This mint-lemonade is no ordinary thirst quencher—it’s a drink with depth. The trick lies in the timing: the mint isn’t just for garnish; its aroma is released by lightly crushing the leaves without making them bitter. The lemons should be ripe but not overly sour—the balance between sweetness and acidity makes all the difference. A splash of soda water at the end elevates the freshness to a new level.
And this is what you need for the mint-lemonade
6 lemons (juicy, organic quality)
1 handful of fresh mint leaves (approx. 15–20 leaves)
100 g sugar (or 80 ml sugar syrup for better solubility)
500 ml cold water
100 ml soda water (optional, for extra fizz)
Ice cubes as needed
What matters
The mint should be fresh and crisp—wilted leaves give off a grassy, unpleasant aroma. If you rub the leaves briefly between your fingers before crushing them, you’ll release the essential oils without the leaves breaking apart. Another tip: don’t use all the sugar at once. Start with 80 g, taste the lemonade after chilling, and add more if needed. This way, you avoid a drink that’s either too sweet or too sour. If you use sugar syrup, make sure it isn’t too thick—otherwise, it won’t dissolve well in cold water.
Variations
- Mint-lemonade with ginger — Add 2–3 thin slices of fresh ginger before pressing the mint. The ginger adds a subtle heat and enhances the refreshing effect. Remove the ginger slices after steeping to avoid an overly strong spiciness.
- Mint-lemonade with cucumber — Add 4–5 thin cucumber slices to the pitcher and let them steep for 10 minutes before serving. The cucumber adds a mild, fresh note, making the drink even more invigorating.
- Alcoholic version with Gin — For an adult twist, add 4 cl London Dry Gin per glass. The gin pairs perfectly with the mint and lemon. Serve the lemonade in a tumbler with ice, garnished with a lemon slice and a mint sprig.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make the lemonade without sugar?
Yes, but the flavor changes significantly. The acidity of the lemons will dominate more strongly. If you want to avoid sugar, try 20–30 ml agave syrup or honey instead—they sweeten more naturally and dissolve better in cold water.
How long does the lemonade keep in the fridge?
The lemonade keeps for about 2–3 days in the fridge, but it loses freshness over time. The mint becomes bitter, and the lemon oxidizes. For the best taste, serve within 24 hours.
Can I use frozen mint?
Frozen mint is a last resort, but fresh leaves are always preferable. Freezing causes the mint to lose aroma and become mushy. If you use frozen mint, don’t thaw it—instead, add it directly to the pitcher and press it lightly.
Why is my lemonade cloudy?
This is normal and not a sign of poor quality. The cloudiness comes from the lemon pulp and the essential oils in the mint. If you prefer a clear lemonade, strain the juice through a fine sieve or a clean kitchen towel before mixing.
