Cool Mint Lemonade Recipe – Refreshing Indian Summer Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cool Mint Lemonade Recipe – Refreshing Indian Summer Drink

Okay, let’s be real. Nothing beats a tall glass of something cool and refreshing when the Indian summer heat hits, right? I remember making this mint lemonade for the first time during a particularly scorching Delhi summer, and it instantly became a family favourite. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and oh-so-cooling. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make! This isn’t just a drink; it’s a little slice of summer happiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cool mint lemonade is more than just a thirst quencher. It’s quick – ready in under 10 minutes! It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. And honestly, it’s way better than anything you can buy in a store. It’s naturally refreshing, and you control exactly how much sugar goes in, making it a healthier option too.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this magic:

• ½ cup mint leaves
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 2.5 cups water (plus more for serving)
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Ice cubes, as needed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips to make sure your lemonade is perfect:

Mint Leaves: Choosing Freshness & Varieties

Fresh mint is key here! Look for vibrant green leaves that aren’t wilted or bruised. Spearmint is the classic choice for this recipe, but you can experiment with other varieties like garden mint or even a touch of chocolate mint for a fun twist. About 30g of mint leaves is a good measure.

Sugar: Options for Sweetness – White, Brown, or Alternatives

I usually use regular white sugar, but feel free to experiment. Brown sugar will give it a slightly molasses-y flavour, which is lovely. You could also use honey or maple syrup – start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to your liking.

Ginger: Fresh vs. Ginger Paste – Which to Use?

Fresh ginger is always best! It has a brighter, more zingy flavour. Peel about a 5g piece and grate or finely chop it. If you’re in a pinch, you can use ginger paste, but use about ½ teaspoon.

Water: The Importance of Chilled Water

Seriously, chilled water makes a difference. It helps keep the lemonade cold and refreshing without diluting the flavour too much with ice.

Lemon Juice: Freshly Squeezed vs. Bottled

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable, in my opinion! It has a brightness that bottled juice just can’t match. You’ll need about 60ml.

Salt: Balancing Flavors – A Pinch Makes a Difference

Don’t skip the salt! It might sound strange, but a tiny pinch of salt actually enhances the sweetness and tanginess of the lemonade.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get mixing!

1. First, grab your blender. Add the mint leaves, sugar, and ginger. Pour in ½ cup of water.
2. Blend everything until it’s super smooth – you want to break down the mint leaves completely.
3. Now, strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a pitcher. This gets rid of any bits of mint or ginger, giving you a smooth lemonade. Add the 2 cups of chilled water to the pitcher.
4. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add that tiny pinch of salt.
5. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the sugar or lemon juice if needed.
6. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in the lemonade, and garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon slice. Enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips

• Don’t over-blend: Over-blending can make the mint taste bitter.
• Chill the glasses: Pop your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before serving for an extra-cold treat.
• Muddle the mint (optional): If you don’t have a blender, you can gently muddle the mint leaves with the sugar and ginger in a bowl before adding the water.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation!

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your sugar source if you’re being super strict.

Sugar-Free Option

Swap the sugar for a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Spice Level: Adding a Hint of Spice (e.g., Black Salt)

My friend Priya loves adding a tiny pinch of black salt (kala namak) to her lemonade. It gives it a really interesting, savoury-sweet flavour.

Festival Adaptation: Perfect for Holi or Summer Celebrations

During Holi, I like to add a splash of rose water to the lemonade for a floral twist. It feels so festive!

Serving Suggestions

This lemonade is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Spicy Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras
• Grilled chicken or fish
• A light summer salad

Storage Instructions

Leftover lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavour might mellow slightly over time, but it will still be delicious. Give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

How can I make this lemonade ahead of time?
You can make the mint-ginger concentrate ahead of time (steps 1-3) and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Then, just add the water, lemon juice, and salt when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use other herbs besides mint?
Absolutely! Try basil, cilantro, or even a little rosemary for a unique flavour.

What’s the best way to strain the mint mixture?
A fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth works best for getting rid of all the tiny bits.

Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Definitely! Start with the recommended amount of sugar and add more to taste.

Is it possible to make a concentrated syrup for quick lemonade?
Yes! Make a simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water, and infuse it with mint and ginger. Store it in the fridge and add a splash to sparkling water or plain water for instant lemonade.

What type of mint works best for this recipe?
Spearmint is the classic choice, but peppermint also works well if you like a stronger mint flavour.