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

    PUBLISHED: July 9, 2021 • By Toni Dash 24 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 21 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. FRANCESCA KERR says

      October 11, 2022 at 9:56 am

      5 stars
      THIS IS AWESOME!!!!!! It’s October 11 and I’ve been out in the yard doing work – have been craving limeade (love the electrolytes and the taste) and have a ton of lime juice in the fridge Googled limeade recipe, found this one, made it in a flash and just guzzled a glass – PERFECTION!! :}

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        October 11, 2022 at 9:10 pm

        Cheers to you doing yard work in October! So glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
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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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