Vegetarian Fresh Mint Citrus Lemonade
There is something undeniably refreshing about a homemade lemonade that goes beyond the basic backyard pitcher version, and this one absolutely delivers. Fresh-squeezed lemon and orange juice come together with a fragrant mint simple syrup made from maple syrup and real mint leaves — no artificial flavors, no mystery additives, just bright and honest ingredients. The mint syrup is the real star here: gently muddled and steeped until the leaves release their cool, herbal aroma before being strained out for a silky-smooth result. Because everything is made from scratch with plant-based ingredients, it fits naturally into a meat-free lifestyle without any substitutions or label-checking required. You can dial the tartness up or down right before serving, which makes it easy to please a whole crowd. Pour it over ice with a few citrus slices and a sprig of fresh mint, and it looks as good as it tastes — the kind of drink that disappears fast at any gathering.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!