Limeade
Enjoy a zesty and refreshing homemade limeade made with fresh limes, sugar, and water. This classic drink is perfectly balanced between tartness and sweetness, quick to prepare, and ideal for cooling off on warm days. Customize the sweetness and garnish to make it your own refreshing favorite.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Main Ingredients
- Fresh limes (for approximately 1 cup lime juice, about 6-8 limes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or simple syrup or honey, adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes, as needed
- Optional garnish: fresh mint sprigs or lime slices
- Juice the Limes: Roll the fresh limes on the counter to soften them, then cut and squeeze the juice into a pitcher. Freshly squeezed juice provides the best flavor.
- Sweeten Your Lime Juice: Add sugar or your preferred sweetener to the lime juice. Stir well until fully dissolved for a smooth, gritty-free mixture.
- Add Water: Gradually pour in cold water, tasting as you go to achieve your desired level of dilution and balance between tart and sweet.
- Chill and Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the limeade over the ice, and garnish with mint or lime slices if desired. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, stirring before serving.
Notes
- Use only fresh limes for authentic bright flavor; avoid bottled lime juice.
- Adjust sweetness gradually, starting with less sugar and adding more as needed.
- Strain lime juice to remove seeds and pulp for a smoother drink if preferred.
- Serve limeade chilled or with plenty of ice for the best refreshment.
- Store leftover limeade in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days and stir well before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: limeade, lime drink, refreshing beverage, summer drink, homemade limeade, citrus drink, vegan drink, gluten free beverage