Lime Mint Cooler (Citrus Mint Drink)

A lime mint cooler is a simple no-cook citrus drink with the clean sharpness of fresh lime and the cooling aroma of mint. Rather than relying on syrup or bottled cordial, this version muddles mint gently with caster sugar so the leaves release their fragrance without turning grassy, then loosens the mixture with cold water over plenty of ice. The result is bright, light and refreshing: sweet enough to soften the lime, but still crisp and thirst-quenching. Serve it as an alcohol-free mocktail, make it sparkling with soda water, or prepare the mint-lime base ahead and dilute just before serving.
Recipe by JustRecipes Editorial Team
Content validated: August 2026 How we create recipes
Made this recipe? Rate it
Cuisine style Latin American-inspired cooler
Flavor profile Citrusy • Fresh mint • Lightly sweet
Techniques Muddling • Stirring
Cooking style No-cook preparation • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 15 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Ready in minutes: Muddling the mint directly with sugar and lime keeps the method fast and avoids making a separate syrup.
  • Clean, fresh flavour: Sharp lime, cold water and plenty of ice create a crisp drink, while mint adds a cooling herbal lift.
  • Balanced sweetness: Caster sugar dissolves quickly and softens the acidity of the lime without overpowering the drink.
  • Easy to adjust: The finished cooler can be made lighter with extra cold water or turned fizzy with sparkling water.

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Ingredient notes

  • Muddle the mint gently: Press just until the leaves smell fragrant. Overworking the mint can pull out grassy, bitter notes.
  • Use juicy limes: Fresh, juicy limes give the drink its clean citrus character; bottled lime juice will taste flatter.
  • Adjust after dilution: Taste once the water and ice are added, then balance with a little more water or sweetness if needed.

Ingredient swaps

  • Use agave syrup: Agave syrup can replace caster sugar and dissolves immediately, giving a smoother sweetness.
  • Make it sparkling: Swap still water for sparkling water just before serving for a brighter, fizzy cooler.

Make-ahead tips

  • Prepare the base ahead: The mint, lime and sugar base can be refrigerated for up to 1 day before adding water and ice.
  • Add ice at the end: For the freshest result, pour over ice and dilute with cold water only when ready to serve.

Serving ideas

  • Fresh garnish: Serve with extra mint and a thin lime slice for aroma and a clean finish.
  • Serve tall: A tall glass packed with ice keeps the cooler crisp and properly chilled.

Equipment you'll need

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Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Put the mint leaves and caster sugar in a mixing bowl. Use the back of a wooden spoon to muddle for 20 to 30 seconds, just until the mint smells fragrant and the sugar looks damp.
  2. Finely grate a little lime zest into the bowl, then squeeze in all the lime juice. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  3. Fill a glass with the ice cubes. Pour the mint and lime mixture over the ice, then top up with the cold water and stir well for 10 seconds; taste and adjust with a little more water if you want it lighter.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Muddle gently: bruising the mint too hard can make the drink taste grassy.
  • For the brightest flavour, use very cold water and plenty of ice so the drink stays crisp.
  • If serving to children, keep the mint leaves in the drink for aroma but strain them out if they dislike the texture.

Substitutions

  • Replace caster sugar with agave syrup for a smoother sweetness that dissolves instantly.
  • Replace water with sparkling-water for a fizzy cooler.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 1 days
  • Best served straight away. If needed, refrigerate the mint, lime, and sugar base (without ice or water) for up to 1 day, then add cold water and ice just before serving.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 1 glasses
  • Total time: 7min (7min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Latin American
Beginner friendly Kid friendly
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Equipment you'll need

Measuring spoons Mixing bowl Wooden spoon
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Caster sugar

1 cup ≈ 200 g
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Water

1 cup ≈ 240 ml
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