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    Home » Recipes » Drinks (Non-Alcoholic) » Fresh Homemade Limeade recipe

    PUBLISHED: July 9, 2021 • By Toni Dash 22 Comments

    Fresh Homemade Limeade recipe

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    LIMEADE IN JARS WITH LIME SLICES

    There is nothing better to beat the heat of a hot summer day than a cool refreshing glass of icy cold Limeade. Made with fresh lime juice, this easy fresh limeade recipe will keep you cool all summer long.

    LIMEADE IN A GLASS WITH ICE

    If you thought making frozen limeade is the way to go you’ll love this perfect summer drink. Fresh lemonade is great but not the only game in town!

    This recipe is made with simple ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen right now!

    It’s easy to customize with different additional flavors too. Or make it into a cocktail!

    The possibilities are endless.

    Easy Limeade Recipe

    Limeade is one of the most refreshing beverages there is. With natural flavors of fresh limes and cane sugar this simple drink gives any hot day a run for the money.

    It’s easy to make. All you need is a large pitcher, some hot water, some cold water, fresh lime juice and sugar. And a tall glass of ice to enjoy it!

    It’s a simple recipe with no artificial flavors. Making it yourself gives the fresh taste guarantee.

    Also making it at home allows tailoring the amount of sugar and great-tasting limes flavor to match what you love.

    LIMEADE IN JARS WITH LIME SLICES

    Recipe Ingredients + Notes

    Limes. We recommend freshly squeezed limes for the best flavor.

    You’ll need 1 cup of lime juice which is the equivalent of about 8-9 limes.

    Using some fresh lime slices for serving or adding to the pitcher looks great and adds more lime flavor.

    Water. You’ll use some warm water to dissolve the sugar then cold water to finish the limeade recipe. Four cups of water in total are needed.

    Sugar. Good old white sugar gives the most traditional limeade flavor.

    Easy Ways to Juice Limes

    Here are some tips to make the juicing easy and to get more juice:

    • Put the limes in the microwave for 10 seconds before juicing them.
    • Alternatively they can be rolled on a counter top under your palms with some pressure applied.
    • Use a handheld juicer for the most juice extraction and straining the seeds.
    • A classic juicer can also be used or the limes can be hand squeezed (but it’s more difficult to get all the juice that way).
    GLASSES OF LIMEADE FROM OVERHEAD WITH LIMES

    Variations

    Want a stronger lime flavor? Add more lime juice to the finished limeade after tasting it or add some lime zest. The oils in the lime peel have a strong wonderful lime flavor.

    Use simple syrup. For sweetening drinks simple syrup can’t be beat. It’s a liquid so blends well with drinks. Making a flavored limeade is easy too if you use flavored simple syrup (think lavender limeade, cherry limeade….) for extra flavor .

    Make it sparkling. Instead of regular still water, after the sugar dissolves in the warm water add the lime juice and chill. When ready to serve substitute sparkling water or club soda to finish the limeade.

    Using alternative sweeteners. Though we’ve only made this limeade recipe as written here, honey or sugar substitutes can be used.

    How to make Homemade Limeade – Step-by-Step

    Add 1 warm cup of water to a pitcher. Pour in the sugar and stir with a wooden spoon to dissolve.

    NOTE: it doesn’t have to be wooden but that’s a classic choice.

    limeade recipe: adding sugar to water

    Add the lime juice; stir.

    limeade recipe with lime juice

    Pour in the remaining cold water and chill fully before serving. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and serve with lots of ice.

    GLASS OF FRESH LIMEADE

    Pro Tip

    Limeade is not as sweet after chilling. The flavor of the limeade when first made at room temperature will be sweeter than it tastes after being chilled in the refrigerator.

    We love it lightly sweet with 1/2 cup sugar but if you want it sweeter use 3/4-1 cup sugar.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use bottled lime juice to make limeade?

    Though the flavor of fresh limes really makes the perfect drink, bottled lime juice can be used too. We recommend using a brand that is not from concentrate if possible. Natural ingredients create the best flavor in juice drinks.

    Though the flavor of fresh limes really makes the perfect drink, bottled lime juice can be used too. We recommend using a brand that is not from concentrate if possible. Natural ingredients create the best flavor in juice drinks.

    GLASSES OF LIMEADE FROM OVERHEAD

    More recipes you’ll love!

    • Mango-Kiwi Limeade Fruit Popsicles {Paletas}
    • Blueberry Mint Daiquiris
    • Watermelon-Mint and Lime-Ginger-Mint Bug Popsicles
    • Frozen Caipirinha Cocktail (traditional version included)
    • Pineapple Frozen Lemonade
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!
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    GLASS OF LIMEADE SQ

    Homemade Limeade

    Easy homemade limeade is a summer thirst quencher everyone loves. Only three ingredients needed and it's easy to customize with other flavors too!
    5 from 19 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Chilling Time (approximate): 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Servings: 10 1/2 cup servings (total yield: 5 cups)
    Calories: 45kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 to 3/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup warm water
    • 1 cup lime juice freshly squeezed recommended
    • 3 cups cold water
    • optional garnish: mint sprigs and lime slices

    Instructions

    • Combine the sugar and warm water in a pitchers. Stir to fully dissolve the sugar.
    • Stir in the lime juice.
    • Add the remaining 3 cups of cold water; stir. Place in the refrigerator to fully chill before serving.
    • Serve in tall glasses full of ice. Garnish with mint sprig and lime slice (optional).

    Notes

    How much sugar to use?
    Using 1/2 cup is lightly sweet and delicious. Once the limeade is chilled the sweetness is not as strong. If you want a very sweet limeade use 3/4 cup or even 1 cup of sugar.
    Variations
    Want a stronger lime flavor? Add more lime juice to the finished limeade after tasting it or add some lime zest. 
    Use simple syrup. Making a flavored limeade is easy too if you use flavored simple syrup (think lavender limeade, cherry limeade….) for extra flavor .
    Make it sparkling. Instead of regular still water, after the sugar dissolves in the warm water add the lime juice and chill. When ready to serve substitute sparkling water or club soda to finish the limeade.
    Using alternative sweeteners. Though we’ve only made this limeade recipe as written here, honey or sugar substitutes can be used.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Minnie says

      August 02, 2022 at 4:27 pm

      My daughter and my husband gave me the greatest compliment saying that this drink was as good if not better than what they serve in town. Thank you

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        August 03, 2022 at 2:04 pm

        Yay! I’m so happy to hear that!

        Reply
    2. Ben says

      July 04, 2022 at 4:23 pm

      5 stars
      “It’s good and a little bit sour “ from my 7 year old

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        July 04, 2022 at 6:39 pm

        Sounds like I need to hire him to write recipe descriptions! He hit the nail on the head.

        Reply
    3. Natalie says

      July 12, 2021 at 4:44 am

      5 stars
      Perfect drink for summer. So refreshing. I’m making this again for sure!

      Reply
    4. Linda says

      July 10, 2021 at 1:33 pm

      5 stars
      Currently enjoying this limeade – so good, refreshing, and perfect for summer weather

      Reply
    5. Natasha says

      July 10, 2021 at 9:13 am

      5 stars
      I have been looking after the perfect limeade recipe and I’m glad I found it here! It is so refreshing and very easy to make. Thanks for another great recipe!

      Reply
    6. April says

      July 09, 2021 at 1:29 pm

      5 stars
      So good! Nothing beats fresh squeezed lemonade or limeade – so refreshing!

      Reply
    7. Nora says

      July 09, 2021 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      What a great summer recipe, delicious, and very easy to make! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    8. Jessica Burgess says

      July 09, 2021 at 1:05 pm

      5 stars
      We used to get limemade’s at our favorite restaurant until we moved a year ago. So on a hunt for a recipe, I found this one and it was PERFECT! Thank you!

      Reply
    9. Kay says

      July 09, 2021 at 11:59 am

      5 stars
      This is the ultimate summer refreshment!

      Reply
    10. Emily says

      July 09, 2021 at 10:14 am

      5 stars
      This limeade was delicious!

      Reply
    « Older Comments

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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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