Cool off with this refreshing Homemade Limeade Recipe that’s bursting with zesty citrus flavor. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart for a thirst-quenching treat any time of year.
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The weather is heating up, the sun is shining, and I am loving cold, refreshing drinks! For more tasty drinks to make, don't miss my Homemade Lemonade, Watermelon Slushy, Peach Iced Tea, and this delicious Mint Julep.
Why This Recipe Works
Simple: You only need 3 ingredients for an incredibly delicious drink!
Refreshing: This cold, delicious drink is perfect on a hot day!
Easy to Customize: Add sparkling water or cherry juice for some fun variations!
Delicious: This is the tastiest limeade ever! Sweet and tangy and oh-so-delicious!
What You Need For This Recipe
Lime Juice- I've made this with fresh lime juice and store-bought. Both will work fine, but I tend to prefer fresh just for a brighter citrus flavor.
Sugar- Regular white granulated is what I use.
Water- Regular water is fine, but sometimes I like to use some sparkling/carbonated water for some extra fizz.
How to Make Homemade Limeade?
- Step 1: Heat water and sugar in a saucepan until sugar is dissolved. Let cool.
- Step 2: Pour into pitcher, stir in remaining water and lime juice- enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Limeade
Adjust the sweetness by varying the simple syrup quantity.
For a stronger lime flavor, add a bit of lime zest to the syrup.
Cold beverages are where it’s at. Make sure to refrigerate the drink after mixing everything together, and serve the drink over ice for the most refreshing drink!
Limeade Recipe Variations:
- Cherry Limeade- Add cherry juice to make a cherry limeade
- Sparkling Limeade: Use club soda or sparkling water for a sparkling limeade.
- Mint Limeade: Add fresh mint leaves when making the simple syrup for a minty flavor. Strain before using.
- Blended: Blend with ice to make a frozen limeade
- Garnish with lime slices, strawberries, cherries, and mint leaves
For more tasty citrus recipes, check out my lemon meringue pie, lemon crinkle cookies, lemon loaf recipe, lemon cupcakes, orange cupcakes, orange scones, and this easy mandarin orange jello salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Fresh lime juice is best for optimal flavor but bottled juice can be used to.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Yes! Make the simple syrup ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator. When ready for the limeade, mix the syrup with cold water and lime juice.
I like using a citrus squeezer. It's simple and works well.
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More Refreshing Recipes:
This tasty drink goes great with smoked tri-tip and smoked queso, or alongside a delicious wagyu burger and homemade french fries.
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Homemade Limeade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 6-8 cups water divided
- 2 cups lime juice *
Instructions
- Combine 1 ½ cups water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.1 ½ cups sugar, 6-8 cups water
- Once dissolved, refrigerate until cool. Then pour into a pitcher, stir in remaining water and lime juice. the6-8 cups water, 2 cups lime juice *
Notes
- *This recipe works with both fresh lime juice and bottled lime juice. If using fresh limes, you will need ~16 for 2 cups.
- * You can also use club soda/sparkling water instead of some of the water for a sparkling/fizzy limeade!
Nutrition
Recipe updated 12/21/21
I used this recipe for my Hearthstone inspired Acidic Ooze Limeade! Adding in Jolly Rancher Green Apple To-Go Packets gave this limeade an extra bright green color and a delicious flavor!
Hearthstone is a super fun online card game (read more about it here) and to see all my Hearthstone-inspired recipes, check out the full menu!
All mention of Hearthstone is copy right protected by: ©2014 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. Heroes of Warcraft is a trademark, and Hearthstone is a registered trademark of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Blizzard Entertainment is a trademark or registered trademark of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All rights reserved.
Mayuri Patel says
Lovely cooling and refreshing drink for summer or parties. Love the clicks.
Stephanie says
This sounds so refreshing - and so easy to make! I'd love to serve this at a summer party!
Lisa says
Thanks Steph! Yes it would be perfect for a summer party!
Jacqueline says
Love the colour of this drink! It sounds so tasty and refreshing! Great for the hot weather we are having now!
Stine Mari says
So fun to dedicate a drink to a game. 🙂 The color is pretty similar to the card. And it sounds absolutely delicious!
mydeliciousmeals says
This looks like a great idea for a party we will be having on the weekend. I like the green color and lime juice addition. Stealing this one )
Lisa says
Hope you like it!!