Homemade Limeade is the perfect summer drink. It is light, refreshing and easy to make. If you are looking to beat the heat on a hot summer day, make this limeade drink.
We love to garnish the pitcher with fresh lime wedges for this easy homemade limeade recipe. If you are looking for a refreshing non alcoholic drink recipe to serve at your outdoor event, make this homemade limeade.
You may also love our lime water and pink lemonade recipe.
What is Limeade?
A Limeade is a light and refreshing drink. It is made with simple syrup and fresh lime juice to create a tangy and sweet drink.
This homemade limeade is completely customizable. Add in fruits and alcohol to impress your friends and family.
Why We Love Homemade Limeade
- Customizable Ingredients – This is a base limeade recipe. We love to customize it based on what we have or who we are serving.
- Easy to Make – The simple syrup combines easily on the stovetop.
- Serving – We love to serve in fun glasses with fresh lime wedges. This is the perfect drink on a hot day.
Ingredients
- Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- Granulated Sugar
- Cold Water
- Ice (for serving)
- Water (for serving)
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe in the recipe card.
Variation Ideas
- Add Fruit – You can easily add fruit to this limeade mixture to add color and flavor. Strawberries, lemons, or cherries are great options.
- Add Fresh Herbs – Add in fresh mint leaves or fresh basil for amazing flavor. Making a mojitos is always my sisters favorite. The intense lime flavor is why she likes it so much.
- Alcohol – If you are serving to adults, make your homemade limeade with some alcohol. You can easily make margarita with tequila. Other options include vodka, gin or bourbon.
- Sweetener – Feel free to sweeten the homemade limeade with honey, agave, and more.
- Strawberry Lemonade – Make a fresh strawberry lemonade with strawberries and lemon juice. We love the citrus flavors of lemon and lime together.
- Lime Zest – For more intense lime flavor, zest lime into the glasses when serving. This would make a delicious fresh limeade.
- Cherry Limeade – Cherry limeade is one of my favorite drinks at our local fast food place. It is loads of flavors and now I can easily make it at home with this limeade recipe.
Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1 – Combine Ingredients – Whisk together the water and lime juice, and sugar in a small saucepan.
- Step 2 – Dissolve the sugar – Heat over medium heat, stirring, until the water and sugar is completely dissolved.
- Step 3 – Remove from Heat – Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature.
- Step 4 – Serve and Enjoy – When making the homemade limeade. Mix 1 cup of the lime mixture with 1 cup of water and serve ice cold water. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Sour Taste – If the limeade is too sour, mix in more sugar until it’s sweetened.
- Combining Ingredients – Heat the simple syrup ingredients together until sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to cool before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Lime Juice – When making this recipe, fresh lime juice is best. We do not recommend using the bottled lime juice. Your limeade will not taste the same.
- Choosing fresh Limes – We recommend choosing limes that are bright green. They should be firm and heavy for the most juice. We try to stay away from the limes that are yellow.
- Juicing the Limes – You can warm the limes in the microwave for about 20 seconds to help loosen the lime. After warming, we like to roll the limes with the palm of your hand to loosen the lime.
- Serving – You can easily pour this limeade in glasses but we like to pout in a large pitcher.
What Flavor is Limeade?
A limeade is lime drink that is made with sugar and lime juice. It can be tart but is usually a light and refreshing drink.
How Much Juice is in One Lime
Depending on the size of your lime, you will probably get around 2 tablespoons of lime juice. You will probably need about 8 limes. This should give you enough to garnish your glasses with fresh lime slices.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate the leftovers and it should keep for up to 2-3 days.
More Easy Homemade Drink Recipes
We love hearing from you. If you make this limeade homemade recipe, please leave us a comment or star review.
Homemade Limeade
Ingredients
- 1 cup Lime Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 cups water
- Ice for serving
- Water for serving
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Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the lime juice, sugar, and 2 cups of water.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Do not boil.
- Remove from the heat and allow the lime mixture to cool completely.
- To serve, combine 1 cup of the lime mixture with 1 cup of cold water in a pitcher or individual glass.
- Pour over ice and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- If the limeade is too tart, stir in additional sugar to taste after the mixture has cooled.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the best flavor.
- Store the lime concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Stir before serving if any separation occurs.
- Adjust the water-to-concentrate ratio to make the limeade stronger or milder to your taste.
