.
Like limeade, it’s a perfect drink for a hot climate or just to take the sting out of a sweltering day. The gorgeous green color is irresistible too.
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What is Limonana?
This refreshing drink is a mix of fresh mint leaves and fresh lemon juice into a sweet slushy drink perfect for a hot day.
This family favorite can be found in Northern America, Latin American, Europe and is very popular in Middle Eastern countries where it was originated.
The origins of Limonana (pronounced lee-mo-nah-nah) are interesting and demonstrate the power of advertising.
This frozen lemonade was featured in an Israeli bus advertising campaign showing celebrities drinking the refreshing cold drink….that actually was fictional at the time!
Following the campaign the public began asking for the drink and the Middle Eastern frozen mint lemonade was born.
The name limonana is a blend of Arabic and Hebrew words for lemon and mint.
Recipe Ingredients + Notes
There are many ways this drink can be made. Some recipes use simple syrup, lemonade concentrate or mint syrup.
We like to keep this classic favorite simple with fresh ingredients that create a perfect balance of flavors.
Fresh lemon juice. You’ll need 3/4 cup and it’s always best when squeezed fresh. This is the equivalent of about 4-5 lemons.
Microwave the lemons for 10 seconds before juicing for more juice extraction! We use a handheld juicer for this.
Bottled juice can be substituted in a pinch. Use 100% real lemon juice (not from concentrate) for the best results if substituting.
Granulated sugar. This adds just the right amount of sweetness to create a lovely freshness to the drink.
Fresh mint. You’ll need 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves. Leave the stems out.
Water. One cup water is used.
Ice. The ice cubes turns this lemonade into wonderful frozen slush.
Optional garnishes. Lemon slices and mint sprigs can be used for serving if desired.
How to make Limonana
Add ingredients to a blender: lemon juice, water, mint, sugar and ice (photos 1-3).
Blend until the ice is completely pulverized and the drink combined into a slushy consistency (photo 4-5).
Can I spike it?
Who are we to deny turning a gorgeous drink into a cocktail? Add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, gin or bourbon.
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Recipe
Limonana – Frozen Mint Lemonade
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed (about 4-5 lemons)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup cold water
- 3 ½ cups ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender: lemon juice, sugar, mint, water and ice. Pulse until everything is well incorporated with a slushy texture.
- Pour into 4 glasses and garnish with lemon slices or mint sprigs.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed juice for the best results.
- If needing to substitute bottled lemon juice use 100% real juice (not from concentrate).
Colleen says
It’s so hot here and I have a ton of mint in the garden so I had to try this drink. It did not disappoint. So refreshing! We’ll be sipping on these all summer!
Tayler Ross says
I made this over the weekend and it was amazing! So refreshing and I’ll definitely be making it all summer long!
Kelley says
This is genius! So light and refreshing!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
It’s 37 degrees here in the UK, so I’m off to make this now! Got plenty of mint and fresh lemons so this is just what I need.
Liz says
It’s been so hot here, this is such a refreshing way to cool off! Thanks for the recipe!
Ksenia says
As an Israeli, limonana was an inseparable part of my summer routine!
Toni Dash says
With good reason! It’s the best of everything in the summer in particular.
Lilly says
So refreshing!! I love it
Katie Youngs says
I love the color in this drink! It’s so light and refreshing!
Brianna says
Refreshing and so easy to make!
Ramona says
Truly delicious recipe. I love the colour too. I’ll definitely make it again!