Make Limeade: Blueberry, Cherry, Mint, Or Other Favorite Flavor
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Updated July 2026 When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But what about limeade? It’s just as delicious and refreshing—even more so, since it’s such a rarity in the U.S. One reason is that the U.S. is not a lime-growing country, so limes are costlier than lemons. Limeade is popular in tropical areas like the Caribbean, India, Pakistan and Southeast Asia, where the heat and humidity are good for lime cultivation. Limes were once grown in Florida; but after a series of natural disasters, the groves were not replanted and production moved to Mexico (97% of our limes come from there). Here’s more about the end of U.S. lime production. Upcoming days to make a pitcher: > Recipe: basic limeade and flavor variations. > Recipe: cherry limeade or fruit of choice. Elsewhere on The Nibble: > The different types of limes: a photo glossary. > The two main species of cherries. > How to select the best fresh cherries. > Recipe for homemade brandied cherries or other brandied fruits. > The history of lemonade The method of preparation for basic limeade is the same as for lemonade: juice the limes and combine the juice with sweetener, water and ice. Gin, tequila or vodka can be added to make a limeade cocktail (we call this version a “summer sour”). See below for more variations to vary basic lemonade. Ingredients For 8 Glasses 1. COMBINE the lime juice and sugar; stir to dissolve. 2. ADD to a pitcher of ice water; stir to combine. 3. SERVE over ice. Garnish as desired. Thanks to Stemilt, a grower of cherries, apples and pears in Washington State, for this recipe (photo #2). This recipe uses fresh cherries, although you can substitute frozen cherries or cherry syrup if cherries are out of season. For Sonic fans: Sonic’s Cherry Limeade is a different recipe, adding 7Up and maraschino syrup. Here’s a version of it. Our favorite way to enjoy this recipe: Add a scoop of cherry, lemon, or lime sorbet for a cherry-lime float. The cherry-lime concentrate may be stored in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to ten days. Ingredients 1. COMBINE the cherries and honey in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil and immediately reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature. 2. ADD the lime juice and stir to combine. 3. ASSEMBLE: For a single serving, add 2 ounces of the cherry-lime concentrate to a tall glass. Fill with ice and top with water. Stir and garnish with fresh cherries. To prepare a pitcher-full, combine the concentrate with 32 ounces of water and lots of ice. |
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 [6] Time for a treat…or a party (photo © The Nibble). MAKE A LIMEADE FLOAT Provide a long spoon (iced tea spoon) and a straw. Ingredients Per Drink 1. PREPARE the cherry limeade base. In a tall glass, squeeze the juice of half a lime. Add 2 tablespoons of the cherry juice or cherry syrup. Stir until well combined. Add the alcohol, if using. 2. FILL the glass about 2/3 with the lemon-lime soda, leaving plenty of room for the ice cream to expand and sizzle. 3. CAREFULLY ADD add one or two scoops of ice cream. The soda will react with the ice cream to create a creamy, festive foam. 4. GARNISH with a couple of the brandied or maraschino cherries and a fresh lime wheel. You can enjoy this treat immediately with a long spoon and a straw. For a more sophisticated version, you could use brandied cherries (like those seen in your uploaded files) or even a splash of bourbon if you are looking for an adult dessert beverage. *The average lime yields 2 tablespoons of juice. †Cherry syrup is the better choice, since the juice in a jar of cherries is largely sugar or corn syrup and water. CHECK OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING ON OUR HOME PAGE, THENIBBLE.COM. |
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