Ultra-Flavorful Fresh Limeade
A bright, deeply citrusy limeade made by macerating lime rinds with sugar, then mixing the fragrant syrup with juice and cold water.
Prep 30 min · Total 3 hr 30 min · Makes about 1 quart (4 servings)
Ingredients
- 3 pounds limes
- 14 ounces sugar
- 24 ounces cold water
Directions
- Bring the limes to room temperature, then press and roll them firmly on the counter to loosen the peels. Cut them in half and juice them, saving the juice for later. Chop the emptied rinds into 1-inch pieces. In a large nonreactive mixing bowl, combine the rinds with the sugar, seal the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and leave it at room temperature. Stir about every 45 minutes, until the sugar has fully melted into syrup, about 3 hours. If you like, the mixture can sit as long as 12 hours.
- Pour in the water along with 6 ounces (3/4 cup; 180ml) of the reserved lime juice. Mix thoroughly, then strain through a nonreactive fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a glass or ceramic container. The limeade concentrate can be chilled at this stage for up to 1 week.
- To serve, pour the limeade over ice and fine-tune the flavor with more water or lime juice to suit your taste. Remember that the ice will soften the flavor as it melts. You will probably have extra fresh lime juice, and the amount left depends on how much you use while adjusting the limeade.