Looking to try your luck with a refreshing drink that’s naturally green and packed with flavor? This Leprechaun Mint Lemonade is the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (or any time you need a cool, revitalizing beverage). Made with honeydew melon, chilled green tea, lemon, lime, and a healthy amount of mint, this drink is light, slightly sweet, and full of antioxidants that will keep you hydrated and energized throughout the day. Unlike traditional sugary lemonades, this recipe keeps things fresh and balanced with natural ingredients and only a touch of honey which you can adjust to your preference.
Beyond its festive green hue, this honeydew mint lemonade is a hydration powerhouse, making it an excellent choice for a midday pick-me-up. Additionally, it combines green tea, which provides a very mild caffeine boost as well as its own antioxidant benefits.1 Meanwhile, the combination of citrus and mint adds a crisp, invigorating twist. We all know citruses are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, but did you know mint is as well?2
This Leprechaun Mint Lemonade is simple to make, naturally delicious, and guaranteed to add a touch of green magic to all your good times and celebrations! Pair this drink with festive St. Patrick’s Day appetizers, such as a Garden Harvest Salad with Smoky Walnut Dressing or this PaleoFLEX™ spin on Irish Soda Bread. You can also easily customize this drink by swapping sparkling water for still water for a mellower mouthfeel, or adding extra mint for a bolder herbal kick. For another type of garnish, freeze mint leaves or edible flowers into ice cubes.
TIPS:
- Try variations to make this mint lemonade your own. For an even greener hue, add matcha powder or a splash of spirulina-infused water. Or make the lemonade into a slushie by blending ice cubes with the honeydew mixture.
- If honeydew isn’t in season, swap it for cucumber for a similarly hydrating effect. Same with mint—use ½ teaspoon of organic mint extract if you can’t source it fresh.
- If you prefer to sweeten your mint lemonade with agave nectar, use 5 tablespoons in place of honey to keep the drink Paleo-friendly.
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References
- Mahmoodi, M., Hosseini, R., Kazemi, A., Ofori-Asenso, R., Mazidi, M., & Mazloomi, S. M. (2020). Effects of green tea or green tea catechin on liver enzymes in healthy individuals and people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 34(7), 1587–1598. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6637
- McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2006). A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy research : PTR, 20(8), 619–633. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.1936
Leprechaun Mint Lemonade
- Recipe by: Brian Keenan, ND, DOM
- Serves: 4
- Meal: Beverage
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
2 cups honeydew melon, cubed
1/4 cups fresh mint leaves, plus more for serving
1/4 cups fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1/4 cups fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 tbsp honey
2 tsp green tea (or 2 teabags)
1 cups boiling water
Ice cubes
1 cups sparkling water
Directions
In a highspeed blender, combine honeydew, mint, lime and lemon juice, and honey. Blend until completely smooth.
In a separate cup, steep green tea in boiling water for 5-10 minutes (depending on desired strength) and place in refrigerator to chill.
Strain honeydew mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp, if desired. Add mixture into a pitcher with chilled green tea. Refrigerate 15-20 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
Fill 4 serving glasses with ice cubes. Pour lemonade mixture over ice, filling about ¾ of the glass. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and serve.
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