Summer Coolers Recipe

This zesty Lemon-Mint Cooler recipe is a stunningly simple and powerfully refreshing non-alcoholic drink, perfect for beating the summer heat. The cooler is made with fresh lemon juice, vibrant mint leaves, sugar, water, and ice. The result is a bright, tangy, and invigorating beverage that is light, slightly sweet, and unbelievably thirst-quenching. This recipe is an ideal crowd-pleaser for any outdoor event, making enough to serve 4 people.

Lemon-Mint Cooler Ingredients

For the Cooler:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6-8 lemons)
• 1 cup cold water, plus more for blending
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste, or use honey/simple syrup)
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
• Pinch of black salt or kosher salt (optional, but enhances flavor)
• 3 cups ice cubes
• Chilled club soda or sparkling water (for serving, optional)

How To Make Lemon-Mint Cooler

1. Prepare the mint blend: In a blender, combine the fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cup of the cold water, the sugar, and the pinch of salt. Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds until the mint leaves are completely pulverized and the mixture is a bright green liquid.
2. Strain the liquid: Place a fine-mesh sieve or strainer over a large pitcher. Pour the mint mixture through the sieve to remove any large pieces of mint pulp and leaves. Press down on the pulp with the back of a spoon to extract all the liquid before discarding the solids.
3. Mix the cooler base: To the pitcher of strained mint liquid, add the 1 cup of fresh lemon juice and the remaining 1/2 cup of cold water. Stir well to combine the sweet, tangy, and minty flavors. Taste the mixture and add more sugar or lemon juice, if needed, to achieve your desired balance.
4. Chill and serve: Fill four tall glasses halfway with ice cubes. Pour the Lemon-Mint Cooler base over the ice until the glass is about three-quarters full.
5. Add fizz (optional): Top the remainder of each glass with chilled club soda or sparkling water for a refreshing fizz. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a small sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The secret to this cooler is the use of fresh ingredients. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and the most vibrant, freshly picked mint leaves for the best, brightest flavor.
• Balance the Sweetness: Start with the recipe’s sugar amount and then taste it. If your lemons are particularly tart, you may need to add a little more sweetener. You can also substitute the sugar with a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved) or honey.
• Make Mint Ice Cubes: For an extra beautiful touch that prevents the drink from being diluted, blend the mint leaves with water and freeze them in an ice cube tray. Use these mint ice cubes in the finished cooler.
• Prevent Bitterness: When blending the mint, do not over-blend for more than 30 seconds. Over-blending can break down the mint too much and sometimes release bitter flavors. The key is to pulverize the leaves quickly.

What To Serve With Lemon-Mint Cooler

This delightful Lemon-Mint Cooler is a perfect thirst-quencher for almost any warm-weather snack or meal. It pairs beautifully with savory, spicy foods like vegetable samosas, grilled chicken skewers, or spicy tacos, as the bright citrus flavor cuts through the richness. For a lighter pairing, serve it with simple finger foods like fruit salad, bruschetta, or light cheese and crackers. It’s also fantastic served on its own as a simple afternoon refreshment.

How To Store Lemon-Mint Cooler Leftovers

• Refrigerate: The prepared Lemon-Mint Cooler base (before adding ice or club soda) can be stored in a sealed pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves as the mint infuses deeper.
• Freeze: Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze for a concentrated punch of flavor. Use these frozen cubes to chill any other summer drink or blend them into a quick slushie.

Lemon-Mint Cooler Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 0g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use bottled lemon juice? For the best and brightest flavor, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended. Bottled lemon juice often contains preservatives and can have a more muted or slightly artificial taste that takes away from the freshness of the cooler.
• What is black salt, and why do I need it? Black salt (or Kala Namak) is a volcanic rock salt commonly used in South Asian cuisine. It adds a subtle savory, almost sulfuric taste that perfectly balances the sweetness and acidity of the lemon and mint, making the overall flavor profile more complex and addictive. If you don’t have it, a small pinch of regular kosher salt works just fine.
• Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint? No, you must use fresh mint for this recipe. Dried mint has a very different, much weaker flavor and will not give you the vibrant green color or the refreshing, cooling sensation that fresh mint provides.

Try More Recipes:

• Sunrise Mimosas Recipe
• Sunrise Punch Recipe
• Sweet Tea Lemonade Recipe