The perfect balance between sweet and tart, this citrusy iced Limeade recipe is a refreshing, delicious way to quench your thirst on a hot day.
Picture this. It’s the middle of a summertime heat wave and you’ve been outside all day.
It’s a high of 95 but the real feel is in the 100’s. And it’s humid!
All you want to do is cool down.
You head inside, open the fridge (and dang, that cool breeze on your face feels so nice you open the freezer and stick your head in for a quick second…back to reality, lol).
You’re in luck. There in the fridge is a fresh pitcher of Limeade!
This lime drink is the perfect balance of sweet/tart flavor. It uses both lime juice and zest so the bright, citrusy flavor of lime really shines through. Served on ice, it’s incredibly refreshing!
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The Best Limeade Recipe
Ingredients for Fresh Limeade
- Simple syrup (sugar + water)
- Fresh limes
- Water
How to Make Limeade from Scratch
- Add the fresh lime juice to a glass pitcher.
- And now the lime zest. This will really let the citrusy lime flavor shine through!
- Pour in the simple syrup.
- Stir in the water.
- If you're serving it immediately, add the ice. Otherwise, wait to add the ice until right before you serve it.
- Add lime slices for color and more flavor. Serve it garnished with a spring of fresh mint.
Equipment for This Recipe
How to Store Limeade
Store this fresh lime drink in a glass pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Wait to add the ice cubes until right before serving because they will water down the drink
Variations on This Recipe
- Middle Eastern flair. Add 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) of rose water or orange blossom water.
- Slushy-style. If you like slushies, blend Limeade with ice in a high-speed blender! It’s the ultimate refreshment on a hot day.
- Lemon. Use lemons instead of limes. But then this drink becomes Lemonade, lol!
Tips for Making Limeade
- If your limes don’t seem very juicy, you can microwave them briefly (start with about 10 seconds), and then roll them on the countertop, pressing them down with the palms of your hand as you roll.
- Make the simple syrup in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
- Don’t add the ice until right before serving because it’ll water down the Limeade.
Limeade Recipe FAQs
How Do You Make Simple Syrup?
- Mix equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan.
- Heat it over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved, stirring occasionally.
- Cool to room temperature, and use it!
If you need 1 cup of simple syrup, use about 3/4 of sugar and 3/4 cup of water.
Store simple syrup covered in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
What is the Difference Between Lemonade and Limeade?
Lemonade is made with lemons and Limeade is made with limes.
What is Limeade Made Of?
Fresh Limeade is made of just sugar, limes, and water!
This recipe uses both the zest and juice of fresh limes to really bump up the flavor.
And of course ice makes this drink even more refreshing.
Mint is a beautiful (and flavorful) garnish for Limeade, but it’s completely optional.
More Delicious Drinks to Try
Did You Make This?
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Xoxo, Faith
Limeade
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup simple syrup
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 1 lime sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
- Add the simple syrup, lime juice, lime zest, and cold water to a large pitcher and stir to combine.
- Right before serving, stir in the ice cubes and the sliced lime.
- Serve each glass garnished with fresh mint.
Faith's Tips
- Storage: Store fresh Limeade in a glass pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wait to add the ice cubes until right before serving because they will water down the drink.
- Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water that are heated to dissolve the sugar.
Nutrition
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