This homemade limeade recipe is sweet and tangy, a real showstopper for sure!
With just 3 ingredients, everyone loves this traditional sweet-tart drink when the weather starts to warm. Just fresh limes, some sugar, and water, maybe a sprig of mint as garnish (or a splash of vodka if you’d like)!
This post is sponsored by Mirum, all opinions expressed are my own.
A Summer-Time Favorite
This simple homemade limeade is made with 3 ingredients!
LIMES
For a fresh limeade, it is best to use freshly squeezed limes. In a pinch, you can use bottled lime juice, but it may require a little extra sugar to balance it out.
Try juicing a bunch of limes at once and freezing them in a quarter to half-cup measurements. This makes them quick and easy to grab when making a classic mojito, a mango margarita, or this easy limeade!
This recipe also uses a bit of lime zest for extra flavor. Be sure you’re only getting the green part as the white (the pith) is bitter in flavor.
SUGAR
With all the tartness of the limes, sugar is a must! We definitely recommend sampling the juice as you are making it and adjusting the sugar as needed. Add a little more or a little less depending on your preference!
We also love to have some simple syrup in the fridge for the summer. It makes prepping these refreshing beverages a breeze!
WATER
If making your own simple syrup for this recipe, hot water is a necessity. It helps to properly dissolve the sugar to prevent a gritty texture and stop it from settling at the bottom of the pitcher.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy ice-cold beverages like lemonade, or a classic mojito, or a tall glass of fresh-squeezed limeade. Sweet, tart, and oh-so-refreshing!
How to Make Limeade
Refreshingly simple limeade is so easy to make!
- Prepare a simple syrup by dissolving sugar and fresh or bottled lime juice in boiling water. Pour into a gallon-sized pitcher.
- Add lime zest to the pitcher and fill with cold water.
- Place in the refrigerator at least 1 hour before serving. If in a hurry, place it in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Add thin slices of lime to the limeade right before serving!
Tips for Success
- Fresh limeade is at its peak flavor when it is served super cold. Try to make it one of the first things you make if you are planning a party, then it will be especially refreshing when it’s time to serve it!
- For an extra boost of flavor, add additional lime juice by the tablespoon until desired tartness is achieved.
- If the limeade is too sour, add more simple syrup, or whisk in a bit of honey until it is dissolved.
- Try pouring a bit of fresh limeade in an ice cube tray. It’s perfect for dressing up your daily water intake! A little extra vitamin C with a tangy, tart flavor!
Refreshing Beverages
- Watermelon Lemonade
- Easy White Sangria
- Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
- Celebration Punch
- Spiked Frosty Pink Lemonade
Did you enjoy this Fresh Limeade? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Fresh Homemade Limeade
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest about 1 lime
- water for serving
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups water, sugar and lime juice in a saucepan.
- Stir over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Cool completely.
- Stir in lime zest. Store in the fridge up to 1 week.
To Make Limeade
- Combine equal parts lime juice mixture and water over ice.
Notes
- Fresh limeade is best served super cold.
- For extra flavor, add additional lime juice by the tablespoon until desired tartness is reached.
- If the limeade is too sour, whisk in more simple syrup or honey until dissolved.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Beverage
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This homemade limeade recipe is sweet and tangy, a real showstopper for sure!
The best limeade recipe out there! I have tried soooo many recipes and definetly this is the one! Made it today for my husband and he loved it. My kids usually don’t drink anything beside water and they loved it too.
Hello Marangely. I am glad that you and your family enjoyed this refreshing limeade drink. Have a great rest of your day.
SOO SWEET!
Even after adding 1/3 less sugar
Did you mix the boiled mixture with additional water? The sugar/lime mixture is a concentrate intended to be diluted with ice and water.
In the article you state 2 cups lime juice yet in the recipe you state 1 cup. Which is it?
Hi Kat, we combine 1 cup of sugar and lime juice with 2 cups of water for this recipe. Hope that helps!
interesting idea
Hey Holly, for a really refreshing, sparkling limeade, try using a bottle of Topo Chico instead of tap water. Also use simple syrup. Sugar requires stirring too much which destroys a lot of the carbonation in Topo Chico.
Great tip Ron, thanks for sharing!