Description
Lemon Mint Juice, also known as Lebanese Lemonana, is a refreshing, tangy, and lightly sweetened beverage made with fresh lemons, lime, mint leaves, and a hint of orange blossom water. Perfect for cooling down on warm days, this juice combines citrusy zest with herbal freshness and subtle sweetness from maple syrup, making it a delightful drink to enjoy anytime.
Ingredients
Juice Ingredients
- 2 medium Lemons, roughly chopped with skin
- 1 medium Lime, roughly chopped with skin
- ¼ cup fresh Mint leaves
- ½ cup Maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Orange Blossom Water (optional)
- 3-4 cups Cold water
- Ice, as needed for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by roughly chopping the lemons and lime along with their skins. Rinse the mint leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities before measuring out a quarter cup.
- Blend: Add the chopped lemons and lime, mint leaves, maple syrup, orange blossom water (if using), and 3 cups of cold water into a blender. You can also add a few ice cubes if you prefer a chilled drink. Blend on high speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Taste and Adjust: After blending, taste the juice and adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup if desired. Similarly, add more cold water to dilute if the flavor is too strong, then blend again briefly to mix.
- Strain: Pour the blended mixture through a fine sieve or nut milk cloth into a pitcher or bowl. This step ensures removal of the pulp and seeds, yielding a smooth, refreshing juice.
- Serve: Pour the strained Lemon Mint Juice into glasses over ice. Garnish with a mint sprig or a lemon slice if desired, and serve immediately chilled for best flavor.
Notes
- Using the lemon and lime skin adds extra zest and nutrients but ensure the fruits are well-washed and pesticide-free.
- Orange blossom water is optional but adds a lovely aromatic floral undertone typical of Lebanese recipes.
- Maple syrup is a natural sweetener choice that complements the citrus flavors; honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives.
- Adjust water quantity depending on how concentrated or diluted you prefer the juice.
- This juice is best consumed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
