Striking the ideal balance between tart and sweet is an art that this homemade limeade accomplishes flawlessly. There's nothing quite like sipping on those gigantic drinks from state fairs, with their vibrant flavor and refreshing chill, but the hefty price tags for a family outing always leave me feeling less than satisfied. Determined to recreate that delightful experience at home, I set out to perfect a recipe that captures the essence of those zesty, citrusy delights.

@thechaotictable Next recipe in the state fair series is state fair limeade! #limeade #homemadelimeade #smallcontentcreator #summerdrink #godlovesyou #morelikejesus ♬ More Like Jesus - Micah Fletcher
As summer heat sets in, it's essential to have some delicious, family-friendly drink options on hand. These drinks can be easily customized to suit everyone's personal tastes. For those who enjoy something creamy, a Creamy Lemonade is a great choice. If someone prefers a classic, they can enjoy either the traditional State Fair Lemonade or the Strawberry State Fair Lemonade.

Equipment
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Ingredients
- Limes
- Sugar
- Ice
- Water

Directions
Add the lime wedges and sugar to a 32-ounce container. Muddle them together until the limes release their juice and soften.



Pour in the water and add ice until the container is nearly full.
Secure the lid and shake well until everything is fully combined.



Use a paring knife to cut an X into the top of the lid, then insert a straw for easy sipping.
What Pairs Well With Limeade?
- Corn dogs
- Chili Cheese Dogs
- Hamburgers
- Fresh Fruit
- Ice Cream
FAQs (Because Life’s Too Busy for Guesswork)
If you prefer your limeade on the tart side, start with less sugar or add extra lime juice. If it ends up too tart, simply stir in more sugar to balance it out. Want it more diluted? Just add water until it hits the flavor you're after.
Absolutely! You can use fresh or thawed frozen cherries if you want a more subtle flavor and enjoy little fruit bits in your drink. For a stronger, sweeter flavor, go with a fruit syrup.
No need to roll them. Since you’ll be muddling the limes with sugar, that will extract both the juice and the flavorful oils from the peels.
Yes, definitely. It’s important to rinse off any wax or germs from handling at the store.
No, you don't need to. This is just how they are typically served at the fair, and I find it more fun that way. You can prepare this in any container that holds at least 32 ounces. If you prefer to make them directly in glasses, you can divide the ingredients evenly by putting half in one cup and half in another.

What substitutions can I make?
- Water: If you prefer, you can use sparkling water instead of regular tap water for a little extra fizz.
- Limes: You can create a classic lemonade by using lemons instead of limes; it's a delicious twist!
How should I store my leftovers?
- Store this Limeade in a sealed, leak-proof container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, refrigerate it without the ice and lime wedges. If you leave the limes in, the flavor will get too strong.
Was this a win at your dinner table?
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Homemade Limeade

Equipment
- Knife and cutting board
- 32-ounce container with lid
- Muddler
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 limes cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups ice
Instructions
- Add the lime wedges and sugar to a 32-ounce container. Muddle them together until the limes release their juice and soften.
- Pour in the water and add ice until the container is nearly full.
- Secure the lid and shake well until everything is fully combined.
- Use a paring knife to cut an X into the top of the lid, then insert a straw for easy sipping.
LOVE a good limeade. Can’t wait to try this!
I hope you guys enjoyed it!
This was awesome. I put a little coconut rum in it for an adult bevy and it was amazing! Thank you!
OK now I know what I’m making today! Thanks for the tip.