Mint lemonade is lemonade flavored with mint. It may be made with whole mint leaves, mint-flavored syrup, or pureed mint leaves, and may be served over ice cubes or blended with ice into a slush or smoothie. It is sometimes called a virgin mojito.Simon Difford, Cocktails: Over 2250 Cocktails, 2008, , p. 44-45
It is found in North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East,April White, Lemonade with Zest: 40 Thirst-Quenching Recipes, 2018, , "Middle Eastern Limonana", p. 40 and is attested since the early 20th century."Summer beverages", The World To-Day 3:2:1720 (August 1902)"Recipes for Graniti", The House Beautiful 14:1:20 (June 1903)
Preparation
The mint flavor may be added to lemonade in various ways: Fresh mint leaves, sometimes simply as a garnish. Muddled mint leaves. Processing the mint with the lemon juice in a blender. Mint syrup, made by simmering mint leaves in sugar water."Summer Beverages", The World To-Day, 3:1:1720 (July 1902) Crème de menthe liqueur.Samuel E. Davies, An English Butler's Canapes, Salads, Sandwiches, Drinks, Etc., 1916, "Mint Lemonade Cup"p. 101
It may be mixed with still or sparkling water.
It may be served over ice, or blended with ice to make a slush, smoothie, or granita.
There are also bottled versions.
History
A recipe for mint lemonade was provided by 13th century Andalusian scholar Ibn al-Baytar, it called for using sugar, lemon juice, mint, and water.
The drink is very popular within Israel, sometimes called the “National drink of Israel”, although this title is unofficial. It is primarily consumed during the summer months.
Variants
Variants may add ingredients such as ginger, maple syrup, lime juice, black salt and apple juice.
Adding spirits
Various spirits may be added to it, including arak, tequila ("mint margarita"), bourbon (a "lemon and mint julep"),Cocktail recipes from marthastewart.com gin, etc.
As a flavor
Mint lemonade may also be made into sorbets, ice pops, and so on.
Names In Israel, it is called limonana, a portmanteau of limon 'lemon' and naʿnaʿ 'mint'. The word was coined for an advertising campaign to promote bus advertising, in which various celebrities were shown promoting a drink called "Limonana", a blend of lemon and mint, which was in the end revealed to be fictitious.
References