limeade

Limeade is a citrus beverage made from lime juice, water, and a sweetener. It may be served still or carbonated and can be flavored with salt, mint, or other ingredients. A standard home recipe combines freshly squeezed lime juice with sugar or simple syrup and water, with adjustments for sourness and sweetness. Carbonated limeade uses sparkling water or soda to add fizz, and some commercial products use lime flavoring alongside added sweeteners and preservatives.

The concept of limeade developed in parallel with lemonade, with home recipes appearing in the 19th century and commercial production expanding in the early 20th century. In tropical regions, limeade can be made from fresh limes widely available; in other regions, bottled lime juice may be used.

Variants include key limeade (made with key limes), pink limeade (with addition of cranberry or strawberry), and herbal versions like mint limeade. Some recipes replace sugar with honey, agave, or artificial sweeteners.

Like other sugar-sweetened beverages, limeade contributes calories primarily from sugar. A homemade limeade recipe can be adjusted to reduce sugar or to use unsweetened lime juice and water.

See also lemonade, lime juice, and lime cordial.