Limonana

Ingredients

• 6 lemons – juiced (about 1 cup juice)
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 4 cups ice cubes
• fresh mint sprigs – for serving

Instructions

1. Rinse the lemons and mint. Roll the lemons on the counter to loosen their juice, then juice them and strain out seeds to yield about 1 cup lemon juice.
2. Add the lemon juice, granulated sugar, cold water, fresh mint leaves, and 3 cups of the ice cubes to a blender.
3. Blend on high until the sugar is dissolved and the drink is frothy and pale green with fine mint flecks, 30–45 seconds.
4. Add the remaining 1 cup ice and blend to a thick, spoonable slush, 10–20 seconds more, until smooth but still icy.
5. For a smoother texture, pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing gently; otherwise, leave as is for a flecked, herbal finish.
6. Divide into 4 glasses and garnish with fresh mint sprigs (for serving). Serve immediately while icy.