Easy Limeade

Sipping on this easy, bright, and refreshing limeade is like taking cool dip on a hot summer day.

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated May 15, 2025
Elise Bauer
Minty Limeade

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

Looking for a way to beat the heat? Try this limeade infused with mint!

There are 3 tricks to this simple drink. The first is to make simple syrup by boiling water with the sugar first so that the sugar is completely dissolved.

The second trick is to infuse the simple syrup with some of the zest from the limes; this makes it taste even limey-er (yes, not a word, but you get my drift).

Finally, plop some fresh mint sprigs in the serving pitcher, and besides being halfway to a mojito, you have a cheerfully refreshing summer drink.

Easy Limeade in two glasses with mint sprigs
Elise Bauer

Getting the Most Juice

Before juicing each lime, roll it back and forth a few times on your countertop, applying a little pressure. This will encourage more of the juice to release.

Make it Ahead

This homemade limeade should stay fresh, refrigerated, for 5 to 7 days.

Alternatively, you can make components of the limeade ahead of time. You can juice the limes 2 to 3 days in advance, storing the juice in the refrigerator. The lime-infused simple syrup, if stored in the refrigerator, can be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance.

Recipe Variations From Our Readers

  • Hannah: "I made two batches of this. One regular, and in one I added about 1 and a half cups of blackberries to the boiling sugar with the lime zest. Both were delicious!!! If you have any frozen blackberries on hand - I'd highly recommend it!"
  • Tri: "Sounds delish! You can also infuse the simply syrup with the mint itself. It is especially nice when you make mojitos because people don't complain about the mint leaves getting stuck in their straws."
  • Christine: "I make a similar limeaid, but instead of mint I steep a few coins of ginger in the simple syrup."

More Refreshing Summer Drinks

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Easy Limeade

Prep Time 15 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Servings 4 servings
Yield 1 quart

Infusing the simple syrup with lime zest is a great way to bring extra lime flavor to your limeade.

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lime juice (from about 4 to 6 Persian limes)

  • 3 cups water, divided

  • 1 cup sugar

  • Grated zest of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)

  • Several sprigs fresh mint

Method

  1. Combine the lime juice and water:

    Add the lime juice and 2 cups of water to a pitcher and stir to combine.

  2. Make a lime zest-infused simple syrup:

    In a small saucepan bring to a boil the sugar, the remaining 1 cup of water, and the lime zest. Once the sugar is dissolved (which it should be by the time the water boils), remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

    Place a strainer over a bowl, or wide-mouthed serving container, and pour the simple syrup through it, straining out the lime zest.

  3. Sweeten the lime juice mixture:

    Add 3/4 cup of the simple syrup to the lime juice mixture and stir to combine. Taste for sour/sweet balance. If it's too tart, mix in more simple syrup.

  4. Serve:

    Add several sprigs of fresh mint to the pitcher. Chill, or serve immediately over ice.

    Did you love this recipe? Let us know with a rating and review!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
210 Calories
0g Fat
55g Carbs
0g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 210
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 9mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 55g 20%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Total Sugars 51g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 20mg 101%
Calcium 17mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 76mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.