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Home » Cuisine » Arabic and Middle Eastern » Limonana (Middle Eastern Frozen Mint Lemonade)

Limonana (Middle Eastern Frozen Mint Lemonade)

August 10, 2020 by Faith 72 Comments

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This Limonana recipe (Middle Eastern Frozen Mint Lemonade) is sweet, tart, and refreshing, and perfect for cooling down with on a hot day!

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.

Limonana (Middle Eastern Frozen Mint Lemonade) 2

I occasionally need a little cool-me-down, and Limonana is the most refreshing beverage, pretty much ever.

I first had this drink at a restaurant here in Kuwait City. A friend ordered it and told me it was the best drink to cool down with during a heat wave. I was a little skeptical about how it would taste after looking at its green color, but I took a sip and was instantly hooked!

Frozen Mint Lemonade with Description

In This Article

  • Limonana Recipe – Middle Eastern Frozen Mint Lemonade
  • Liz’s Virtual Baby Shower
  • Limonana (Middle Eastern Frozen Mint Lemonade)

Limonana Recipe – Middle Eastern Frozen Mint Lemonade

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 this drink. 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.

White Bowl of Fresh Lemons on Dark Wooden Table

Liz’s Virtual Baby Shower

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 with 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

Salads

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Limonana (Middle Eastern Frozen Mint Lemonade) 3

Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment below because I love hearing from you! You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media. To stay up-to-date FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Xoxo, Faith

Glass of Limonana on Metal Tray

Limonana (Middle Eastern Frozen Mint Lemonade)

By: Faith Gorsky
This Limonana recipe (Middle Eastern Frozen Mint Lemonade) is sweet, tart, and refreshing, and perfect for cooling down with on a hot day!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 3 mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 2 servings
Calories 154 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 6 tablespoons sugar
  • 14 tablespoons water divided
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 4 stems of mint leaves about 40 leaves, plus a few extra sprigs for garnish if desired
  • 20 ice cubes
  • 1-2 drops orange blossom water optional

Instructions
 

  • Add the sugar and 6 tablespoons of water to a small saucepan; heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
  • Add the cooled sugar syrup, remaining 1/2 cup water, lemon juice, mint leaves, ice cubes, and orange blossom water (if using) to a blender. Pulse a few times to break up the ice and then process until slushy.
  • Pour into 2 tall glasses, garnish with mint leaves if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Limonana (Middle Eastern Frozen Mint Lemonade)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 154 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 14mg1%
Potassium 63mg2%
Carbohydrates 41g14%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 37g41%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 85IU2%
Vitamin C 24mg29%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Limonana
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Limonana Recipe Pin

This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on October 14, 2013. I updated it with more information on August 10, 2020.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links to products I believe in, which means that even though it doesn’t cost you anything extra, I will receive a small amount of money from the sale of these items. Thank you for helping to support An Edible Mosaic!

Filed Under: Arabic and Middle Eastern Tagged: Beverages, Drinks, Frozen, Frozen Lemonade, Lemon, Lemonade, Middle Eastern, Mint, Refreshing Drinks, Slushies, Virtual Baby Shower

Comments

  1. Smriti yadav says

    April 16, 2020 at 3:22 am

    What is orange blossom water and can I use normal wter only for making this

    Reply
    • Faith says

      August 6, 2020 at 8:59 am

      Smiriti, Orange blossom water (also sometimes called orange flower water) is made from orange tree blossoms. Similar to rosewater, it has a floral aroma and flavor and should be used sparingly so it doesn’t overpower a recipe. You can omit the orange blossom water in this recipe with no problem. :)

      Reply
  2. Jessica says

    January 1, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    I want to add some type of alcohol to this drink, limonana.
    What do you suggest? Vodka, champagne?
    Please advise. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Faith says

      January 2, 2020 at 10:15 am

      Jessica, Yes, you could use vodka. Or as a play on the mint here and in a Mojito, you could use rum. Let me know how it goes if you try it!

      Reply
  3. mimicha says

    October 10, 2019 at 10:22 am

    Wow, this is gorgeous! That color! Sounds so delicious!

    Reply
  4. Andrew says

    December 8, 2017 at 1:22 pm

    it looks so refreshing! I want it for the next summer :)

    Reply
  5. Lisa says

    June 2, 2017 at 4:46 pm

    Can you use stevia to make the simple syrup?

    Reply
    • Faith says

      June 3, 2017 at 6:55 am

      Lisa, I haven’t made this drink with stevia, but I have made lemonade with stevia before so I think it would be fine. If the stevia you’re using blends easily into water, there is no need to go through the process of making simple syrup (because the point of heating the sugar + water is to dissolve the sugar). If you give it a try, let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  6. Maya M says

    May 27, 2017 at 10:09 am

    Hey there! Because this recipe is so delicious, we featured it here: http://www.dreamingofbutterflies.co/10-yummy-lemonade-recipes-hydrated-summer/

    Reply
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Hello and welcome to An Edible Mosaic! This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. Here you’ll find a focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home.

 

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An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

meet faith

I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to email me with questions or comments.

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affiliate disclosure

An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

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