Limonana (Middle Eastern Frozen Mint Lemonade)

It’s October. It may or may not be snowing profusely where you are. (Although I’m not there now, where I come from, it more than likely is snowing profusely!)

I realize that.

So what am I doing posting a frozen beverage?

Try as I might to simulate autumn in my apartment here in Kuwait with chilly AC, apple cinnamon-scented candles, and pumpkin spice lattes, the truth remains that temps are still in the 90s in the afternoon. I occasionally need a little cool-me-down, and this is the most refreshing beverage, pretty much ever.

This drink is a classic favorite throughout the Middle East where refreshing beverages are an absolute necessity. It looks impressive, but is actually so easy to make…it’s really no harder than regular lemonade, although there is an additional step of blending the lemonade with ice. Although it’s super simple to make, there is a trick to it; the key to the perfect Limonana is in the ratio of lemon to sugar to water. Part of what makes this drink so refreshing is the fact that it’s served frozen, so in order to not be watered down, you need to start with a very concentrated lemonade. I played with the ratio and I think the recipe below is perfect: both sweet and tart, as lemonade should be, and not watered down at all, even as the slushie drink melts.

Just a heads-up, this drink will separate as the icy slush rises to the top of the liquid. Not in a gross way though, and its flavor is not affected…it’s sort of like how ice cubes rise to the top of a drink.

If you’re in a part of the world where it’s still hot or if you’re enjoying fall but you get a random hot day, give this a try! It will be an instant hit.

I made this lemony treat in honor of Liz (The Lemon Bowl) who will be welcoming a baby boy into her family! (Hugs and kisses and huge congrats to you, Liz!) Also, a big thank-you to Rachel (Rachel Cooks), Kristen (Dine & Dish), and Sheila (Eat2Gather) for organizing this event!

Here are the other fabulous bloggers participating in the virtual shower, along with what they’re making…

Appetizers

• Whipped Feta Spread with Lemon, Garlic & Rosemary by Miss in the Kitchen

• Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes” in a Lemon Cup with Smoked Paprika  by Climbing Grier Mountain

• Lemon Basil Bruschetta by Dine & Dish

• Chipotle Sweet Potato Fries w/ Lemon Basil Aioli by What’s Gaby Cooking

• Lemon Garlic Herb Marinated Olives by Sarah’s Cucina Bella

• Kalamata Olive and Feta Dip with Baked Lemon Pepper Pita Chips by In Aggie’s Kitchen

• Creamy Asparagus Guacamole  by The Healthy Apple

Beverages

• Sparkling Honey Rosemary Lemonade by Nutmeg Nanny

• Basil Hibiscus Lemonade by Fabtastic Eats

• Jam Mocktails: Lemon & Pineapple  by Cooking with Books

• Lemon Jalapeno Spritzers by Bev Cooks

• Sparkling Blackberry Lemonade by Crumbs and Chaos

• Tipsy Lemonade Iced Tea by Family Fresh Cooking

Salads

• Kale Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing by Thrifty Veggie Mama

• Lemon Quinoa Salad with Pistachios & Sun-Dried Tomatoes by Cookin’ Canuck

• Greek Salad with Garlic-Lemon Vinaigrette by Gimme Some Oven

• Pear Quinoa Salad by Reluctant Entertainer

• Lemon Avocado Salad Dressing by The Lean Green Bean

• Lemony Spinach & Tomato Quinoa Salad by MomAdvice

• Herbed Calamari Salad with Preserved Lemons by Everyday Maven

Main Dishes

• Italian Lemon Roast Chicken Pot by Eat2Gather

• Garlic Lemon Roasted Shrimp by Simply Scratch

• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tostada by A Zesty Bite

• Lemon Pepper Shrimp Linguine by Taste and Tell

• Salmon with Lemon Herb Butter by Handle the Heat

• Lemon Chicken Stew by FoodieCrush

• Chicken Saltimbocca with Creamy Lemon Sauce and Olive Orzo by Baker by Nature

Desserts

• Honey Lemon Shortbread Cookies by Rachel Cooks

• Lemon Blueberry Macarons by Chocolate & Carrots

• Lemon Glazed Cookies by A Cedar Spoon

• Healthier Lemon Bars by Texanerin Baking

• Lemon Sugar Cookies by What Megan’s Making

• Light Lemon Mousse by Country Cleaver

• Lemon Sugar Cookie Sandwiches by i am baker

• Mini Lemon Cheesecakes with Gingersnap Crust by The Law Student’s Wife

• Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Chips by Seeded at the Table