Limonada bi Nana (Lebanese Frothy Mint Lemonade)
Local name: ليموناضة بالنعناع
In short: Bright, frothy green lemonade made by blending fresh lemon juice, mint leaves, sugar syrup and ice until smooth and chilled. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 110 kcal
Limonada bi nana is the lemonade you find in Lebanese cafes and homes on hot days. Lemon juice, a big handful of fresh mint, simple syrup and ice are blended until the mint breaks down into a bright green froth. It is sharper and more herbal than ordinary lemonade, and it tastes best poured straight away over more ice. A few drops of orange blossom water make it fragrant.
Instructions
- Stir the sugar into the hot water until fully dissolved to make a syrup. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Juice the lemons and strain out the seeds.
- Put the syrup, lemon juice, mint, half of the cold water and half of the ice in a blender. Blend on high for 20 to 30 seconds, until the mint is finely chopped and the drink is frothy and green.
- Pour through a fine strainer into a pitcher, pressing on the mint, then stir in the remaining cold water. Taste, and add a little more sugar or lemon juice if needed.
- Stir in the orange blossom water, if using. Serve right away over fresh ice, with mint sprigs.
Tips
- Blend for only 20 to 30 seconds. Blending longer crushes the mint too much and can turn the drink bitter.
- Keep a jar of the syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, so a pitcher is only minutes away. Adjust the sugar to your taste and the sourness of your lemons.
Questions and answers
Why is my limonada bitter?
Over-blended mint or lemon pith is the usual cause. Blend briefly, and juice the lemons rather than blending them whole.
Can I make it ahead?
It is best within a few hours. It keeps for a day in the fridge, but the color dulls and the mint flavor fades. Stir before serving.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh juice tastes much better. If you must use bottled, choose pure lemon juice and taste for sweetness, because it can be more sour.
How long does it take to make Limonada bi Nana (Lebanese Frothy Mint Lemonade)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Limonada bi Nana (Lebanese Frothy Mint Lemonade)?
About 110 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 29 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 110 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 26 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
