How to Make Key Limeade (3 Ingredient Recipe)

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There is nothing better than a refreshing glass of Key Limeade on a hot day. This 3-ingredient limeade recipe is easy and simple and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Served over ice and garnished with a slice of lime, homemade key limeade is the perfect thirst quencher for hot summer days.

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Ingredients for this Easy Key Limeade Recipe

Homemade key limeade is a refreshing and tangy citrus beverage that brings a taste of the tropics to your glass. You only need three ingredients to make this limeade recipe.

• Limes – I prefer Key limes but Persian limes work just as well.
• Sugar – granulated sugar.
• Water – equal parts with the sugar.

When I make this homemade limeade recipe, I typically use Key limes for a couple of reasons. The first being I have a Key lime tree in my yard.

The second reason I love using Key limes is they are smaller, a bit tarter, have a higher acidity, and have a stronger aroma than Persian limes. Many will render a lot more juice than you think they will.

Because Key limes are so small compared to Persians, you will have to do a bit more work when juicing them.

How do you make Limeade?

Slice your lime in half and use a hand-held citrus squeezer to juice the lime. While you could use an electric juicer, Key limes are a bit tiny. Definitely use the electric juicer for larger citrus.

You’ll need a saucepan to make the simple syrup. While making simple syrup, watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. If you boil the sugar water too long you’ll have hard candy.

Once the simple syrup has cooled you can make the limeade according to the recipe directions in the card below.

Pro Tip: If the limeade is too tart, adjust the amount of sugar. Add a little at a time, tasting as you go.

Can I use Persian limes instead of Key limes?

Yes, you can. It would just be limeade. You may need fewer limes since Persian limes are larger.

Can I use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar?

While I’ve never tried making Key limeade with artificial sweeteners, I would think it is possible. Use a brand that you can substitute one cup of sugar with one cup of artificial sweetener. Taste before adding more sweetener.

How do you serve limeade?

There are a couple of ways I serve my Key limeade. The first is just over ice, garnished with a lime wheel, just like in the photo above.

If you have crushed ice, you can also fill a glass to the top with crushed ice and pour the limeade over it.

Can I add alcohol to the limeade?

Absolutely! If you want to make this non-alcoholic Key limeade an adult beverage feel free to add a shot to each glass or even the equivalent of about 1/4 cup to the pitcher.

What kind of alcohol can I add to limeade?

The best liquor choices to add to Key Limeade would be rum, vodka, or tequila. If you’re a gin fan, you could try gin and a bit of soda water and turn it into a classic lime rickey.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• There are only 3 ingredients.
• It’s cool and refreshing on a hot summer day.
• It’s great for kids and adults to enjoy.
• Make it ahead for a backyard party.
• Easily transport it to a potluck party.

More Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Fresh Strawberry Lemonade –  This is a favorite for poolside sipping and backyard summer parties.
• Watermelon Lemonade – Perfect when you have an abundance of watermelon.
• Easy Strawberry Iced Tea – Sweetened flavored iced tea is a welcome summer beverage.

Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and a 5-star review on the recipe card below. If you love this recipe, please share it on social media using the #thebestdrinkrecipes.