Emulsifier Free Fresh Mint Citrus Lemonade
Bright, tangy, and refreshingly herbal, this lemonade is the kind of drink that makes you feel like you're sitting on a porch in the middle of summer. A homemade mint simple syrup made with maple syrup gives it a naturally sweet backbone with a subtle earthy note that store-bought versions just can't replicate. Every single ingredient here is exactly what it sounds like — fresh citrus, water, mint, and maple syrup — so there's no guesswork about hidden additives or processing aids that sneak into commercial drinks and mixes. The combination of fresh lemon juice and orange juice creates a layered citrus flavor that's tart and bright without being one-dimensional. You can easily dial the sweetness or tartness up or down right before serving, making it as crowd-pleasing or as puckery as you like. Poured over ice with a sprig of mint and a citrus slice, it looks as good as it tastes.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the mint simple syrup
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed, plus more for garnish
For the lemonade
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6–7 lemons)
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 medium oranges)
- 3 cups cold water
For serving
- ice cubes, for serving
- lemon or orange slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the maple syrup and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the syrup is fully dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- 2
Add the mint leaves to the warm syrup and press them gently with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon until fragrant. Let the mint steep for 10 minutes, then strain out and discard the leaves.
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