Drinks Made With Stevia or Monk Fruit

These citrus-mint drinks use stevia or monk fruit instead of sugar for a lightly sweet, refreshing beverage you can serve over ice. A lemon-lime base makes one pitcher, while the sweetener is added gradually so you can adjust for its strength and your taste.

Ingredients

6 cups (1.4 L) cold water, divided
1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice, from about 5 to 6 lemons
½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice, from about 3 to 4 limes
¼ cup (8 g) loosely packed fresh mint leaves, plus extra sprigs to serve
¼ teaspoon (about 1 g) pure liquid stevia, or the amount of stevia called equivalent to ½ cup sugar on the product label
Monk fruit sweetener, as an alternative to stevia: start with the package’s amount equivalent to ½ cup sugar
1 lemon, thinly sliced (about 150 g)
3 cups (420 g) ice, for serving

Instructions

Rinse the mint and citrus. Squeeze the lemons and limes, then strain the juice through a fine sieve if you prefer a smooth drink. Measure out 1 cup (240 ml) lemon juice and ½ cup (120 ml) lime juice.
Put the mint leaves in a large pitcher with 1 cup (240 ml) of the cold water. Gently press the leaves several times with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to release their aroma. Don’t crush them into a paste, which can make the drink taste grassy or bitter.
Stir in the lemon juice, lime juice, and another 4 cups (950 ml) cold water. Add either stevia or monk fruit sweetener—not both at the full starting amounts. If using liquid stevia, begin with ¼ teaspoon (about 1 g). If using monk fruit, use the label’s amount equivalent to ½ cup sugar; products vary widely in concentration and may be blended with other sweeteners.
Stir for about 30 seconds, then taste. Add more sweetener in small increments, stirring and tasting between additions, until the balance suits you. Add the remaining 1 cup (240 ml) water if you want a lighter, less tart drink.
Add the lemon slices, cover the pitcher, and refrigerate for 30 minutes so the mint and citrus can infuse. Taste once more before serving; cold drinks often seem less sweet than room-temperature ones, but add sweetener sparingly because it is difficult to remove.
Fill six glasses with ice, pour in the drink, and garnish with mint. Stir the pitcher before each pour because citrus juice and mint can settle.

Tips

Check the sweetener label. Stevia and monk fruit products range from concentrated drops to granulated blends. Use the label’s sugar-equivalence guidance rather than swapping them spoon for spoon; some blends contain other ingredients that affect sweetness and texture.
Keep the flavor fresh. Use freshly squeezed juice for a brighter result. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but it may taste less lively; start with slightly less and adjust after chilling.
Muddle gently. Press mint only enough to bruise it. Shredded or pulverized leaves can release bitter flavors and leave small pieces throughout the pitcher.
Adjust the tartness with water. If the drink is too sharp, add cold water a little at a time rather than immediately adding a large amount of sweetener. If it tastes flat, a small squeeze of lemon or lime can sharpen it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve very cold in individual glasses over ice, with a lemon wheel and a small mint sprig. For a fizzy version, pour the still drink into ice-filled glasses and top each with chilled sparkling water just before serving; adding bubbles to the pitcher ahead of time makes them fade. This citrus drink pairs well with grilled vegetables, sandwiches, or lightly spiced meals, and it also works as a nonalcoholic option at a gathering.

Variations

Cucumber-mint: Add ½ cup (75 g) thinly sliced cucumber to the pitcher before chilling. Remove it after about 30 minutes if you prefer a delicate flavor.
Berry citrus: Gently muddle ½ cup (75 g) raspberries or sliced strawberries with the mint. Strain before serving for a clearer drink, or leave the fruit in for a more rustic pitcher.
Ginger-lime: Stir in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) finely grated fresh ginger, then strain after the 30-minute infusion. Use extra lime instead of some lemon for a sharper flavor.
Single-serving glass: Combine 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice, 1 teaspoon (about 2 g) gently pressed mint, and 1 cup (240 ml) cold water. Sweeten gradually with the product’s label-guided equivalent, then serve over ice.

Storage and Reheating

Cover and refrigerate the unsparkling drink promptly, and keep it chilled at 40°F (4°C) or below. For food safety, refrigerate within 2 hours of preparation; discard it if it has been left at room temperature longer than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). It is best within 2 days, when the mint and citrus taste freshest. Strain out the mint and lemon slices after a day to limit bitterness. Do not freeze the pitcher with ice in it; freeze leftover drink in an ice-cube tray if desired, then use the cubes in a fresh glass. This drink is served cold and does not need reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use stevia and monk fruit in the same pitcher?
Yes, but it is easier to control the flavor if you choose one sweetener first. If combining them, begin with less than the label amount of each, stir well, and taste before adding more.

Why does my drink taste bitter?
Too much concentrated stevia, over-muddled mint, or prolonged contact with citrus peel can contribute bitter notes. Dilute with cold water, remove the mint and lemon slices, and add a little more citrus if needed. Next time, sweeten in small increments and strain the drink after chilling.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Mix the juice, water, sweetener, and mint up to a day ahead, then keep it covered in the refrigerator. For the freshest mint flavor, strain out the leaves after about 30 minutes and add fresh garnish when serving.

Can I use bottled lemon or lime juice?
Yes. Use the same measured quantities, but taste before sweetening because bottled juices vary in acidity and flavor. Fresh juice generally gives the pitcher a brighter citrus aroma.

Will granulated monk fruit dissolve in cold water?
Many granulated blends dissolve with stirring, though some may take longer or leave a slight texture. Stir thoroughly and let the pitcher stand for a few minutes; if the label recommends dissolving it in warm liquid, follow that guidance and cool the mixture before adding it.

How can I make the drink less tart without adding sugar?
Add cold water in small amounts and taste after each addition. You can also add a little more of your chosen stevia or monk fruit product, following its label, but avoid adding a large amount at once because concentrated sweeteners can become overpowering.

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