This recipe is inspired completely by my wife, who told me about something similar she had in Turkey shortly after her return there. It’s nothing more than Squeezed lemon, a bit of mint and sugar with boiling water added but like so many simple dishes the final product is something that is somehow ethereal and infinitely sublime.
Perhaps it’s that this simple drink looks as magical as it tastes. The mint leaves and lemon pulp swirling slowly in the glass are equally as enticing as the combination of sweet, sour and savory that greets your tongue when you take a sip. sure, it could be made with perfectly strained lemon juice, but why in the world would you do that? It would take something away from the experience in my opinion.
I have no idea what the Turkish name for this drink is, nor does my wife (Nor can she find the restaurant she had it in again.). I’ve searched all over trying to find it, but haven’t been able to, so if anyone knows the proper name for this drink, please let me know.
Thanks to Oz for letting me know that this drink is called “Nane-Limon” or simply “Mint Lemon”. I’m glad to have the proper name of the drink, but whatever you want to call it, it is extraordinary!
Cooking... by the seat of my Pants!
Lemon Mint Tea
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces boiling water
- 1 lemon
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves
- sugar to taste
- Lemon slices and mint sprigs as garnish, if desired
Method:
Squeeze lemon into a heat proof glass or cup. top off with boiling water. Add mint leaves and sugar. Stir gently until sugar is dissolved. Garnish if desired.
Share and Enjoy!
What I would have done differently had I thought of it at the time:
After I showed my wife the photos, she told me that when she was served this drink, the shop owner wrapped a lemon wedge in mint leaves and dropped it in the cup. I think this works just as well though, don’t you?
Links to other recipes like this:
- Lemon Verbena Mint Herb Tea, from Elise at Simply Recipes
- Lavender Mint Tea, from Andrea’s Recipes
Popularity: 46% [?]
Tags: beverages, drinks, lemon, mint, sugar, Summertime Recipes, teaCategory : Recipes
hi…the drink is called “nane-limon” in turkish. It is actually more commonly made in winter,by boiling dried mint leaves with a squeeze of lemon afterwards, and we drink it hot.(it is really good for cold and tummy aches) But in summer, when its crazy hot, i do it your way:) I love it both ways though….
Definitely! Eat the mint before it eats your yard!
Oz,
Thanks for sharing the proper name! I always like to know what a dish is called properly in its country of origin. I will update the post in a bit to reflect the new information.
Very nice, I’ll have to try it. Love the photos!
You won’t regret it. This tea has an insanely wonderful flavor
Popping a mint-wrapped lemon wedge in any libation sounds wonderful! You did a bang up job replicating this. Maybe it’ll be the new summer mocktail. :)
The Duo Dishes´s last blog ..Here’s to Good Booze
@The Duo Dishes,
Wouldn’t that be something! If so they need to name it after my wife though. All I can take credit for is the photo
An excellent use for the mint that threatens to eat my yard. Yay!! :)
I love this tea chilled. great tastes and so simple.
@Tobias
I devoured it while still piping hot, but will definitely be trying it chilled this summer
Home made mint tea is so delicious! I’m always making a pot, let it cool down, and then store it in the fridge. Mm!
Linn @ Swedish home cooking´s last blog ..Swedish Home Cooking "Swedish Meatballs"
@Linn,
This was my first experience, but it won’t be my last!
This looks so light and refreshing, I love it! Bookmarking this right now as a definite must-try this summer.
Wow – that looks incredible! Your photos are gorgeous as well.
Kristen´s last blog ..The Dark Side of Angel Food Cake (Recipe: Chocolate Angel Food Cake)
Wow…so gorgeous! Your photo screams refreshment. Sounds great.
Alta´s last blog ..Daring Bakers: Piece Montee or Croquembouche
This looks so refreshing!
When summer gets here, I will try this one out on the patio.
Lars Kiilerich´s last blog ..Spinatsuppe med ristede kartofler og lufttørret skinke
I miss my country:((
Drink this tea warm when you feel nauseous, it makes it go away;)
hevi, that’s what I’ve heard. will definitely give it a try ;)
I had a guy I work with who was recovering from a bad throat infection. We didn’t have any mint in the market that day, so I picked up some mint extract from the store. I did all the same stuff as before, just used a couple drops of the extract and mixed well. He loved it! And his throat felt so much better.
Simple, but incredible! I can’t wait to give this a try–especially since it’s been so hot!
Elle´s last blog ..Mediterranean Style Stuffed Peppers
Elle,
It’s amazingly refreshing, even though it’s a warm drink. Give it a try!