This refreshing Mint Lemonade Recipe makes 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.
You will love that this is simple to make and packed with a zesty citrus and cool minty flavor. Whipping up a refreshing batch of this lemonade is a great way to beat the heat and indulge in this tangy sweet goodness. 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.
Tips for Growing Your Own Mint
I love growing 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 border, watch out! It can spread and choke out your other plants. This is why I love growing it in a pot, about 14-16″ wide on the patio. To help keep it lush and bushy, trim it regularly, cutting or pinching off any buds that grow. Fresh mint 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.
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 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.
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.
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerator—store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Avoid plastic if you can—glass helps preserve the flavor better.
- 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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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!