🌿 Limonana

Fresh lemon, crushed mint & sparkling water — the Middle East's beloved frozen lemonade

5 min
Serves 1
Citrusy & Herbal
Tall glass over crushed ice
0% ABV
Ingredients
  • Juice of 3 large lemons (about 90ml)
  • 1 large bunch fresh mint (about 30 leaves)
  • 2 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
  • 200ml chilled sparkling water
  • Crushed ice
  • Mint sprig & lemon slice to garnish
Method
  1. 1
    BlendBlend lemon juice, mint leaves, sugar, and half the sparkling water with a cup of crushed ice until completely smooth.
  2. 2
    TasteTaste and adjust sweetness — the lemon and mint should fight equally.
  3. 3
    PourPour into a tall glass. Top with remaining sparkling water and more crushed ice.
  4. 4
    GarnishGarnish with mint and a lemon slice.

About This Drink

Every café on Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv serves Limonana. So does every beach bar in Beirut and every juice stall in Amman. The recipe is deceptively simple — fresh lemon, mint, and sugar — but the balance is everything. Too much mint and it's toothpaste. Too little and it's just lemonade.

Bartender's Tips

For the authentic frozen version, blend with more ice until slushy. Lebanese versions tend to be more minty; Israeli versions tend to be sweeter. The sparkling water gives lift — still water makes a denser drink. Use immediately — fresh mint oxidises quickly.

Origin
Source
The defining street drink of Tel Aviv, Beirut & Amman; sold from carts and cafés across the Levant
Origin
Israel / Lebanon / Levant
Difficulty
Easy · 5 min
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