This easy Mint Lemonade recipe is a refreshing summer lemonade recipe. It’s the perfect drink to cool you down on a hot summer day. It’s fancy enough for a wedding or baby shower and easy enough for everyday meals.
This recipe for mint lemonade is a match made in heaven. It’s simple to make and packed with a zesty citrus and cool minty flavor. It’s the perfect ice cold beverage for an afternoon treat.
Recipe Notes
I love growning mint on my patio, every year for this recipe! Mint is super easy to grow, a perfect beginner-friendly herb. There are a few things you’re gonna want to know. Mint can spread like crazy. It’s not uncommon for mint to spread a few feet in a season. If you plant it in a flower bed with no boarder, watch out. It can spread and choke out your other plants. This is why I love growning it in a pot, about 14-16″ wide on the patio.
You can trim it regularly, just cut or pinch off any buds that grow. You can trim it regularly to help keep it lush and bushy.
It has such a nice aroma and it’s a beautiful plant all summer long. There are many varieties of mint you can use, and really just about any will do. I like to use spearmint the best. It is a mild and sweet mint flavor and has a low menthol, so it doesn’t give that cooling, almost spicy sensation, just a clean and bright mint flavor. I have also grown a pineapple mint. That one is fun to grow and smell all year too.
When you’re using mint in your lemonade, just be sure to pick off any flower, rinse it before you add it, and then you can crush it in your hand just a little before adding it to your lemonade. This will help bring out that fresh mint flavor.
If you’re looking for more homemade drink recipes, be sure to try our homemade root beer, tropical breakfast punch and of course our berry lemonade recipe.
Best Mint Lemonade Recipe
A friend introduced me to an adorable little outdoor restaurant in Houston Texas when I was there for a visit a few years ago. It’s tucked inside a very unassuming part of town and serves the most delicious food.
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They have the most amazing vegan burger made from beets and they also serve Mint Lemonade. I don’t know if it was because of the heat or what it was one of the best Mint Lemonade recipes I have ever had. I came home with the intention of recreating that lemonade recipe with mint so I could have it at home any time I wanted.
I even grew 2 large pots of mint so I was sure to have enough mint to get me through the summer! You could even make a big batch and put in a drink carrier for trips to the pool or the beach.
Whipping up a refreshing batch of this lemonade is a great way to beat the heat and indulge in this tangy sweet goodness.
How to Make Homemade Mint Lemonade
There are many ways to make lemonade. I wanted to create one I could have any time of the year and was minimal work.
This mint lemonade recipe can be made from bottled lemon juice or fresh lemon juice. If you have a lemon tree close, it is particularly amazing with fresh lemons.
Key Ingredients
- Fresh Lemons– These are the stars of the show. You’ll need both the juice and possibly some zest for an extra citrusy punch. Always go for ripe, heavy lemons; they’re juicier and will give you the best lemonade.
- Mint Leaves– Fresh mint delivers that cooling sensation. Get spearmint if you can. A few sprigs are enough to infuse incredible flavor, especially when muddled.
- Sugar or Sweetener White sugar is the traditional choice. It dissolves easily and adds just the right amount of sweetness. If you avoid sugar, you can swap it out for honey, agave, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener. (More info below)
- Ice Cubes Don’t underestimate the role of ice. It chills the lemonade and adds a satisfying crunch every time your glass empties.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap Sugar for Honey or Agave Syrup If you’re looking for a more natural sweetener, honey or agave syrup works wonders. These options add their own unique twist to the flavor profile, with honey giving a floral note and agave offering a mild sweetness.
- Use Sparkling Water Instead of Still Want a fizzy version? Replace the regular cold water with sparkling water. It’s an easy way to elevate your mint lemonade and give it party-ready appeal.
- Go Light with Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener If you’re watching your sugar intake, stevia or monk fruit are great alternatives. They offer sweetness without the calories—a win-win.
- Experiment with Herbs While mint is the classic choice, you can add other herbs like basil to change things up. Basil adds a slightly peppery, aromatic twist without overpowering the lemonade.
How to Juice Lemons
The foundation of any good lemonade starts with the lemons, and getting the most juice out of them is key. Here are a couple of techniques to help:
- Roll the Lemons First: Before cutting them open, roll the lemons firmly on your countertop. This helps soften the inside and makes the juice easier to extract.
- Use a Citrus Juicer: A handheld citrus juicer or an electric one will save you time and ensure you squeeze out every drop. Just slice the lemons in half and press.
- Go Old-School with Hand-Squeezing: No juicer? No problem. Cut each lemon in half and squeeze them over a fine-mesh strainer to catch seeds and pulp. It’s a bit of a workout but delivers that ultra-fresh taste.
Pro tip: Warm the lemons in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before juicing. It works wonders for increasing the juice yield.
How to Make a Simple Syrup
The secret to taking your mint lemonade to the next level lies in the base, simple syrup. Here’s how to make it:
- Combine 2 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, remove it from the heat and let it come to room tempreture.
How to Muddle Mint
Muddling mint is all about gently releasing its essential oils without tearing the leaves into bits (which can make your drink bitter). Here’s how to do it right…
- If you’re using fresh, homegrown mint, be sure any bud is cut off the top, wash and dry your mint before using.
- Add a couple sprigs of mint to your glass.
- Place your mint in the bottom of the glass (or cocktail shaker).
- Gently press and twist your mint with the back of a spoon. You can also use your fingers to bruise the mint leaves.
- Don’t shred or mash the leaves—you just want to bruise them.
- 4–5 gentle presses with the spoon or your fingers should be enough.
You should be able to smell the mint instantly—that’s how you know you’ve done it right.
Mixing The Lemonade
Now comes the fun part—bringing it all together. You’ve got your fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, fresh mint, and water (or sparkling water) ready to go. Here’s how to mix it:
- In a large pitcher, combine your freshly squeezed lemon juice with the simple syrup. Add the ice and water. (Reduce the amount of water
- Stir everything together until well combined. Feel free to adjust the proportions based on your personal taste. Too tangy? Add a little more water or syrup. Too sweet? Mix in more lemon juice.
- Optionally, switch out regular water for sparkling water if you’re in the mood for some fizz. It instantly transforms your lemonade into a party-ready drink.
Before serving, always taste-test. This step is crucial to make sure you’re hitting the right balance of tart, sweet, and minty. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so tweak as needed.
To finish, pour the lemonade over ice, garnish with a few lemon slices and mint sprigs, and you’re good to go. It’s as simple as that.
Adding Fruits for Extra Flavor
Want to add a burst of color and natural sweetness to your mint lemonade? Fruits are the perfect addition. They not only enhance the flavor but also make your lemonade visually gorg. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Strawberries: Toss in fresh or muddled strawberries for a sweet, slightly tart flavor. The bright red hue makes it even more beautiful.
- Raspberries: These add a tangy punch and pair beautifully with mint. Muddle a handful and let the juice infuse into the lemonade.
- Watermelon: Blend a few chunks of watermelon and strain the juice for a refreshingly sweet twist. This is perfect for hot days when you want something ultra-hydrating. It hads a fun munch to your lemonade experience.
- Blueberries or Blackberries: Drop whole berries into the lemonade for a subtle fruity flavor. They also double as a pretty garnish. This is especially beautiful if you’re serving it in a punch bowl or glass pitcher.
Pro tip: If you’re blending fruits, strain out any pulp for a smoother drink. Or, if you love texture, leave it as is for a fruit-forward experience.
Mint Lemonade Tips
- You can use fresh lemons or lemon juice from a bottle. (Fresh is best!)
- Use sliced lemons in your lemonade for garnish
- You can keep the mint in the lemonade for a couple of days. The second day is the best! There’s so much mint flavor!
- Keep your lemonade strong so that when you add ice right before serving, your lemonade isn’t be watered down.
How to Serve and Store Lemonade
Serving Ideas
- Chilled Glasses: If you’re preparing ahead of time, pop your serving glasses in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before serving. It’s an easy way to keep drinks colder for longer, especially when you’re dealing with summer heat.
- Use Frozen Fruit: Instead of ice, toss in frozen raspberries, blueberries, or small wedges of frozen lemon. They work like ice but add a pop of flavor and color. Plus, they stay solid longer than regular ice cubes.
- Edible Flowers: If you really want to impress, edible flowers are the way to go. Options like pansies, violas, or borage flowers add a colorful, fanciful element to any glass. Just make sure they’re food-safe before using them.
- Sugared Rims: For extra pizzazz, lightly wet the rim of your glass with lemon juice and dip it into granulated sugar. It creates a sparkly border that adds sweetness to each sip.
Storing
- Use an airtight container
- Avoid plastic if you can—glass helps preserve the flavor better.
- Store in a pitcher with a lid or a sealed glass jar (like a mason jar) to keep out odors and prevent oxidation.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Stir before serving—natural separation is normal.
Mint Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups lemon juice
- 6 sprigs mint leaves
- 4 cups ice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a low simmer, making sure the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let the syrup come to room temperature.
- Once cooled, pour the simple syrup into a serving pitcher and add the lemon juice.
- Keep in the fridge until you're ready to serve and then add it to ice. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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This Easy Lemonade Mint Recipe from scratch is the perfect drink to cool you down on a hot summer day. It’s fancy enough for a wedding or baby shower and easy enough for everyday meals. Homemade Lemonade proves that some of the simplest things can bring so much happiness. This homemade drink recipe is refreshing, versatile, and healthier than store-bought versions. The possibilities are endless, whether you enjoy it as is or mix in berries.
I made this over the weekend for a family BBQ it was a huge hit. Was the perfect refreshing drink for a hot summer day!