Get ready to refresh your summer with our Mediterranean-inspired Egyptian Mint Lemonade, also known as Limonana! Crafted with just five ingredients, this drink is a symphony of sweetness, creaminess, and absolute refreshment. Whip it up in minutes for a crowd-pleasing refresher. It’s the ultimate sip for barbecues, parties, or simply chilling in the fridge for whenever you just need a little taste of summer.
Table of Contents
What Is Limonana?
Also sometimes referred to as lemonata, limonana (pronounced lee-mo-nah-nah) is a Middle Eastern version of mint lemonade or limeade. The name is a combination of Arabic and Hebrew words meaning lemon and mint.
It’s one of our favorite treats and is a recipe our aunt used to make for us when we visited Egypt! One sip, and we’re transported back to the summers of our childhood.
What Is Middle Eastern-Inspired Mint Lemonade Made Of?
You might be surprised by the ingredients in this mint lemonade recipe. It features more flavors than the American version of lemonade, but we promise it’s so tasty!
- Limes – Use medium-sized limes, and do not substitute for bottled lime juice.
- Whole Milk – This is crucial for the rich taste and smooth, creamy texture. If needed, canned coconut can be substituted for a dairy-free option.
- Cold Water – Used to blend the ingredients.
- Sugar – Regular granulated sugar helps sweeten the drink, reducing the tartness of the limes. Feel free to use Stevia or a sugar substitute instead.
- Mint Leaves – Use brightly colored, fresh mint leaves with their stems removed.
Blend, Pour, Sip!
The best part about this mint lemonade recipe is that it comes together in just a few minutes with basically no prep time.
- Combine. Add the limes, whole milk, water, sugar, and mint leaves to a high-speed blender.
- Mix. Blend until the ingredients are smooth and well combined. Do not overmix! Otherwise, your limonana will be bitter.
- Strain. Pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp or solid pieces.
- Serve! Pour your mint lemonade into a glass full of ice, and enjoy it right away!
Common Questions About This Mint Lemonade (Limonana) Recipe
For the best taste and texture, we recommend serving this recipe right away. Otherwise, if it sits for a longer period of time, it will curdle from the acidity.
Don’t toss out the pulp! Instead, mix it into popsicles, add it to homemade protein balls, mix it into salad dressing, or toss them in with stir fry!
We wouldn’t exactly call this recipe healthy. However, if you want to make it better for you, you can substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute.
More Middle Eastern-Inspired Recipes
Craving more of the enticing flavors of the Middle East at home? Explore a treasure trove of delightful recipes with some of our favorites below! From refreshing salads to savory soups, these recipes are your key to bringing Middle Eastern-inspired magic to your kitchen!
Egyptian Mint Lemonade (Limonana)
Ingredients
- 5-6 medium limes sliced
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- In a high-powered blender, add the medium limes, whole milk, cold water, granulated sugar, and fresh mint leaves.5-6 medium limes, 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup cold water, 1 cup granulated sugar, 6 fresh mint leaves
- Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined. DO NOT OVERMIX it will cause the drink to be bitter.
- Pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp or solids.
- Serve the over a glass filled with ice cubes. For the best taste and texture, enjoy the drink immediately!Ice cubes for serving
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We only use 1 or 2% milk for when the grandkids come over. Could I use half and half and more water or something other than whole milk? Thanks for any suggestions as I want to try this, looks good😊
You can use any milk you have on hand! Lower fat options just won’t be as rich and creamy. We hope you enjoy! 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Any suggestions for a non-dairy version? What would be a good substitute for the milk? Coconut milk? Almond milk?
Full-fat coconut milk would probably be best, but it will give the drink a slightly coconut-y taste!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Made my first batch! Love it!!! Had some leftover already zested limes. Made sure to use a mix of with and without zest. Didn’t hurt it one bit. Already shared the recipe with three friends!
Thank you so much, Terry! We’re so glad you enjoy it!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
We used soy milk instead of milk and we love it! Also agave syrup instead of sugar. Wonderful summer drink!! Thank you.
We’re so glad it turned out well for you! Thank you for trying it out, Zoe! 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I see this calls for limes. would this work with lemons? I’m going to try it poured over rum ice cubes for upcoming special event.
We haven’t tested it with lemons, but it should work. We’d love to know how it turns out if you give it a try!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Amazingly delicious great summer drink! Love this one, thank you for sharing
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Josie!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Overmixed… careful guys!
We’re sorry to hear this but appreciate your feedback!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Milk won’t separate? due to lemon added.. we use lemon to separate milk into whey to make Paneer.
It will if it’s left to sit for awhile but is fine if you serve right away!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
recipe pls
Hi! The complete recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
thank you 🙏
Delicious!
Thank you, Nermine!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa