Mint Lemonade with Lime and Fresh Mint Leaves
Refreshing Brazilian-style lemonade made with fresh lime juice, mint leaves, and a touch of sugar, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. This brazilian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together fresh lime juice, packed fresh mint leaves, granulated sugar for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 6, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup, packed fresh mint leaves
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- 2 cups ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine 1 cup fresh lime juice, 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves, and 2/3 cup granulated sugar. Pulse 10 times to roughly chop and blend the mint and sugar into the lime juice.
- Step 2: Add 4 cups cold water and 2 cups ice cubes to the blender. Blend on medium speed for 30 seconds until the mixture is frothy and well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the lemonade through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher to remove mint leaf bits, pressing lightly to extract maximum flavor.
- Step 4: Serve immediately over additional ice cubes and garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint for a cooling Brazilian-inspired drink.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mint Lemonade with Lime and Fresh Mint Leaves take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Mint Lemonade with Lime and Fresh Mint Leaves?
Refrigerate any leftover mint lemonade with lime and fresh mint leaves in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mint Lemonade with Lime and Fresh Mint Leaves?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mint Lemonade with Lime and Fresh Mint Leaves for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Mint Lemonade with Lime and Fresh Mint Leaves?
Brazilian cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
