Mint Lemonade Recipe
If you’re seeking a cool escape on a warm day, Mint Lemonade will become your new obsession. This invigorating sip combines bracingly fresh mint, the sunshine sparkle of lemonade, and just the right hit of chill for a drink you’ll return to all summer. Whether you’re hosting brunch, lounging poolside, or just needing a zesty pick-me-up, the synergy of mint and citrus here is pure refreshment—unexpectedly simple yet absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward, but each one plays a starring role in shaping the crisp, vibrant character of Mint Lemonade. Quality matters—each element brings out a unique freshness, making every sip sing.
- Mint Tea Bags: Choose a fragrant mint tea for a cooling herbal note that anchors the whole drink.
- Hot Water (⅓ cup): Just enough to steep a strong mint flavor; filter your water if possible, to keep the taste pure.
- Ice (1 cup): The fast track to an extra-chilled, invigorating glass—crushed or cubes both welcome!
- Lemonade (⅔ cup): Pick a lemonade that’s tangy but not too sweet; homemade or store-bought, whichever fits your mood.
- Lemon Slices (2, optional garnish): A couple of sharp, thin slices add a burst of color and aroma at the finish.
How to Make Mint Lemonade
Step 1: Steep the Mint Tea
Pop your mint tea bags into your favorite teapot or a sturdy mug, then pour in ⅓ cup of hot water. If you have a kettle with a temperature setting, aim for 195°F—it’s the ideal spot to draw out minty goodness without scorching the leaves. This foundation will add depth and aromatics to your Mint Lemonade, so don’t rush the steep!
Step 2: Let the Mint Tea Steep and Cool
Cover your teapot and let the mint tea bags do their magic for about 5 minutes. Unlike black or green teas, mint doesn’t turn bitter if you leave it a little longer, so you’ve got room to experiment! Once it’s deeply fragrant, ditch the tea bags and let the tea cool. Quick tip: pop it into the fridge or set it on a window sill to speed up the cooling—cold tea means a less diluted, brisk Mint Lemonade later.
Step 3: Assemble the Mint Lemonade
Grab a tall glass and fill it with one cup of ice—this guarantees maximum chill factor. Pour in ⅔ cup of your zingy lemonade, then top with the completely cooled mint tea. Stir gently to blend the flavors. For a finishing touch, slide a couple of thin lemon slices down the inside of the glass or let them float on top for a punchy, photogenic garnish.
How to Serve Mint Lemonade
Garnishes
Take your Mint Lemonade from “nice” to “absolutely stunning” with a duo of paper-thin lemon slices perched on the rim or gently swimming in the glass. If you have extra mint sprigs handy, a sprig or two on top will intensify that fresh aroma and look incredibly inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your Mint Lemonade with a summer spread: think crisp vegetable crudités, herby couscous salads, or flaky spanakopita. The bright acidity of the lemonade is an ideal match for salty cheeses and anything with a Mediterranean twist—it cleanses your palate and preps you for the next bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a group, multiply the recipe and serve Mint Lemonade in a glass pitcher with floating lemon wheels and a mound of mint. Try fun ice cube molds (think hearts or stars) for a party, or rim your glasses with sugar and lemon zest for extra pizazz. Feel free to tuck in berries, cucumber ribbons, or even edible flowers if you’re feeling fancy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Mint Lemonade, pour it into a sealed glass jar or bottle and refrigerate. It will stay vibrant and flavorful for up to two days—just give it a quick shake before serving, as flavors tend to settle.
Freezing
Want to make Mint Lemonade slushies? Pour the finished drink into an ice cube tray and freeze, then blend the cubes when you’re ready for a frosty treat. Alternatively, keep a stash of lemonade or mint tea ice cubes to cool your drink without watering it down.
Reheating
For this recipe, reheating isn’t really necessary (or recommended). If your lemonade gets too cold or you make a batch in advance, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take off the chill—then give it a stir and savor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mint instead of mint tea bags?
Absolutely! Steep a generous handful of clean, fresh mint leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes, then strain. You’ll get an extra-vivid green hue and garden-fresh flavor in your Mint Lemonade.
Is there a way to make it sugar-free?
Yes! Choose a naturally sweetened or unsweetened lemonade, or make your own with fresh lemon juice and your favorite sugar substitute. The mint will keep the drink refreshing even without added sweetness.
Can I add alcohol for an adult version?
Certainly! A shot of vodka or gin turns your Mint Lemonade into a breezy cocktail. Adjust the quantities to taste, and always serve responsibly.
What kind of lemonade works best?
A classic, tart lemonade is best; look for something with bright, not-too-sweet citrus flavor. Fresh-squeezed is wonderful, but a quality store-bought option will work beautifully in a pinch.
How do I make a big batch for a party?
Just scale the recipe up based on your guest count. You can steep a larger amount of mint tea at once and mix it with a pitcher of lemonade over plenty of ice. Don’t forget plenty of citrus and mint for garnish so every glass is a showstopper!
Final Thoughts
I hope you give Mint Lemonade a whirl the next time you crave something cool, bright, and utterly satisfying. Play around with the garnishes, serve a big pitcher to friends, or keep a chilled glass just for yourself—it’s a pure celebration of summer in every sip!
Print
Mint Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Refreshing Mint Lemonade is a perfect blend of mint tea and lemonade, creating a zesty and cooling beverage for any day.
Ingredients
Mint Tea:
- 2 mint tea bags
- ⅓ cup hot water
Lemonade:
- 1 cup ice
- ⅔ cup lemonade
- 2 lemon slices (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Mint Tea: Put mint tea bags and ⅓ cup of hot water into a teapot. Boil water to 195°F. Cover and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bag and let tea cool.
- Assemble Lemonade: Pour lemonade into a cup with ice. Add cooled mint tea. Optionally, garnish with lemon slices.
Notes
- Herbal teas like mint can be steeped for longer without getting bitter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Steeping, Mixing
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Mint Lemonade, Beverage, Summer Drink, Mint Tea, Lemonade Recipe
