Key Limeade
Key limes are small, tart limes with a floral aroma. Their juice makes a sweet-tart limeade that is perfect over plenty of ice. Scale the people count in the app to 2, 4, 6, or 8 — ingredients adjust from this base of 4 servings.
Open interactive cooker (change people count)
Food safety
Scrub limes under running water before cutting or squeezing. Use a clean scoop for ice, not your hands or a glass. Keep the limeade refrigerated between servings.
Allergens: None listed
Equipment
- pitcher
- citrus juicer
- knife
- cutting board
- long spoon
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 3/4 cup Key lime juice, fresh (about 20 Key limes)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup hot water
- 4 cups cold water
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 2 Key limes, sliced, for garnish
Directions
1. Scrub the Key limes under running water. Roll each one firmly on the counter, cut in half, and squeeze out the juice. Strain out seeds.
2. Stir the sugar into the hot water in a pitcher for 1 to 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
3. Add the Key lime juice and cold water and stir well.
4. Taste and add a little more sugar or water if you like.
5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until cold.
6. Pour over ice in glasses and garnish with Key lime slices.
Skill taught
Making a quick sugar syrup so sugar dissolves fully in a cold drink.
Affordable substitution
Use bottled Key lime juice or regular Persian limes, which are larger and easier to squeeze.
Optional variation
Top each glass with sparkling water for a fizzy Key limeade.
Leftovers & storage
Refrigerate in a covered pitcher at 40°F or below and drink within 3 days. Stir before serving.