Top | Lemonade

Saturday’s Limeade

(recipe, Fred Thompson)

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Introduction

When I was growing up, Saturdays at my home meant that Dad was going to grill steaks and, more times than not, mix up some limeade. To this day, I believe limeade to be the most refreshing of beverages. Dad would say that I’ve “goosed this up a bit.” I also think that something got added to Mom’s and Dad’s drinks.

Ingredients

Syrup

1. 2 cups water
2. 1½ cups granulated sugar
3. Grated zest of 2 limes

Limeade

1. 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 8 limes)
2. ⅛ tsp. kosher salt
3. Chilled lemon-lime soda or sparkling water, as needed

Steps

1. Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the zest, cover, and remove from the heat. Let steep for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and let cool.
2. Make the limeade concentrate: Pour the cooled sugar syrup into a 1-quart container. Add the lime juice and salt and stir to combine. Chill, covered, until very cold. (This will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator or up to 1 year in the freezer.)
3. Serve the limeade: When ready to serve, pour equal amounts of the lime concentrate and lemon-lime soda or sparkling water into a tall glass over lots of ice.