Meaningful Eats
Homemade Mint Limeade
4
This is my ALL-TIME favorite homemade drink! This mint limeade features an easy mint simple syrup and freshly squeezed lime juice.I make the mint limeade extra sweet/sour on purpose because I like to add some chilled sparkling lime water (any brand you like!) when serving.
Ingredients
Mint-Lime Simple Syrup
- 1½ cups water
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups fresh mint leaves
- Zest of 4 limes
Limeade Base
- 1¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- Mint-lime simple syrup from above
- Cold water
For Serving
- Ice
- 1 cup mint leaves
- Chilled sparkling lime water
- Extra lime slices and mint sprigs optional for garnish
Instructions
- For the mint-lime syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, fresh mint, and lime zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once simmering, remove from the heat and let it steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on the mint to extract all the flavor.
- For the limeade base: In a large pitcher or 1 liter bottle, pour in the fresh lime juice and mint-lime syrup. Add cold water to fill the bottle. Shake or stir to combine. Taste—it should be bold and sweet since you’ll dilute it a little when serving with the sparkling lime water. Refrigerate until chilled.
- To serve: Add a few mint leaves to the bottom of each glass, then gently muddle to release the flavor. Add ice, then pour in the limeade base until the glass is about ½-⅔ full. Top off with chilled sparkling lime water. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a lime slice.
Notes
To Store: Keep the limeade base (syrup + lime juice) in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store the sparkling water separately to preserve the bubbles until you're ready to serve.
To Make Ahead: Mix the mint-lime syrup and fresh lime juice up to 3 days in advance. Store in the fridge in a sealed jar or bottle. Add cold water and sparkling lime water just before serving.
To Freeze: Let the mint-lime syrup and lime juice mixture cool completely. Pour into a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then stir in cold water before serving.
Recipe Tips:
- Use a citrus juicer for quick, mess-free lime squeezing—especially helpful when you’re working with a lot of limes.
- The limeade base fits perfectly in a 1-liter bottle, making it easy to store, shake, and pour when you're ready to serve.
- Don’t skip the muddling! A simple drink muddler brings out the mint’s fresh oils and makes every sip more flavorful.
Nutrition
Calories: 1309kcal | Carbohydrates: 341g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 1000mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 305g | Vitamin A: 4930IU | Vitamin C: 127mg | Calcium: 329mg | Iron: 6mg