Pin I stumbled on this recipe during a heatwave when nothing else sounded good. My neighbor, who grew up in Oaxaca, was blending something green and bright in her kitchen with the door open, and the scent of crushed mint drifted straight into my window. She waved me over, poured me a glass, and I remember thinking it tasted like summer air turned into water. I've been making it ever since, tweaking the lime and sweetness until it felt just right.
The first time I made a pitcher for a backyard gathering, I didnt strain it well enough and people got little mint bits in their teeth. They laughed, asked for seconds anyway, and one friend called it the happiest mistake Id ever made. Now I strain it twice and keep a small bowl of extra mint on the side so people can add more if they want. Its become the drink I bring when I dont know what else to offer.
Ingredients
- Fresh mint leaves: A full cup sounds like a lot, but once blended it mellows into this herbal sweetness that never overpowers the lime.
- Limes: Use ones that feel heavy for their size, they juice better and the flavor is sharper and brighter than bottled juice could ever be.
- Granulated sugar: I started with agave for a smoother dissolve, but plain sugar works fine if you blend it long enough to break it down.
- Cold water: The colder the better, it keeps everything crisp and stops the mint from tasting too grassy.
- Ice cubes: They dilute it just slightly as they melt, which is actually perfect because the first sip is bold and the last one is still refreshing.
Instructions
- Blend the Base:
- Toss the mint, lime juice, sugar, and half the water into a blender and let it rip until the mint is shredded into tiny green confetti. The sugar should disappear completely, and the whole thing will smell like a garden in a glass.
- Strain It Clean:
- Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into your pitcher, pressing gently with a spoon to get all the liquid out. You want the flavor, not the pulp.
- Dilute and Chill:
- Add the rest of the cold water and a handful of ice cubes, then stir it around. Taste it now, this is your chance to add more sugar or lime if it needs balance.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Pour into glasses over more ice, tuck a lime slice on the rim, and drop in a sprig of mint if youre feeling fancy. It looks as good as it tastes.
Pin 
Pin One afternoon my niece declared it tasted like drinking a garden, which I took as the highest compliment. She asked if we could make it every time she visited, and now its our ritual before we do anything else. Its funny how a simple drink can become a small tradition without you even planning it.
Making It Sparkle
If you want a fizzy version, swap half the water for sparkling water after youve strained everything. Add it last so the bubbles dont go flat, and pour it gently down the side of the pitcher. It turns the whole thing into something that feels a little more celebratory without any extra effort.
Sweetness Tweaks
I usually start with less sugar than I think Ill need because you can always add more, but you cant take it back. Some limes are sweeter than others, so tasting before serving is the only way to get it right. If youre using agave, it dissolves faster and adds a softer sweetness that I actually prefer on really hot days.
Storage and Leftovers
This keeps in the fridge for about two days before the mint flavor starts to fade and turn dull. If you have leftover mint, freeze it in ice cube trays with a little water and drop them into the next batch instead of plain ice.
- Dont leave it out on the counter for hours, the mint will start tasting swampy.
- If its too strong the next day, just add more cold water to bring it back.
- You can double the recipe and keep it in a big mason jar, it actually tastes better after an hour in the fridge.
Pin 
Pin This is the kind of drink that makes you feel like youre doing something good for yourself, even though its just water and herbs and citrus. Keep a bunch of mint on hand and youll always have something cold and bright to pour when the day gets too warm.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use sparkling water instead of regular water?
Yes, replacing half the water with sparkling water adds a delightful fizz to the beverage, enhancing its refreshing quality.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness?
You can increase or decrease the amount of granulated sugar or substitute agave syrup to suit your personal taste preferences.
- → Is it necessary to strain the mixture?
Straining removes mint solids for a smoother texture, but if you prefer a more rustic feel, you can skip this step.
- → What are good garnishes for this drink?
Thin lime slices and extra fresh mint leaves work perfectly as garnishes, adding aroma and visual appeal.
- → Can I make an adult version of this beverage?
Yes, a splash of rum can be added to create a refreshing adult cocktail with the same fresh flavors.