Description
Mediterranean-style mint lemonade blended with whole lemons and fresh mint leaves. Thick, frothy, and intensely flavored refreshing drink perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
2 large lemons, washed, cut into small pieces, seeds removed
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 bunch fresh mint leaves (about 25-40 leaves), stems removed, plus extra for garnish
Half to three-quarters cup sugar (adjust to taste)
2 cups crushed ice
4 cups cold water
Fresh mint sprigs for serving
Instructions
1. Wash lemons thoroughly under running water since you will blend the peel. Cut 2 lemons into quarters and remove any visible seeds. Juice the third lemon into small bowl and set aside. If blender is not powerful, cut lemon quarters into even smaller pieces.
2. Add crushed ice, cold water, lemon quarters, fresh lemon juice, mint leaves, and sugar to blender pitcher. Put lid on tightly and blend on high speed until completely smooth and frothy, about 30-45 seconds. Mixture should look creamy and pale yellow with tiny green flecks.
3. Give mixture a quick taste right from blender. Add more sugar if needed and blend again for few seconds. Want more mint flavor? Toss in few more leaves and blend again. Adjust to your personal taste preference.
4. Set fine mesh strainer over serving pitcher. Pour blended mixture through strainer, using spoon to stir and press down gently. Help liquid flow through while catching lemon peel bits and bigger pieces. Press gently to avoid pushing pulp through.
5. Drop few fresh mint sprigs into pitcher for extra flavor and visual appeal. Cover pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let everything get ice cold and flavors meld together. When ready to serve, give it good stir, then pour into glasses over ice.
Notes
Your blender needs to be fairly powerful to handle whole lemon pieces with peel. Cut lemons smaller if blender struggles.
Wash lemons thoroughly since you blend the peel. Scrub under warm water to remove any wax or residue.
Remove mint stems before blending as they can be bitter.
Lemonade keeps in fridge for up to 3 days in sealed pitcher. Flavor improves after first day.
Use Meyer lemons when in season for sweeter, less acidic version.
Add pinch of salt to enhance all flavors.
For sweeter version without extra sugar, add couple pitted dates when blending.
Freeze mint leaves in ice cube trays and use in lemonade for extra mint flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Mediterranean