Mint Lemonade (sugar free)

Easy and refreshing, this fresh-squeezed mint lemonade recipe is free of refined sugars and preservatives. Kids love it!

There is nothing better than an ice cold, refreshing glass of mint lemonade on a hot summer day.  It's right up there with a classic burger or some homemade ice cream. Our homemade lemonade recipe is a healthy, all-natural twist on this American classic, sweetened with agave nectar. That means no refined sugar!

Making fresh lemonade at home is easy and affordable. I love the Mint Lemonade at Le Pain Quotidien, and this copycat recipe is just as good without breaking the bank.

What is agave?

Agave is a natural sweeter derived from the sap of the agave plant (a type of cactus native to Mexico). Agave syrup is a sweet brown liquid. After the juice is extracted from the plant, it is filtered, heated, and concentrated into a syrup. It tastes a little like molasses. Agave syrup is about 1.5 times sweeter than sugar, so you can achieve the same sweetness by using less.

Jump to:

• What is agave?
• Ingredients
• How to make lemonade
• Top tip
• Variations
• Storage
• FAQ
• Related recipes
• Mint Lemonade recipe

Ingredients

• LEMONS: make sure to use room temperature lemons
• AGAVE SYRUP: for all-natural sweetness
• FRESH MINT LEAVES: a handful of mint leaves
• COLD WATER: we like to use purified water or filtered water
• ICE CUBES

How to make lemonade

1. ROLL LEMONS: Roll room temperature lemons on a cutting board to prepare them for juicing.
2. JUICE LEMONS: Cut lemons in half and juice. I use a fork to "twist" juice out, placing a sieve over my liquid measuring cup to catch unwanted seeds. You can also use a juicer. This should yield about ¾ to 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
3. PREPARE THE MINT: Rinse fresh mint and chop roughly to release flavor
4. MAKE LEMONADE: Combine lemon juice, agave nectar, and 5-6 cups of cold water (to taste).
5. ADD MINT: Add freshly chopped mint and stir.
6. REFRIGERATE: Add ice cubes and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors mix.
7. SERVE: Serve with lemon slices or mint springs as garnish

Top tip

Use room temperature lemons for easier juicing. Roll them on a cutting board first to prepare them for juicing. The juice will come out easier and you will get better tasting lemonade.

Variations

• FRUITY: just a few sliced cherries, berries, or limes add another level of flavor (try our Blackberry Lemonade).
• SPARKLING LEMONADE: add some sparkle and fizz by substituting some of the water for club soda or sparkling water (try our Sparkling Cherry Lemon-Limeade).
• SPIKED LEMONADE: (not kid friendly!) spike this lemonade with vodka or bourbon for an adults only summer cocktail . Be sure to try our Lavender Lemonade Cocktail.
• ARNOLD PALMER: half lemonade, half iced tea makes a classic summer drink (try adding our Twisted Tea for a boozy version!)

Storage

STORE freshly made lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving (to allow the flavors to develop).
REFRIGERATE lemonade in a covered glass pitcher or plastic pitcher for up to 3 days after serving.

FAQ

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