Homemade Limeade Recipe Easy 3-Ingredient Zesty Refreshing Drink
A quick and easy homemade limeade made with fresh limes, sugar, and water, perfect for a refreshing and zesty drink on hot days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 medium fresh limes (to yield 1 cup fresh lime juice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 4 cups cold water (960 ml)
- Ice cubes (optional, to serve chilled)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Sparkling water (optional, substitute for still water for fizzy limeade)
Instructions
- Prepare the sugar syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Juice the limes: Roll each lime firmly on the countertop to loosen the juice. Cut in half and use a citrus juicer or reamer to extract juice. Aim for 1 cup of fresh lime juice. Strain through a fine sieve if desired.
- Combine ingredients: In a large pitcher, pour the cooled sugar syrup and fresh lime juice. Add 3 cups cold water and stir well. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more water or lime juice if needed.
- Chill and serve: Add ice cubes to the pitcher or pour over individual glasses filled with ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Notes
Always make a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in warm water first to avoid grainy texture. Roll limes before juicing to get more juice. Strain juice for pulp-free limeade if desired. Adjust sweetness carefully and serve chilled. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 27
- Sodium: 2
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 0.2
Keywords: limeade, homemade limeade, lime drink, refreshing drink, summer beverage, easy limeade, 3-ingredient limeade