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.
Why do you call this lemonade when limes are used?
It’s just a fun play on traditional lemonade or maybe more accurately limeade!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
hello
do I peel lime skins or not? thanks
Hi there! I love your posts and recipes. For this drink, can the leftover solids be used for something else? Or is it just wise to discard?
Thank you, Abby! You could try adding it to a smoothie. We have seen other people turn them into fruit leather or add them to popsicles or pancakes, but we haven’t tested these. We’d love to know how you use them if you find a good option!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Good Morning! Just want to let both of you ladies know how Amazing I think you both are. Thank you for sharing all your Amazing and Wonderful recipes for us all on FB. Much appreciated 😊
Thank you so much, Sara! We’re so happy to have you here and are glad you’re enjoying the recipes. 🥰
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Do you put the limes in with the skin?
Yes! We strain it later. We hope you enjoy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Thank you for the recipe for the lime drink. Can this be frozen or can you put in fridge to have it available? Thank you
It’s best enjoyed right away! You can try storing it in the fridge, but the ingredients are likely to settle at the bottom.
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Did you ever try almond milk or oat milk??
Yes! Any milk works, but we recommend using one that’s higher in fat such as coconut milk or cashew milk.
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Did you ever make it with coconut milk? I think it would taste lovely with lime and mint
cow’s milk doesn’t agree with me
Yes! It works well. We hope you enjoy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This looks very refreshing. Do you put the limes in whole?
Yes! Just slice them up a bit. We hope you enjoy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I blended for about 30 seconds and it was still very bitter. Is there a specific type of lime to use? How long is too long to blend? Or can this be made with lime juice instead?
Palestinian sweet limes will be sweetest. You could also add more sugar!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
made this recipe with lemons from our backyard tree. came out so delicious! can’t wait it try it with limes and oranges 😋
Amazing! We can’t wait to hear what you think. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Thank you for the Lemonade refreshing drink recipe lemons have been going to waste now atleast we know how to make use of them
We hope you enjoy it!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Best lemonade I’ve EVER had!
Thank you so much, Mervat! We’re glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
stevia works well 😊
Is it canned coconut milk or canned coconut water for the substitution? My family is lactose intolerant.
You could try coconut milk or a dairy-free milk. The flavor and texture will change slightly, but it will still be tasty.
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Can this be made successfully with almond milk for lower calories and to avoid curdling? Thank you.
The taste and texture will be slightly different, but it should work!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
i am a bit worried about the sugar. Is there suggestions on substituting some of the sugar with something more healthy?
You could try a sugar substitute!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
stevia works well 😊
Hi. It would be great to have subtitles so can follow what you’re saying.
Thank you 🙏
We will work on that!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
am so glad that I stumbled upon your site on FB….Your recipes, your presentations, your videos are next-to-none superior..
(My only fear is that I am going to ROLL out my kitchen one day because I won’t be able to STOP inhaling the meals I love….!)
Thank you so much, Tekarra! We’re SO glad to have you here! 🥰
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I loved this recipe!!! Super easy, and the lime milk combo makes this refreshment super rich and tasty. Highly recommend 👍
Thank you, Melissa!!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Hi, does the milk not curdle?
No! 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
My 12 year old made this herself and my whole family loved it! Simple and easy! A new summer favorite for us!
Love this! We’re so glad it was a hit! 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Very very good!!
Thank you!!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa