As cold and refreshing as lemonade, but with a tart lime twist!
When I was a kid, there were a ton of lemonade stands, but no limeade stands. In hindsight, it would’ve been lucrative to make a stand that serves both, but I digress… The point is: limeade is totally underrated and worthy of our appreciation.
Since it only takes 7 minutes to make, limeade is one of the easiest drinks to whip up on a hot summer day. Bring a big jar of it with you to the beach or on a picnic, and you’re all set. One batch can quench your thirst and the thirst of three other loved ones, so grab your glass, fill it with ice cubes, and take a sip.
Limeade is similar to lemonade but earthier and a bit more tart. While all citrus fruits have a similar tangy undertone, limes bring a kind of zesty freshness that can’t be matched.
Is Limeade Healthy?
Limeade is a sugary drink and should be enjoyed in moderation. That being said, this limeade can be a great alternative to store-bought options, which are highly processed and typically contain more added sugar and preservatives than a homemade version.
How Are Limes and Lemons Related, Really?
Did you know that both limes and lemons are fusions of other, more ancient citrus fruits? Yep, there was a time when neither fruit existed, but they came from generations of plant breeding. Limes were made from an array of different citrus plants, while lemons are a hybrid of citrons and sour oranges. Both of them share the DNA of the citron: a large, tough-skinned yellow citrus fruit that’s especially fragrant.
To realize that both limes and lemons evolved over the centuries to become what we know today creates a whole new level of appreciation. I’ll never drink (or think about) lemonade or limeade in the same way!
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
- Ice cubes
- Lime slices for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
Combine water and sugar; heat to dissolve sugar.
Mix
Blend syrup with lime juice and water; chill.
Serve
Garnish with lime slices; enjoy chilled.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Store the limeade in a well-sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep the concentrated mix of lime juice and sugar syrup stored separately in the freezer for up to 3 months, and add it to a pitcher of water when you’re ready to serve. (Remember to let the concentrate thaw in the fridge overnight before making it into limeade with the 3 cups of water.) Add more ice cubes or garnishes if you fancy.
Lime juice is concentrated because it’s pressed or squeezed from the lime. Limeade mixes straight-up lime juice with water and sugar to create a more balanced beverage that tastes both sweet and tangy.
Personally, I enjoy mixing fresh herbs into my limeade, especially mint or basil leaves. You could also play with adding fresh ginger, orange slices, or berries.
Sure! These days, plenty of people are skeptical about using white sugar, so you can try using honey or maple syrup instead. Some people like to use stevia or agave, which are both all-natural, plant-based sweeteners.
Serving Suggestions
Sip and savor your limeade over ice with slices of lime and mint or basil leaves for garnish. You can either keep it virgin, or make it into a vibrant evening cocktail by adding a shot of gin, vodka, or tequila to your glass. In a similar way, you could replace the water with your favorite white wine to make a zesty sangria. Remember to drink responsibly and stay hydrated!
As for food, I’d serve this drink alongside Mexican Sweet Potato Noodle Wraps, Spanish Rice and Beans, Mexican Quinoa Casserole, or Spicy Roasted Cauliflower.
For a complementary dessert, try Paleo Tropical Lemon Bars or Bionicos (Mexican Fruit Bowls). The conquering combo of sweet and tangy continues!
Limeade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
- Ice cubes
- Lime slices for garnish
Instructions
-
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with the sugar and heat over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves, about 2 minutes.
-
Mix the sugar syrup with lime juice and the remaining 3 cups of water in a pitcher.
-
Stir well to combine. Refrigerate until cool, or serve immediately over ice garnished with lime slices.
Nutrition
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