Brighten your day with this zesty and refreshing Lemon Limeade Concentrate, a homemade drink mix that captures the perfect balance of tart lemons and tangy limes. Made from freshly squeezed citrus juice, a hint of sweetness from a simple homemade syrup, and a touch of DIY love, this concentrate is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes. Ideal for backyard picnics, summer gatherings, or as a thirst-quenching treat stored in your freezer, this recipe lets you create lemonade-style beverages with customizable levels of tartness and sweetness. Simply mix it with water, sparkling water, or even transform it into a cocktail base for a vibrant twist. Say goodbye to store-bought and hello to a gulp of sunshine in every glass!
Wash the lemons and limes thoroughly under running water to remove any wax or dirt from the skin.
Using a citrus juicer, juice the lemons and limes. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove seeds and pulp. You should yield approximately 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups of combined juice.
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar has fully dissolved, creating a simple syrup. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Add the freshly squeezed lemon-lime juice to the simple syrup and stir until well combined.
Transfer the concentrate into a clean, airtight container or glass jar. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage in freezer-safe containers.
To serve, mix 1 part concentrate with 2-3 parts water or sparkling water, adjusting the ratio to taste. Stir well, serve over ice, and garnish with lemon or lime slices if desired.
Calories |
1745 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.2 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 20 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 474.4 g | 173% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.1 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 415.3 g | ||
| Protein | 6.8 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 237 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 4.5 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 888 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.