Limonana – Israeli mint lemonade

The most refreshing drink of the summer! Limonana takes thirst-quenching homemade lemonade and kicks it up a notch for a cooling, invigorating beverage.

I think I can say, unequivocally, that there is no more refreshing drink than limonana – Israeli mint lemonade. It starts off with the delicious refreshingness of homemade lemonade, then kicks it up a notch by adding fresh mint, for a doubly cooling, extra thirst-quenching glassful of rejuvenation. It cools, restores and soothes, while also being zingy and invigorating. It is the drink to answer all your summer beverage needs!

Minty and refreshing

Seriously though, it’s terrific! I’ve always been a fan of homemade lemonade, or citron pressé, or anything with a sharp-sweet citrus flavour. But when I discovered limonana on a trip to Israel many years ago, I knew I’d hit the jackpot, drink-wise. 

Below is the recipe for the most simple version – just lemon, mint, sugar and water. You can make it a bit more exciting by using fizzy water (soda) although I prefer it uncarbonated. You do need lots of ice though, and if the fancy takes you, you can also put all the ingredients in a blender with ice and make a limonana slush, which is also fabulous.

Just for grown-ups

If you’re feeling particularly adult, a shot of lemon vodka (or even plain vodka) in the limonana also goes down a treat.

Texture + flavour = ZING!

I do think it’s essential to use all the lemon flesh though, and not just the juice. Those little fleshy cells, which are apparently called ‘juice vesicles‘ should be floating around in the limonana alongside the bits of chopped up mint. This is a drink with texture! You get a little pop of citrus each time one bursts in your mouth. Zingy!

Luscious limonana!

The recipe makes one serving of limonana, but you can easily scale up to make a jugful for a crowd. Make sure to use plenty of ice cubes, and pop a few sprigs of mint in too.

One last thing… in case you’re wondering where the name limonana comes from, it’s a combination of the Hebrew words for lemon – limon (לִימוֹן) and mint – nana (נַענַע).

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