Sip This Flavorful Mint Lemonade For An End-Of-Summer Refresher

A tall glass of mint lemonade sitting on a marble counter

Gladys Soriano is the recipe developer, food stylist, and food photographer behind the Mediterranean-inspired blog Forks and Foliage. Here, she's sharing authentic Lebanese dishes and recipes inspired by her love for Mediterranean flavors (originally published on Forks and Foliage).

This Lebanese mint lemonade, also known as limonana, is the best mint lemonade you will ever have. And that's because it's made using a traditional Lebanese method of macerating the lemons, resulting in an extra delicious mint lemonade. This recipe makes the ultimate, refreshing summer drink, so get ready to make a big batch!

Mint lemonade is a very popular drink in Lebanon. You'll find it at almost any café or restaurant there. They don't skimp on the fresh mint, so you really get a delicious, flavor-packed minty lemonade. For many, mint lemonade is know as limonana, a combination of the Arabic words limon and nana which mean lemon and mint, respectively. Limonana is common across the Levantine region and many families make theirs differently.

Today I'm sharing the traditional way mint lemonade is made in Lebanon. This method is very popular in the northern coastal city of Batroun. They are famous for their delicious lemonade and for good reason!

Lebanese Mint Lemonade Ingredients

  • 2 pound organic fresh lemons: Since we will be using the entire lemon, I recommend buying organic lemons.
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 cups water, plus more to dilute to taste
  • 1 tablespoon orange blossom water: It is traditional in Lebanese mint lemonade and adds a subtle yet beautiful floral flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons rose water: This is optional but also very delicious if you enjoy floral notes.
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves, packed

Preparing The Base For Lebanese Mint Lemonade

Pro tip: Wash all of the lemons, then roll them on a hard surface until they become soft and squishy. This will help them release more juice. Then cut all the lemons into slices or quarters and measure out your sugar.

1. Grab a large bowl, sprinkle some sugar on the bottom, place the lemon slices in a single layer to cover the bottom of the bowl, then sprinkle some sugar all over the lemon slices. Continue adding layers of lemon slices and covering them with sugar, until you've used up all your lemon slices and sugar. If you choose to quarter your lemons, you can simply dump all the sugar on top and mix them well until fully coated with sugar.

2. Using a muddler, masher, or even a wooden spoon, press down on the lemons to squeeze some of their juices out and gently stir them to mix the sugar with the lemon juice.

3. Set the bowl aside for at least 30 minutes or ideally up to a 24 hours in the fridge. Occasionally, mash the lemons and stir the released juices with the sugar.

4. Eventually, the sugar will completely dissolve and you will be left with a concentrated lemony syrup. Strain the lemon syrup and squeeze any remaining juice from the lemons using a citrus squeezer, your hands, or by pressing them against the strainer. You should be left with about two cups of the lemon syrup. This is only lemon juice and sugar, no water yet!

5. The strained lemons are still packed with flavor, so I like to place them back in the bowl, add water to them, and give them another quick mash and stir. The water will turn into a lighter lemon syrup. Strain the lemons again and add the new liquid to the first batch of lemon syrup. At this point you can discard the spent lemons. (You can skip this step and add plain water to the concentrate, but this additional step packs in a lot more flavor and I highly recommend it. You can see in the photo how the water turned yellow. It even tasted like lemonade so it would be a waste to skip this step.)

6. By now you should have a little over 4 cups of a lightly diluted lemon syrup. (That's from combining the two cups of concentrated lemon syrup with the two cups of water that you mashed the spent lemons with.) You have two options here. For later use, store the lemon syrup in the fridge and make individual servings of mint lemonade whenever needed. Or use it all now to make a big pitcher of Lebanese mint lemonade.

Final Steps

7. To make one glass of Lebanese mint lemonade, grab a blender jar and add half a cup of lemon syrup, a quarter cup of water, several mint leaves, a quarter teaspoon of orange blossom water, and a splash of rose water to it. Blend it on high speed until the mint becomes very fine and the mint lemonade turns green. Give it a taste and adjust the ingredients to your liking. You will likely need to water it down more unless you like a pretty strong mint lemonade like my family does. If you want to add more orange blossom water and/or rose water, do so carefully as it can quickly overpower the whole drink and become bitter. Serve the mint lemonade over lots of ice in a tall glass and enjoy immediately.

8. To make a pitcher of Lebanese mint lemonade, to the blender jar add all of the lemon syrup, two cups of water, one tablespoon of orange blossom water, half a tablespoon of rose water, and one cup of packed fresh mint leaves. Blend everything on high speed until the mint becomes very fine and the mint lemonade turns green. Taste it and water it down or adjust the other ingredients as needed. Pour the mint lemonade into a pitcher filled with ice and enjoy the very best Lebanese mint lemonade at home! It's tangy, sweet, floral, and beyond refreshing! If you don't want little bits of mint in your mint lemonade, all you have to do is strain it before serving. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves if desired.

Substitutions And Variations

This recipe is naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

  • Sugar: Granulated sugar is best for traditional Lebanese mint lemonade in order to macerate the lemons. I have not tested this recipe with other sweeteners, but if you prefer natural sweeteners, try using ones that are granulated and not liquid.
  • Orange blossom water and rose water: You can find them at any Middle Eastern store or even online (linked in the recipe). If you don't have access to them, you can completely omit them and you'll still have a delicious Lebanese mint lemonade.
  • Orange juice: For a little more sweetness and delicious flavor, add the juice of one large orange to the mint lemonade.
  • Sparkling mint lemonade: Instead of regular water, add sparkling water for a fun twist.
  • Spike it: make it even more fun with a little bit of gin or vodka.

Tips To Make The Best Lebanese Mint Lemonade (Limonana)

  • Use fresh, organic lemons. You'll need the best, juiciest lemons in order to make the best lemonade. Find a friend that has a lemon tree and ask them for some!
  • Add lemon zest. If you love a bright pop of flavor, add some fresh lemon zest to the lemonade. Alternatively, cut a whole lemon into quarters or smaller, remove the seeds, and blend it with everything else.
  • Make it to your taste. Some people like a tangier mint lemonade while others like it sweeter. My recipe has the ratio that we enjoy the most, but feel free to adjust it to your liking! Water it down, add more sugar, use only orange blossom water, add more mint, whatever works for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Lebanese mint lemonade without macerating the lemons?
Yes you can, but the flavor won't be the same. If you are short on time and want to make it quick, use the same exact measurements in this recipe but juice the lemons instead using a citrus juicer. To help the sugar dissolve quicker, stir it into warm water and then add it to the lemon juice and proceed with the recipe.

What makes this mint lemonade Lebanese?
Unlike common lemonades, traditional Lebanese mint lemonade is a lot more flavorful because the process of macerating the whole lemon releases the oils from the rind and packs it with delicious flavor. Also, the addition of orange blossom water to mint lemonade is very traditional in Lebanon.

Can I use Meyer lemons to make mint lemonade?
Absolutely! Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic than Lisbon and Eureka lemons, which are the types of lemons most commonly found at the grocery store. Meyer lemons are even a little floral and lend themselves beautifully to this mint lemonade. You may need to use less sugar if using Meyer lemons. And if you like a bright pop of acidity, consider throwing in a couple regular lemons along with their zest.

The mint lemonade is too sweet/tart/strong. How do I fix it?
Remember, this recipe is more of a guideline to teach you the method of making Lebanese mint lemonade. But ultimately, the ratio is up to you! If it's too strong for you, water it down. If it's too tart, dissolve more sugar into it. If you don't like floral flavors, skip them! Everyone likes their mint lemonade a little different, so play around with it and see what you enjoy most!

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The Wellnesss Girlies™ on the internet are at it again – this time with a sip known as the Sleepy Girl Mocktail. The mocktaildrink is made with only three ingredients, and is said to facilitate deep, high-quality sleep when sipped right before bedtime. I put this trending nighttime Sleepy Girl Mocktail recipe to the test so you can feel it out for yourself.

Scroll along for the Sleepy Girl Mocktail recipe and how it can help you get in some good shut-eye!

What is the Sleepy Girl Mocktail?

Image via Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist / PEXELS

The Sleepy Girl Mocktail is a tart cherry juice mocktail that originates from TikTok. Holistic health influencers and athletes have been praising the concoction for its benefits in aiding restful sleep and healthy digestion.

“The wellness world is obsessing over finding ways to get better and more regular sleep,” says Lainie from @lainiecooks on TikTok. “I think this trend will start moving into daily habits you can change for optimal sleep, and what foods you can eat that contain natural melatonin or high levels of magnesium to help you unwind, relax, and lower cortisol levels."

Why is the Sleepy Girl Mocktail good for sleep?

The traditional recipe for the Sleepy Girl Mocktail is tart cherry juice, magnesium glycinate powder, and Olipop (or any sparkling drink – but I personally love Olipop for its gut health benefits). The drink promotes the body’s melatonin production to support sleep, says Dr. Renee Korczak, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, LD.

“Tart cherries, which as most people don’t know, are filled with a lot of nutrients, like antioxidants, anthocyanins, and notably for this use case, melatonin,” says Dr. Korczak. “Melatonin strongly affects the human sleep-wake cycle to help support sleep.”

When combined with magnesium glycinate, the drink’s effects are, well, more effective for sleep.

“Magnesium is a mineral with several functions, as it assists with hundreds of enzymatic bodily reactions like energy production, protein synthesis, muscle contractions, and more,” says Dr. Korczak. “In terms of sleep, magnesium can help regulate certain neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers that relay messages between nerve cells in your brain.”

Before taking a sip, it’s important to evaluate your needs for supplemental magnesium. It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about any intake concerns, especially since magnesium can impact other medications you may be taking. Further, you can get in magnesium organically by snacking on fruits, nuts, chia seeds, and even dark chocolate!

How can I get better sleep?

Photo by SHVETS production / PEXELS

According to Dr. Korczak, insufficient sleep and poor sleep quality are common issues amongst many Americans. She shared a few tips to consider before reaching for that tart cherry juice to make the mocktail:

  1. Establish a regular bedtime.
  2. Create a restful environment, and limit the use of devices and TV watching before bed.
  3. Don’t overeat before you go to bed. Also, don't go to bed hungry, and avoid alcohol and / or caffeine prior to bed, as these can interfere with sleep.

The Viral Sleepy Girl Mocktail Recipe

What you'll need:
How to make the Sleepy Girl Mocktail:
  1. Pour the tart cherry juice in a glass over ice.
  2. Add the magnesium glycinate powder, and stir until fully dissolved.
  3. Top your Sleepy Girl Mocktail off with Olipop for added digestive benefits, and sip your way to good sleep!

Did the magnesium-filled Sleepy Girl Mocktail actually help me sleep?

Photo by Meredith Holser

I am truly a Sleepy Girl by nature. I think I could fall asleep just about anywhere if I was tired enough, but figured I would try the mocktail recipe to see if it really could boost my tiredness and send me off into a peaceful night’s sleep.

Making the tart cherry mocktail was terribly easy. I slowly sipped it about an hour before bedtime, when I already felt the sleepies kicking in. The taste was super tart, thanks to the cherry juice, but it wasn’t painfully sour. I definitely plan to play around with the juice-to-Olipop ratio next time I make it!

Upon waking the next morning, I didn’t feel like my sleep was wildly transformed – but I did sleep good. I can likely attribute that to the regular sleep schedule I’ve been on for months now, so I can’t speak on the mocktail’s effects too strongly. It was delicious, though, and I could see myself sipping it whenever I’m craving a yummy nighttime drink.

I’m no expert, but I imagine this drink is super beneficial for those struggling with sleep already. If you’re having issues maintaining a regular sleep schedule, the Sleepy Girl Mocktail is perfect for you!

Overall, the Sleepy Girl Mocktail earns an 8/10 for me.

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Lead image via Meredith Holser.

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Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

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I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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It's officially the beginning of our favorite time of year, when we congregate with friends on someone's balcony, patio, or deck (or al fresco at one of our favorite restaurants) to spend a couple of hours imbibing, soaking up the sun, and chatting it up. Patio drinks season is officially here, and we can't think of a better way to welcome it in than with sangria. This Citrus Rosé Sangria recipe, which we created in collaboration with The Southern Millennial, is subtly sweet but also has a citrusy tang, and is made with our favorite kind of vino: rosé. It's also super easy to make. So next time you and your squad are wondering where to go for day drinks, the answer is a no-brainer: your house.

Citrus Rosé Sangria Recipe

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Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle of rosé
  • 3/4 cup of Gin
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 2 lemons, sliced
  • 2 limes, sliced
  • 1/2 cup of melted honey
  • 12 oz of sparkling water
  • Ice for serving over

Directions:

  1. Add ingredients into a pitcher.
  2. Serve and sip!

If you decide to make this sangria recipe, don't forget to share your pics with us at @BritandCo — and while you're at it, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more drink recipes, summertime inspo, and cooking hacks!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

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