Summer is almost here, and we all need something refreshing. Today, let’s make the famous Middle Eastern mint lemonade called “LimoNana”. It’s easy to prepare and incredibly refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of cold water
- 4-5 lemons
- 100g sugar (adjust to taste)
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1 tbsp orange blossom water or rose water
- Instructions:
- Preparing LimoNana is straightforward and can be done in several ways, each yielding a slightly different but equally delightful result.
- Blending Whole Lemons:
- Start by cutting the lemons in half.
- Combine the halved lemons with half a liter of cold water and the sugar in a blender.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the fresh mint leaves to the blender and blend again until you achieve a beautiful green color and a smooth consistency.
- Using Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice:
- If you prefer a less tangy flavor, you can use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of whole lemons.
- Squeeze the juice from 4-5 lemons.
- In a blender, mix the lemon juice with cold water, sugar, and fresh mint leaves.
- Blend until the mint is finely chopped and well incorporated.
- Preparing a Simple Syrup:
- For a more refined version, you can make a simple syrup instead of using granulated sugar.
- To make the syrup, dissolve 100g of sugar in 100ml of hot water, stirring until completely dissolved. Let it cool.
- Add the syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, mint leaves, and the remaining cold water to a blender.
- Blend until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Final Touch:
- Pour the blended mixture into a pitcher.
- Add the remaining cold water to the pitcher.
- For an extra touch of sophistication, you can add a tablespoon of orange blossom water or rose water. These floral notes complement the tangy lemon and fresh mint beautifully.
- Add plenty of ice cubes to keep the lemonade chilled.
- If the lemonade is too tart for your taste, you can dilute it with additional cold water until it reaches your preferred level of sourness.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your LimoNana in tall glasses, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lemon on the rim. This drink is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day, whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a barbecue, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon in the garden.
- Enjoy your refreshing LimoNana and embrace the vibrant flavors of the Middle East this summer! 😎
