The Best Homemade Limeade Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade limeade is perfect for sipping on a hot day or pairing with your favorite meal. You’ll love how simple it is to make and how invigorating it tastes. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a drink that’s bursting with zesty lime flavor. The balance of sweet and tart is spot-on, making it irresistible for everyone. Plus, it’s a fun way to cool down and impress your friends or family with something fresh and homemade!
Recipe

Homemade limeade is a reviving and tangy drink perfect for hot summer days. This simple recipe uses fresh limes to create a naturally sweet and zesty beverage that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 6-8 limes)
- 5 cups cold water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Lime slices or mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Squeeze the limes to extract the juice, straining out any seeds or pulp.
- In a pitcher, combine the lime juice, water, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lime juice if desired.
- Add ice cubes to the pitcher or individual glasses and garnish with lime slices or mint if using. Serve immediately.
Notes:
- For a healthier option, substitute granulated sugar with honey or a sugar-free sweetener.
- Use bottled lime juice if fresh limes are unavailable, but fresh lime juice provides the best flavor.
Equipment:
- Citrus juicer or squeezer
- Pitcher
- Stirring spoon
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 6
Nutrition
This invigorating limeade is a great source of vitamin C and hydration. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 10mg |
| Total Carbs | 32g |
| Sugars | 30g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade limeade with invigorating summer pairings like grilled shrimp skewers or a crisp watermelon salad—it’s the perfect way to beat the heat. For a classic twist, I’ll pair it with simple side dishes like buttery cornbread or a tangy coleslaw that balances the limeade’s zing. Trust me, these combos make every sip and bite even better.
Refreshing Summer Pairings
When you’re sipping on a glass of homemade limeade, you’ll want something equally fresh and satisfying to go with it. I love pairing it with light, summery bites like chilled watermelon slices, berries, or a fruit salad bursting with citrus flavors. Grilled shrimp skewers or a zesty fish ceviche also complement the tangy limeade perfectly. For a sweet treat, try a scoop of sorbet or a slice of key lime pie—it’s like a match made in summer heaven. Don’t forget crispy veggie sticks with a cool dip or a handful of salty nuts for a little crunch. It’s all about balance!
Classic Side Dishes
Alongside those fresh summer pairings, there’s something comforting about classic side dishes that never go out of style. I love pairing my limeade with a simple green salad tossed with olive oil and lemon juice—it’s light and crisp, just like the drink. For heartier options, I go for grilled corn on the cob or garlic butter roasted potatoes. They’re easy to make and always a hit. Sometimes, I’ll whip up a fresh guacamole or a platter of veggies with hummus for dipping. These sides balance the limeade’s tangy sweetness perfectly, making every meal feel complete. Classic never disappoints!