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
Both! Versions of Limonana are popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa. In Egypt, it’s a staple at juice shops and cafes—especially during hot summer months.
Fresh mint is ideal for that bright, cooling flavor. But if you only have dried, steep it in a little hot water, let it cool, and blend it with the rest for a subtler minty note.
Yes—blending is what gives it that icy, slushy texture! You toss everything into the blender: limes, mint, sugar, water, and ice. No juicer or muddler needed.
It’s up to you! You control the sugar, so it can be anywhere from tart and tangy to sweet and smooth. Taste as you go and tweak until it hits your perfect balance.
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!
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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 in a glass filled with ice cubes. For the best taste and texture, enjoy the drink immediately!Ice cubes for serving
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious!!
Thank you, Cathy!
xo,
Alia & Radwa
how do you blend until smooth but also not over mix? it feels like there’s a fine line I’m not seeing
Hi Kim,
Most of the fruit should be smooth but you will have some skin of the lime remaining that you can strain out. We hope that helps!
xo,
Alia & Radwa
Dairy allergy here- would it hold up if I used coconut milk instead?
Hi Heather,
We think that would work well!
xo,
Alia & Radwa
I would like to bring this to a party. Is there anyway I can make this ahead of time and serve it after arriving at the event?
Hi Robin,
We’re so glad you want to take this to a party! You may need to stir it or shake it vigorously before serving, but we think it will work.
xo,
Alia & Radwa
As I hate to waste food, can you give any ideas what to do with the leftover pulp? I was wondering if you could put it in a cake or a tart. Please let me know, looks like a lovely drink
Hi Jadis,
This is such a fantastic question! One great way to repurpose it could be to mix it with water and freeze it into trays to make ice cubes. You could also use it in a marinade for meats, fold it into homemade (or store-bought) whipped cream, use it to make popsicles, or make a simple syrup with it. We hope that helps!
xo,
Alia & Radwa
Thank you, all great ideas!