Egyptian Mint Lemonade (Limonana) Recipe
Introduction
Egyptian Mint Lemonade, known as Limonana, is a refreshing and vibrant drink perfect for hot days. Combining bright lime with fragrant mint, it’s a zesty treat that’s both cooling and invigorating.
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
- Step 1: In a high-powered blender, combine the sliced limes, whole milk, cold water, granulated sugar, and fresh mint leaves.
- Step 2: Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overblend to avoid a bitter taste.
- Step 3: Pour the blended liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp or solids.
- Step 4: Serve the strained lemonade over a glass filled with ice cubes and enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk.
- Adjust the sugar quantity to your preference for sweetness.
- Add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
- Use fresh mint sprigs as garnish to enhance aroma.
Storage
Store any leftover lemonade in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Shake or stir before serving. It’s best enjoyed fresh and cold, so reheating is not recommended.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Limonana without milk?
Yes, you can replace milk with water or a plant-based milk alternative, but the creamy texture and flavor will be different.
Why does my lemonade taste bitter sometimes?
Overblending the lime rind can release bitter compounds. Blend just until combined and strain well to avoid bitterness.
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Egyptian Mint Lemonade (Limonana) Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Egyptian Mint Lemonade, also known as Limonana, is a refreshing and vibrant Middle Eastern drink combining the tangy zest of fresh limes with cooling mint and creamy whole milk. This unique lemonade blend offers a smooth, revitalizing beverage perfect for hot days or as a flavorful accompaniment to meals.
Ingredients
Produce
- 5–6 medium limes, sliced
- 6 fresh mint leaves
Dairy
- 3 cups whole milk
Pantry
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Other
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the medium limes into thin rounds and gather the fresh mint leaves. Measure out the whole milk, cold water, and granulated sugar to have them ready for blending.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the sliced limes, whole milk, cold water, sugar, and mint leaves into a high-powered blender. Be careful not to add ice yet, as it will be added when serving.
- Blend Carefully: Blend the mixture until the ingredients are smooth and thoroughly combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the drink from developing a bitter taste.
- Strain the Mixture: Pour the blended liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp, seeds, or mint leaf pieces, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes, then pour the strained limonana over the ice. For optimal taste and texture, serve immediately while cold and fresh.
Notes
- Do not over-blend to avoid bitter flavors from the lime rind and mint.
- Use fresh, high-quality mint leaves for the best aromatic flavor.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet drink.
- For a frothier texture, blend a little longer but monitor closely.
- This drink is best served immediately as the milk can separate if left standing too long.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Egyptian mint lemonade, Limonana recipe, refreshing mint drink, Middle Eastern beverages, lime and mint drink, creamy lemonade
