A friend of mine recently gave me over 30 limes from his tree. If you live in a place where citrus trees will grow, you know that when the fruit comes in on your tree, there is usually way more than you need, and you’re eager to give some away.
So what do you do when life delivers you limes? Make limeade, of course!
This refreshing summer beverage can be made with lemons or limes, but I think limes are particularly crisp and delicious tasting, especially in the summer heat.
Most recipes for limeade or lemonade call for white sugar, but I’ve made this recipe with honey because it has a unique flavor, it is a more natural, unrefined sweetener, and it’s non-GMO (most granulated sugar is from GMO sugar beets). And if you use raw honey, your sweetener also contains a bit of nutritional value. Honey is also GAPS-legal and Paleo-friendly.
You can substitute stevia in this recipe, if you are a fan of stevia, or are following a low-carb or low-sugar diet.
Other Tasty Beverages
Honey Sweetened Limeade
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups fresh lime juice, freshly-squeezed This will take 10-20 limes depending on size and juiciness.
- 1/2 – 1 cup raw honey, to taste OR 1/4 – 1/2 tsp. liquid stevia, to taste
- 6 cups filtered water
- 4 sprigs mint, or lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine water and honey, and heat just until the honey dissolves completely in the water. A half cup of honey is not too sweet. Add more if you prefer a sweeter limeade. (Skip this step if using stevia.)
- Allow honey water to cool completely while you juice the limes. (Skip this step if using stevia.)
- Wash the limes well and juice them using your favorite method.
- Mix the lime juice into the cooled sweetened water, and add more water to adjust the sweetener to taste. If using stevia, add it now, and mix well.
- Serve over ice, and garnish with mint sprigs or lime slices.
