“Squeeze-the-day” Limonana

Picture yourself on a scorching day in Israel, yearning for a refreshing, tangy and sweet drink to quench your thirst. Enter Limonana, a beloved beverage among locals and tourists alike. Its name is derived from the Hebrew words for lemon (limon) and mint (nana). As you take the first sip, the combination of the lemon’s tanginess, the mint’s freshness and the ice work in perfect harmony to provide an instant cooling sensation.

In Israel, Limonana is more than just a drink; it’s a representation of culture and hospitality to help you feel renewed and ready to continue with your day—even in the heat of summer. With this recipe, you can enjoy the refreshing taste of Israel in your own home this summer!

Ingredients

4 large lemons
⅓ cup fresh mint leaves
⅓ cup sugar
1 cup water
3 cups ice
Mint leaves and/or lemon slices (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Make a simple syrup by boiling the water and sugar together in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Remove the syrup from the heat and set aside until completely cool.
Juice the lemons, removing the pips.
Remove the mint leaves from the stalk and rinse well.
Combine the lemon juice, syrup, mint leaves and ice in a blender and run on high for a minute or two until slushy.
Serve in glasses garnished with mint leaves or lemon slices.

 Serves 4