Fresh Mint Lemonade is a drink that instantly signals relaxation. Crisp lemon juice, fragrant mint, and gentle sweetness come together to create a beverage that feels clean, cooling, and effortlessly refreshing. It’s the kind of drink that works just as well for a quiet afternoon at home as it does for serving guests on a warm day.

What makes this lemonade special is its balance. The citrus is lively but not sharp, the mint adds aroma rather than bitterness, and the sweetness is subtle—never overpowering. When made properly, it’s far more vibrant than anything bottled.

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Step-by-Step Instructions (Detailed & Refined)

0. Preparation (Before You Start)

• Wash the lemons thoroughly and roll them firmly on the counter to release more juice.

• Rinse the mint leaves and gently pat them dry.

• Prepare cold water or sparkling water and chill it in advance for best results.

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1. Juice the Lemons

Cut the lemons in half and squeeze them until you have about 120 ml (½ cup) of fresh lemon juice.
Strain the juice to remove seeds and excess pulp.

Tip:
Freshly squeezed juice is essential. Bottled lemon juice lacks brightness and will dull the flavor.

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2. Make the Mint Syrup (Flavor Base)

In a small saucepan, combine:

• 120 ml water

• 100 g sugar

Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Remove from heat, add the mint leaves, and lightly press them with a spoon to release their aroma.

Let the mixture steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain and discard the mint.

Key point:
Do not boil the mint. High heat extracts bitterness instead of freshness.

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3. Combine Lemon Juice and Syrup

In a pitcher, pour in the strained lemon juice and mint-infused syrup.
Stir gently to combine.

Taste at this stage—you should have a concentrated but well-balanced base.

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4. Dilute to Taste

Add 600–700 ml cold water or sparkling water, depending on your preference.

Tip:

• Still water gives a classic, smooth lemonade.

• Sparkling water adds a light, elegant fizz—perfect for serving guests.

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5. Adjust Sweetness and Acidity

Taste again and adjust:

• Add more water if too strong

• Add a little more syrup if too tart

• Add a small splash of lemon juice if it needs brightness

Balance is key—fresh mint lemonade should be refreshing, not sharp.

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6. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve over plenty of ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices.

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Professional Tips for Best Flavor

• Use young, bright-green mint leaves for a cleaner aroma.

• Always chill the drink after mixing—cold temperature softens acidity.

• For a slightly herbal note, add one thin slice of ginger to the syrup while steeping.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Crushing mint too aggressively (causes bitterness)

• Adding mint directly to boiling water

• Over-sweetening before dilution

• Serving immediately without chilling

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Serving Suggestions

Perfect on its own, or as a non-alcoholic option alongside summer meals.
It also pairs beautifully with light salads, grilled seafood, and brunch dishes.