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Craving something simple and refreshing? I’ll show you just how easy it is to go from a pile of limes to a pitcher of delicious limeade recipe in under 5 minutes without any simple syrups or added sugars. Also, don't get confused if you’ve never had limeade before. It is similar to a traditional lemonade, but the tart citrus flavor that the limes provide is second to none when it comes to quenching your thirst on a hot summer day. Wondering how to make limeade with fresh limes? Let’s get squeezing!
This recipe is:
Table of Contents
8 Reasons To Love This Recipe
There are so many things to adore about this limeade! Here are a few:
- Refreshing taste that's perfect for hot summer days!
- A delicious way to stay hydrated without resorting to plain water!
- Free of refined sugar!
- No need for simple syrups or heating—ready in minutes!
- Kid-friendly and more popular than soda!
- Easily transforms into sparkling limeade with soda water!
- Simple to make with just a few ingredients!
- A low carb friendly beverage!
Is Limeade Low Carb?
Yes, limeade is low carb. This recipe has only 4 g net carbs per glass, so it's a perfect refreshing drink if you're following a low carb diet. That's the beauty of homemade limeade recipe - you can keep the carb count in check and enjoy as much as you want! So, try it and keep yourself hydrated!
Why Is It Called Limeade And Not Lemonade?
You might be wondering why this refreshing drink is called limeade instead of lemonade. The answer lies in its main ingredient—fresh lime slices! While fresh lemonade traditionally uses lemons for its tangy flavor, limeade swaps lemons for regular limes to create a distinctively citrusy and zesty taste. Slices of lime bring a unique tartness that pairs perfectly with sweeteners, making limeade a refreshing alternative to classic lemonade, especially in the hot summer months.
Limeade also offers a vibrant green color that adds a visually appealing element to your glass, enhancing the drinking experience with its fresh and invigorating appearance. Whether enjoyed plain or with creative garnishes like mint or berries, limeade stands out for its bright flavor and versatility, making it a favorite choice for those who appreciate a citrusy twist on a classic beverage.
Limeade Ingredient List
Here is the list of simple ingredients you'll need to make limeade:
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 8-10 limes)
- ¼ cup monk fruit sweetener (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Ice cubes
Ingredient Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Here are some great alternatives you can use in this limeade recipe:
- Lime juice: Avoid using bottled lime juice to retain the traditional limeade flavor. It tastes different from fresh lime juice, resulting in a bitter and overly strong taste. Stick to fresh lime juice for the best results.
- Cold water: I've tried making this with coconut water, and it's fantastic! Lime and coconut water are a match made in heaven—so refreshing and delicious.
- Monk fruit sweetener: You can use any of your favorite sweeteners, such as erythritol, stevia, xylitol, or allulose. Each sweetener has a different level of sweetness, so adjust to your taste preference.
Additional Ingredients
Want to enhance the flavor of this perfect summer drink? These tasty additions pair wonderfully with the main ingredients of this simple drink:
- Garnishes: This drink loves to be garnished with lime slices, cucumber slices, mint leaves, or even some berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a delightful touch.
- Coconut water: As mentioned earlier, coconut water is a fantastic alternative. It creates a refreshingly balanced and tasty limeade. Just yum.
- Sparkling water: Use 2 cups of water to dissolve the monk fruit sweetener and chill it. When ready to serve, add 2 cups (or a little more) of carbonated water for an effervescent limeade that tickles the nose and tantalizes the tastebuds.
- Lemon: Add a touch of lemon for a lemon-lime combination reminiscent of Sprite. Muddle a lemon slice at the bottom of your glass to release the juice and oils, then pour in the limeade and mix well.
Note: These ingredients are not part of the original recipe. Use them to enhance or customize the recipe to your liking.
Tools Required
Here is the list of tools you'll need for this fresh limeade recipe:
- Citrus reamer or press
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Pitcher
- Tall glass
- Long handled spoon
How To Make Limeade With Fresh Limes: Complete Guide
Cooking Method
- No-cook recipe
Preparation Steps
- Squeeze the juice from the fresh limes. I find it is easiest to roll the limes first, then cut and squeeze. It generates more juice.
- Take out your blender and combine the lime juice, cold water and sweetener. Blend well for about 30 seconds or until the sweetener has dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness.
- Chill the limeade in the fridge for about an hour, or you could just enjoy on the spot. It’s up to your preference. Whatever you do, do not add the ice cubes to the limeade pitcher.
- Serve into glasses filled to the brim with lots of ice and garnish.
- Enjoy this satisfyingly refreshing drink right away!
Step 1: Squeeze the juice from fresh limes and pour it into the blender cup.
Step 2: Add monk fruit sweetener to the blender cup with lime juice.
Step 3: Secure the blender lid and prepare to blend the ingredients.
Step 4: Blend the lime juice and sweetener until the sweetener dissolves.
Step 5: Blend the limeade mixture until frothy and well-combined.
Step 6: Check desired consistency of the frothy limeade mixture after blending.
Step 7: Pour the blended limeade mixture into a serving pitcher.
Step 8: Add cold water to the pitcher with the limeade mixture.
Step 9: Stir the limeade mixture in the pitcher to combine.
💡 My Pro Tip
Here are a few tips to make sure your fresh squeezed limeade turns out just right:
- Choosing limes: When picking limes, give them a gentle squeeze in the store. If they are firm with no give, they won't yield much juice and tend to be more bitter. Look for limes that are soft to the touch and have a bright green color.
- Prepping limes: Before slicing, roll the limes on the counter under the palm of your hand. You'll feel them become softer, which helps increase the juice yield.
- No blender? No problem: If you don't have a blender, just whisk the sweetener into the lime juice. This takes about 5-7 minutes, so put in a little elbow grease!
- Avoid watering down: Don't add ice cubes to the pitcher of limeade. This will water it down and throw off the sweetness. Instead, add ice to individual glasses when serving.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Get a head start by juicing the limes ahead of time.
- Make a concentrate with just the lime juice and sweetener. This can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prepare the entire limeade in the morning, and it will be perfectly chilled by the time you're ready to enjoy it!
What To Serve With Limeade?
Wondering what to serve with your refreshing and simple limeade? Here are some tasty options:
- No-Bake Cheesecake: The creamy richness of cheesecake complements the tangy citrus flavors of limeade.
- Peanut Butter Cookies: The nutty sweetness of peanut butter cookies balances out the tartness of limeade.
- Grilled Chicken Wings: The savory, smoky flavors of grilled chicken wings make a delicious contrast to the citrusy notes of limeade.
- Keto Brownies: Enjoy the keto-friendly brownies alongside this sweet limeade for a sweet treat that balances tartness with chocolatey goodness.
- Shrimp Skewers: Enjoy shrimp skewers with this refreshing summer drink for a light and refreshing meal that's perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Storage And Freezing Instructions
Storage Tips
Store your limeade in the fridge in a covered pitcher or container. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing Tips
Limeade freezes well, especially in ice cube trays! Pour the limeade into silicone ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. These cubes are perfect for adding a refreshing touch to water anytime. Frozen limeade will keep well in the freezer for up to six months.
Recipe Conclusion
This simple recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of childhood days spent eagerly mixing limeade from concentrate. I can still recall the excitement of pouring it into a pitcher and filling my cup with ice. Those memories fuel my passion for recreating this refreshing drink for my loved ones today.
Sharing this perfect drink with family and friends brings the essence of summer to any gathering, whether it’s a casual BBQ or a laid-back afternoon. If you’re searching for a simple way to enjoy homemade limeade and create lasting summer memories, look no further.
Feel free to drop your questions or suggestions in the comments below, or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram. Let’s keep the limeade love going!
More Drink Recipes To Try
Looking for more delicious summer drinks to quench your thirst? Check out these:
FAQs
Limeade is made from limes, water, and a sweetener (either granulated sugar or a sugar substitute).
Typically, limeade is not carbonated. It is just like a traditional lemonade but made with lime juice. You can carbonate limeade by reducing the water added to the lime juice by ½ and adding in carbonated water just before serving.
Cherry limeade is a beverage made by combining limeade with cherry flavoring or juice, resulting in a sweet and tangy drink with a fruity twist. It's known for its vibrant red color and refreshing taste.
Limeade Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice about 8-10 limes
- ¼ cup monk fruit sweetener adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Squeeze the juice from the fresh limes. I find it is easiest to roll the limes first, then cut and squeeze. It generates more juice.
- Take out your blender and combine the lime juice, cold water and sweetener. Blend well for about 30 seconds or until the sweetener has dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness.
- Chill the limeade in the fridge for about an hour, or you could just enjoy on the spot. It’s up to your preference. Whatever you do, do not add the ice cubes to the limeade pitcher.
- Serve into glasses filled to the brim with lots of ice and garnish.
- Enjoy this satisfyingly refreshing drink right away!
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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4 Responses
Wow! Thanks for the recipe! I loved it.
Hi Priscilla:
Thanks so much- I love it too… Have a wonderful day today-
Scott
I made this recipe today for my kids. Really good. I’ll be back to make the lemonade recipe next. Thanks!!
Hi Danny:
Thanks so much for your comment… my kids love it too. Here’s a quick tip: make one batch of limeade and one of lemonade. Mix them together and toss in some mint leaves… so good! have a fantastic day in the kitchen- take care- Scott