Save I stumbled into this drink during a heatwave in Oaxaca when the air was so thick you could taste it. A tiny street vendor pressed a plastic cup into my hand and suddenly the world made sense again. That first sip shocked my system cold—bright lime, raw mint, just enough sugar to take the edge off. I spent the rest of the afternoon watching how she made it, noting every small detail in the back of my journal. Now its the first thing I blend up whenever the thermometer climbs past ninety.
Last summer I set up a blender station on my back porch and made batch after batch for a barbecue. The ice melted slower than I expected, diluting everything into something cloudy and sad. Learned that lesson fast—blend the flavor base strong, keep the ice separate until the very end. By the fourth attempt I had a line of friends forming with empty cups and hopeful expressions.
Ingredients
- Fresh mint leaves: One full cup, loosely packed—dont crush them into the measure or you will lose the airy brightness that makes this drink sing
- Fresh lime juice: Three large limes should give you half a cup, but buy four just in case some yield less juice than you hoped
- Sugar or agave: Granulated sugar dissolves faster in the blender, though agave gives this lovely rounded sweetness
- Cold water: Four cups total, but split them so you blend with half and add the rest later
- Ice cubes: One cup, added right before serving so nothing gets watery
Instructions
- Blend the flavor base:
- Combine mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and two cups of water in a blender, then pulse until the mint looks like green confetti and the sugar has completely disappeared into the liquid.
- Strain out the mint:
- Pour everything through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, using a spoon to press against the leaves and squeeze out every last drop of that mint-lime essence.
- Dilute and chill:
- Stir in the remaining two cups of cold water, then add ice right before serving so the flavor stays intense and focused.
Save This became the unofficial drink of our Sunday suppers after my partner claimed it cured her seasonal allergies. I have no science to back that up, but she swears by it and honestly, I am not arguing with results. The pitcher sits on the table, condensation rolling down the sides, while we argue about who gets the last glass.
Getting the Sweetness Right
Start with a quarter cup of sugar and taste before you commit. Some limes hit harder than others, and personal preference runs the gamete from barely sweet to almost syrupy. You can always stir in more dissolved sugar, but you cannot take it back once its there.
Making It Fancy
Rim the glasses with salt mixed with lime zest for something that hits like a michelada without the beer. Or slide thin lime rounds against the glass walls so they frost over and look like stained glass in sunlight.
Batch Cooking for Crowds
Blend the mint, lime, and sugar with just enough water to make a concentrate, then strain and refrigerate until party time. Add fresh cold water and ice right before guests arrive so everything tastes crisp and newly made.
- Double the mint if you plan to let it sit—the flavor fades as it rests
- Keep the base in a sealed jar for up to two days before the brightness starts to dull
- Stir gently before pouring so any settled lime pulp redistributes evenly
Save Make this on the hottest day of the year and drink it standing in front of an open refrigerator. Summer sorted.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to prepare the mint for this drink?
Using fresh, loosely packed mint leaves blended briefly helps release their bright flavor without bitterness. Straining removes solids for smoothness.
- → Can I substitute sugar with other sweeteners?
Yes, agave syrup or other liquid sweeteners work well and blend smoothly with the lime and mint flavors.
- → How can I make a sparkling version of this beverage?
After blending and straining, replace half of the cold water with sparkling water to add effervescence.
- → What garnish pairs nicely with this drink?
Thin lime slices and extra fresh mint leaves enhance the presentation and add fresh aroma.
- → Is it possible to add alcohol to this refreshing drink?
Yes, a splash of rum can be added for an adult twist, balancing the citrus and mint notes.