Save There's something about summer that makes you crave something cold and alive on your tongue. I was visiting my friend's family in Oaxaca, standing in their kitchen while the afternoon heat pressed against the windows, when her grandmother casually grabbed a handful of mint from a clay pot and started this drink. No measuring, no fuss—just instinct and the knowledge that mint, lime, and cold water could transform a moment. I've been chasing that exact feeling ever since.
I made this for a small backyard gathering on a brutally hot evening, and people kept coming back to the pitcher without asking. Someone said it tasted like fresh air, which I've never forgotten. That's when I realized this drink works because it feels effortless, even though you've actually done something thoughtful.
Ingredients
- Fresh mint leaves: Use the tender young leaves if you can find them—they're more delicate and floral than the bigger older ones that can taste slightly bitter.
- Fresh limes: Don't use bottled juice; the difference is real and it matters here where lime is the whole point.
- Granulated sugar: You can swap this for agave syrup if you want a smoother sweetness that dissolves more easily in cold water.
- Cold water: The colder it starts, the fresher everything tastes.
- Ice cubes: Extra ice is your friend—this drink should be icy, not just cool.
Instructions
- Blend the mint base:
- Pour the mint, lime juice, sugar, and half the water into your blender. You'll hear the blender working before you see the green shift—that's the mint releasing everything it has. Blend until the mixture looks smooth and the sugar has vanished.
- Strain it smooth:
- Pour everything through a fine-mesh sieve into your pitcher, pressing gently on the mint solids with the back of a spoon. This step removes the leaf fragments so each sip feels clean, not grainy.
- Bring it together:
- Add the rest of your cold water and the ice, then stir until everything is evenly mixed and the ice starts to settle.
- Taste and adjust:
- Take a sip and decide if you want more sweetness, more tartness, or more mint. This is your drink—make it exactly how you want it.
- Serve cold:
- Pour into glasses with extra ice and garnish with thin lime slices and a sprig of mint. The presentation matters because people drink with their eyes first.
Pin it My neighbor brought this to a neighborhood potluck in a glass dispenser, and it became the drink everyone remembered. By the end of the evening, she had three people asking for the recipe, and I realized this drink does something special—it makes people feel like someone cared about their comfort.
The Sparkling Version
Once you've strained the mixture, you can replace half the cold water with sparkling water right before serving. It transforms the drink into something more celebratory, with tiny bubbles lifting the flavors toward your nose. I've found that club soda works better than flavored sparkling water, which can fight with the lime.
Playing with Variations
The base is flexible enough that you can experiment without breaking anything. A pinch of sea salt enhances the lime without adding saltiness. Some people muddle the mint leaves instead of blending them, which takes longer but gives you more control. You can also add a thin slice of fresh ginger or a small sprig of cilantro if you want to shift the flavor entirely.
Secrets from the Kitchen
There's a rhythm to making this drink that matters more than you'd think. If you have time, make the mint base a few hours ahead and keep it in the refrigerator—the flavors deepen and blend together. When you're ready to serve, all you do is add cold water and ice, and it feels like magic. The drink also stays fresh for about three days, though the mint flavor slowly fades, so it's best enjoyed on the day you make it.
- Chill your glasses beforehand so the drink stays cold longer.
- If you're making a big batch, double or triple the mint base and keep it in a jar—it's perfect for weeknight refreshment.
- A splash of rum or mezcal turns this into a cocktail that still tastes bright and summery instead of heavy.
Pin it This drink is uncomplicated enough to make on a weekday and special enough to bring to someone's house. It's become my answer to hot days and the kind of thing people remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of sweetener can I use?
Granulated sugar works well, but agave syrup is a great vegan-friendly alternative to sweeten the drink naturally.
- → Can I make this drink sparkling?
Yes, replacing half the cold water with sparkling water after blending adds a refreshing fizz.
- → How do I prepare the mint for the drink?
Blend the mint leaves finely to release their flavor, then strain to remove solids for a smooth texture.
- → What is the best way to garnish this beverage?
Thin lime slices and additional fresh mint leaves enhance the appearance and aroma when served chilled.
- → Is this drink suitable for special diets?
Yes, it is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.