Limonata — Turkish Homemade Lemonade

Sep 22

Bright Turkish-style lemonade made with fresh citrus juice and fragrant zest rubbed into sugar, finished with mint.

Serves 6 • Prep 15 minutes • Chill 1–2 hours

INGREDIENTS

• 6 large lemons, washed

• 1 orange, washed

• 180 g sugar, adjusted to taste

• 200 ml hot water

• 1 litre cold water, plus more to taste

• A handful of fresh mint; ice to serve

METHOD

1. Finely zest the lemons and orange, leaving the bitter white pith behind.

2. Rub the zest into the sugar until fragrant. Add the hot water and stir until dissolved.

3. Squeeze the citrus and stir its juice into the mixture.

4. Strain, add the cold water and chill. Taste and dilute further if too strong.

5. Add mint just before serving over ice.

CULTURAL NOTE

Limonata is a familiar Turkish café and pastry-shop drink. Rubbing zest with sugar captures the citrus oils; orange is a common household variation.

SOURCES

Adapted from Arda Türkmen’s Limonata.

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