Quick and easy limonada, lemonade or limeade {in the blender}
This is the easiest, quickest and most effective way to make limonada, limeade, or lemonade. You prepare it in the blender and with only 2 limes or lemons you will have ~2 liters or 8 glasses of refreshing lemonade.
In Spanish we call it limonada regardless of whether we are using limes or lemons, and it can be made with either. I used to make limonada the hard way: squeezing the juice out each lime or lemon. Then one day back in high school (a long time ago) I was hanging out at my friend Marisha’s house. It was a warm day and lemonade sounded perfect. At first I was shocked when I saw her put a whole lime, several cups of water and sugar in the blender.
I was sure that it was going to a disaster, the strong taste of of the skin and the bitterness of pith were going to ruin it. She blended and strained the limonada, as soon as I tasted it (expecting I would have to politely pretend I liked it), I was amazed at how good and refreshing it was. The lime or lemon skins actually enhanced it, there was a slight bitter taste, but it was very subtle and actually made the limeade or lemonade better.
You can make this limeade or lemonade by just throwing the whole limes or lemons in the blender, but it does make it a little bit easier to quarter them. Also, on the sugar side, I don’t like my lemonade too sweet so I usually add a little bit less, but if I’m making this for guests I’ll add more since most people seem to like their lemonade or limeade sweet. My rule of thumb is 4 cups of water per each lime or lemon, but you can also adjust that based on how concentrated you like it and the size of the lemons/limes.
Limonada, lemonade or limeade
Ingredients
- 2 limes or lemons quartered and any seeds removed
- 8 cups of cold water
- Approximately ½ cup of sugar more or less based on your preference
- Ice cubes as desired and lemon/lime slices to garnish
Instructions
- Place the quartered limes or lemons in the blender with 4 cups of water and sugar.
- Blend until the limes or lemon is completely pulverized, the mixture should be slightly foamy with a whitish color.
- Strain the lemonade and add the remaining 4 cups of water.
- Serve with or without ice based on individual preference.
Notes
It does get bitter quickly, so drink it the same day you make it.
I’ve also turned this limonada into “adult” lemonade by adding vodka, it’s great for parties where you can quickly make a pitcher of spiked lemonade – and it’s very quick to make refills (which are usually needed as it goes very fast). Finally, while this limeade or lemonade is very refreshing, it does tend to get bitter if left out for too long, so it should be consumed on the same day it is made, on a warm day that shouldn’t be much of a problem.
Like it? Try these other fruity variations:
Strawberry lemonade
Cherry limeade
I made this yesterday and today and can’t get enough of it!! Lemon and lime yesterday and orange and lemon today it’s so refreshing and good.
i liked it general but i realized if u dont use 1/4 cup sugar the bitterness comes out.
I also realized you REALLY have to blend it or else ull choke trying to drink big peices of pulp.
nonetheless creative and tasty.
i might skin the lemons next time.
Made this last night with one lemon and one lime and 1/2 cup sugar. It’s perfect! I’m going to need to stock up on them so we can have this everyday this summer. So refreshing! Thank you for sharing.
What an EXCELLENT idea! I just whipped up a batch for margarita mix, using about 6 limes, and agave nectar to sweeten instead of sugar, and I am currently enjoying a lovely, more subtle cocktail! Thanks!
I just made this using 1 lemon (and it was a little dry and old looking…LOL) and 1 lime and it is every bit as good as you say. THANKS!
This is a wonderful idea. It will be over 100 here today so I will make this for my family. Love your blog.
I love this idea! I’d love a glass of limeade right about now, too. I’m going to try this over the weekend–thanks for sharing!
That’s just a Margarita waiting to happen. Looks great.
Holy moly! This is incredible! I have limes in the house now — will try this and report back!
That’s an excellent idea! I never would have considered blending an entire citrus fruit!