Name: Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 2 medium Lemons, roughly chopped with skin; 1 medium Lime, roughly chopped with skin; 1/4 cup Mint leaves; 1/2 cup Maple syrup; 1 tablespoon Orange Blossom Water (optional); 3-4 cups Cold water; Ice

Imagine a refreshing, zesty burst of citrus and aromatic mint in every sip—that’s Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) in a glass! Famous for its cooling powers on a warm day, this iconic Lebanese drink combines tangy lemons, vibrant mint, sweet maple syrup, and a hint of floral orange blossom water for a perfectly balanced treat. It’s easy to make, incredibly vibrant in both taste and color, and guaranteed to perk up any gathering from family brunches to summer parties. If you’re ready to experience the ultimate Mediterranean thirst-quencher, Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) is about to become your new favorite homemade beverage!

Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients to make Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana), but they each play a critical role in achieving that iconic sweet-tart flavor. The key is choosing quality produce, and every element adds its own magic to this gorgeous, green-tinted drink.

Lemons: Use fresh, juicy lemons with the skin on for an extra boost of tang and aromatic oils that truly define this drink.
Lime: Adding lime with its skin brings a sharper citrus note and deepens the drink’s refreshing qualities.
Mint Leaves: Vibrant green mint leaves lend that signature herbal brightness and cooling effect.
Maple Syrup: Natural maple syrup balances the tartness with just the right amount of smooth, rich sweetness.
Orange Blossom Water (optional): A touch of this floral water adds an authentic Middle Eastern aroma and an elegant complexity.
Cold Water: Chilled water ensures your Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) is perfectly icy and refreshing right from the start.
Ice: Optional, but highly recommended for serving; it keeps each glass crisp and extra cold.

How to Make Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana)

Step 1: Prep Your Citrus and Mint

Start by roughly chopping your lemons and lime, keeping the skin on—this secret touch infuses the juice with even more citrus aroma. Give your mint leaves a gentle wash and pat them dry to wake up their fragrance, ready to bring their zingy freshness to the mix.

Step 2: Blend Everything Together

Gather your chopped citrus, mint leaves, maple syrup, orange blossom water (if using), cold water, and a handful of ice into your blender. Blend on high speed until everything is thoroughly pulverized and looks vibrantly green. At this stage, sneak a quick taste and feel free to add more syrup or water to match your personal preference for sweetness and strength.

Step 3: Strain for Smoothness

Pour your blender contents through a fine-mesh sieve or nut milk cloth set over a large bowl or pitcher. Press or squeeze thoroughly—this step ensures all that luscious juice is extracted while leaving the pulpy bits behind. The result is a silky, smooth Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) that feels luxurious and drinkable.

Step 4: Serve Over Ice

Decant the strained juice into glasses piled high with ice cubes, or chill it further in the fridge. This dazzling green drink looks especially striking in clear glassware, letting its color shine. Now it’s ready to cool you down and transport your senses!

How to Serve Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana)

Garnishes

Brighten up each glass by adding a sprig of fresh mint, a slice of lemon, or even a twist of lime on the rim. For a special touch, float an edible flower or a sprinkle of orange zest—it’s all about creating a moment with every pour.

Side Dishes

Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) pairs beautifully with light mezze such as tabbouleh, hummus, olives, or crispy falafel. It’s the perfect partner for a spread of Mediterranean appetizers, grilled veggies, or flatbreads—and a citrusy refresh for any spicy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Pitcher service looks stunning for gatherings: serve in a tall clear jug loaded with mint and citrus slices for beautiful table flair. If you’re hosting a party, try freezing some of the juice into ice cubes and adding them to the glasses for a wow-worthy presentation that stays flavorful till the last drop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) in a sealed bottle or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. The flavor actually mellows and melds beautifully overnight, but be sure to give it a vigorous stir before serving as the fresh mint and citrus oils may separate a bit.

Freezing

For longer storage (or an icy treat), pour the juice into ice cube trays and freeze. Pop out a few cubes to quickly chill drinks, or blend them again for a frozen slushie-style Lemonana perfect on sweltering days.

Reheating

Good news: you never need to reheat Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana)! It’s always enjoyed cold, so just pour over ice or thaw your juice cubes for an instant refresher. If it’s been in the fridge, give it a good shake or stir before serving.

FAQs

Can I use honey or another sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely! Honey, agave syrup, or plain cane sugar all work beautifully in Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana)—just be sure to adjust the amount to taste and dissolve thoroughly for smooth sweetness.

Do I need to peel the lemons and limes?

No need to peel them! Including the skin adds extra flavor and a subtle hint of bitterness, which balances the final drink. Just give the citrus a good scrub beforehand to remove any wax or residue.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

It sure is! Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) is caffeine-free, naturally sweetened, and full of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Just adjust the sweetness to make it extra kid-friendly if needed.

How do I make it less tart or more sweet?

Simply tweak the maple syrup or water to your liking; a splash more syrup will balance extra-tart lemons, while adding more water can mellow everything out if it’s too bold for your palate.

Can I add alcohol for a grown-up version?

Definitely! For an adults-only twist, add a splash of vodka, gin, or rum to your Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana). It’s fantastic as a refreshing party cocktail—just remember to stir well and garnish generously.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Lemon Mint Juice (Lebanese Lemonana) at home, you’re in for a real treat. It’s so easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face with every vibrant sip. Give it a try and share the experience—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!