Limonana

Lemonade blended with fresh mint and ice. A Middle Eastern summer favourite.

Blended · Highball · Medium · about 3 minutes · alcohol-free

Ingredients

• 40 ml Fresh lemon juice
• 30 ml Sugar syrup
• 12 leaves Mint leaves
• 120 ml Cold water
• Mint sprig (garnish)

Method

1. Add 40 ml fresh lemon juice
2. Pour 30 ml sugar syrup into the blender
3. Add 12 mint leaves
4. Pour 120 ml cold water into the blender
5. Add ice
6. Blend
7. Pour
8. Garnish

Tip

Blend until slushy and bright green.

About the Limonana

Limonana, from the words for lemon (limon) and mint (nana), became a summer favourite in Israel from the 1990s. Blended lemon-mint drinks are popular across the Middle East.

The frozen family. Blended drinks became popular as electric blenders reached bars from the 1930s. El Floridita in Havana was famous for its frozen daiquiris, and in 1971 Dallas restaurateur Mariano Martinez invented the frozen margarita machine. These drinks are all about texture, so use plenty of ice and blend until smooth.

Limonana FAQ

What's in a Limonana?

40 ml fresh lemon juice, 30 ml sugar syrup, 12 leaves mint leaves, 120 ml cold water, garnished with mint sprig.

Does a Limonana contain alcohol?

No. It is completely alcohol-free, so it suits drivers, non-drinkers and anyone pacing themselves.

Should I shake or stir a Limonana?

Neither. Blend it with ice until smooth.

What glass do you serve a Limonana in?

A highball, about 350 ml. Serve it over ice. No highball? Use any tall, straight-sided glass.