How about an ice-cold, tart-sweet sip of the fair-style homemade limeade recipe! Don’t want to make a whole pitcher, then this small batch recipe makes about 12 ounces, just enough for one tall serving. Limeade is made with simple ingredients, comes together in minutes, and hits the spot every time. A chilled beverage that’s a perfectly refreshing drink for the warmers months ahead!

A glass of limeade with ice and a lime slice, green and white striped straws, a halved lime, and a gray cloth nearby on a white surface.

Why I Love About This Recipe

  • Quick & easy: Just five minutes from start to sip.
  • No fancy tools needed: Just a juicer and a jar with a lid.
  • Customizable: Adjust the sugar and ice to your taste.
  • Easy to Double the recipe to share or for later.

Ingredients

Overhead view of a lime squeezer, three limes, a jar of water, a bowl of sugar, ice cubes, a green spatula, and a green-striped towel on a white surface.

Helpful Tools

  • 16-ounce container or mason jar with lid
  • Handheld lime juicer

Step-by-Step Photo Instructions: Homemade Limeade Recipe

Juice the Limes

A person holding a green citrus squeezer over a bowl of limes.

Sweeten It Up

A plastic container with halved limes covered in sugar, a white measuring spoon, a green citrus squeezer, and a striped cloth on a white surface.

Shake It Well

A hand holds a plastic container with whole limes and juice inside; a green striped towel and bowl of sugar are in the background.

Top It Off

Clear liquid is being poured from a measuring cup into a plastic cup containing limes and ice, with a citrus juicer and another plastic lid nearby.

Sip & Enjoy: Punch a hole in the lid for a straw if you’re on the go—or drink straight from the jar.

Glass of limeade with ice, a lime slice, and two striped straws in a clear cup, next to whole limes and a green citrus squeezer on a white surface.

Pro Recipe Tips

  • Roll your limes on the counter before cutting to get more juice.
  • Use superfine sugar for quicker dissolving.
  • Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor (a limeade secret from the fair!).
  • Want fizz? Swap half the water for sparkling water.

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A glass mason jar filled with limeade, ice, and lime slices, with a green striped paper straw, sits on a white surface beside sugar, limes, and kitchen containers.

Fresh Limeade Recipe

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This homemade limeade for one is a quick and refreshing treat made with fresh limes, sugar, and water. It’s sweet, tart, and tastes just like the classic fair-style version. Ready in minutes and perfect for a sunny afternoon or a quick pick-me-up.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Recipe Cost: $1.10
Calories: 86

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 limes
  • cups water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ice

Recipe Directions
 

  1. Cut the limes in half and squeeze them into the container then. Drop the juiced lime pieces into the bottom of the container.
  2. Add the sugar, ½ cup of the water, and a couple pieces of ice.
  3. Secure the lid on top of the container and shake until everything is mixed well.
  4. Add the rest of the water and give a slight stir. Top with more ice.
  5. Use a hole punch or straw punch to make a hole in the container lid if you’re wanting to use a straw. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 86kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSodium: 21mgFiber: 4gSugar: 14g

Notes

  • Store in a sealed container, in the fridge, without the lime chunks, for up to 3 days. Freeze in the same way, for up to 3 months.
  • You can prepare this in whatever container you choose, it doesn’t have to be what they use at the fair.
  • If it’s going to be a bit before you’re drinking the limeade, remove the lime pieces out of the drink or it will turn the drink bitter.
  • You can stir instead of shake, if that’s what you prefer. It still turns out perfect.
  • You can adjust the sugar amount to suit your preferences.

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