Lebanese Mint Lemonade
Freshly blended lemon juice with abundant fresh mint, crushed ice, and a light hand with sugar — the essential summer drink of Lebanese cafés and homes, inseparable from a plate of hummus and a bowl of olives.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 4 large, juiced (about 150ml) fresh lemons
- 1 large bunch (about 20 leaves) fresh spearmint (na3na3)
- 3–4 tbsp sugar syrup (simple syrup)
- 2 cups crushed ice
- 200 ml cold water
- 4 for garnish lemon slices
Instructions
- Make a simple syrup: dissolve ¼ cup sugar in ¼ cup hot water. Cool completely. (This can be made days ahead and kept in the fridge.)
- Add fresh lemon juice, mint leaves, simple syrup, cold water, and crushed ice to a blender.
- Blend on high for 30 seconds until the mint is fully pulverized and the drink is pale green and frothy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness with more syrup if needed. The drink should be tart-forward with mint right behind.
- Pour immediately into tall glasses over fresh ice. Do not strain — the fine mint particles are part of the character.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint on the rim.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lebanese Mint Lemonade?
Freshly blended lemon juice with abundant fresh mint, crushed ice, and a light hand with sugar — the essential summer drink of Lebanese cafés and homes, inseparable from a plate of hummus and a bowl of olives.
Where is Lebanese Mint Lemonade from?
Lebanese Mint Lemonade comes from Lebanese Coastal. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Lebanese Mint Lemonade vegetarian or vegan?
As written, Lebanese Mint Lemonade uses only plant-based ingredients, so it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Always double-check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of fresh lemons in Lebanese Mint Lemonade?
The fresh lemons called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Lebanese Mint Lemonade its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Lebanese Mint Lemonade?
In a Lebanese drinks spread, Lebanese Mint Lemonade is served as a refreshment on its own, warm or chilled as the recipe directs.
Can I make Lebanese Mint Lemonade ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
This can be made ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. Stir or shake before serving, and adjust sweetness or dilution to taste.