Single Serve Homemade Limeade (Fair Style)

Have a craving for fair style limeade but don't want to make a pitcher full of the sweet and tart drink? You'll love this single-serve recipe for homemade limeade. Enjoy the cold, refreshing flavor of the classic State Fair drink without the need for a ton of ingredients. Grab some limes, sugar, and ice and you'll be relaxing with a cold glass of limeade in no time.

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Reasons Why You'll Love this Recipe!
- Quick & Simple: With just three ingredients (limes, sugar, and water), you'll be sipping on a refreshing drink in minutes.
- Perfectly Portioned: No need for leftovers or wasting ingredients. This single-serve recipe is ideal when you're just looking for one glass.
- Customize to Your Taste: Like it sweeter? More tart? You're in control! Adjust the lime-to-sugar ratio to match your perfect balance.
- Cold & Refreshing: Add ice to enhance the soothing, cooling experience on a warm day.
- State Fair Vibes, Anytime: Recreate the nostalgic flavors of your favorite fair drink right in your own kitchen.
Whether you're relaxing at home or need a small pick-me-up, this limeade recipe is perfect for enjoying all the zest of lime without the effort of making a pitcher. Dust off your juicer, grab some limes, and treat yourself today!

Looking for more delicious, refreshing drink recipes? Give these reader favorites a try!
Dill Pickle Lemonade Recipe | State Fair Lemonade Recipe | Starbucks Pink Drink Recipe | Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe
What Do I Need to Make Homemade Limeade?
Made with just three ingredients, this single serving drink comes together in no time! All you need to enjoy the flavors of the State Fair at home is:
- Limes
- Water
- White granulated sugar
- Ice (optional)

How Do I Make Homemade Limeade?
Making your own homemade limeade is easier than you think! All you have to do is follow these easy instructions to make your own fresh lime drink at home right now.
Step One: Juice the Limes
Cut both limes in half with a sharp knife and use the juicer to squeeze the juice into your container. Once all the juice is removed from the limes, drop the lime pieces into the bottom of your cup.
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Step Two: Shake the Drink
Add the sugar, ½ cup of water and a few pieces ice, if using, to the container with the lime juice. Place the lid on the container and shake vigorously until everything is well mixed. Then, add the remaining water and stir to combine the water with the rest of the ingredients.

Step Three: Serve Your Limeade
Use a hole punch or straw punch to make a hole in the top of your container lid if you want to sip your drink with a straw, then enjoy!
Can You Make Homemade Limeade Ahead of Time?
While this freshly shaken limeade tastes best right after it's prepared, it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to drink it. If you plan to store your drink, it's a good idea to leave out the ice and lime pieces. This homemade limeade can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days.
You can also freeze your drink for more long-term storage. Transfer the limeade to a freezer safe container without the lime pieces. It will stay good for up to three months. Transfer the drink to the refrigerator or countertop to thaw when you're ready to drink it.
Can I Make Homemade Limeade Without Sugar?
While I wouldn't suggest making this single-serving drink without any type of sweetener, it can be prepared with a sugar substitute for a low-carb alternative. When preparing your own sugar-free limeade, you have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to sugar substitutes but it's best to use a liquid sweetener to ensure the best flavor.
Try using liquid monk fruit, Splenda liquid sweetener, stevia liquid, or agave nectar in place of the sugar. Depending on the sugar free sweetener you choose, you may need to adjust the amount of sweetener used in your drink to suit your tastes.
Homemade Limeade Recipe Tips
It's super simple to get that State Fair limeade flavor at home! But it doesn't hurt to have a few helpful tips in your back pocket as you're preparing your drinks in your kitchen. Use these tricks to ensure you get the perfect limeade flavor the first time you shake up your drink.
- Wash your limes before mixing. Since you'll be using the whole lime in your drink, it's important that you take the time to wash the fruit before you start mixing your drink. Start by running the lime under cool tap water, then rub the skin to remove any visible dirt. After that, use a brush to scrub the skin and rinse it again. Wipe the lime with a clean towel and it's ready to squeeze!
- Roll the limes before squeezing. To get the most juice out of your fresh limes, take the time to roll them! Place the lime on a countertop or other flat surface. Place your palm on top of the lime and roll it back and forth on the counter using firm pressure. This small step helps break down the lime, allowing it to release more juice.
- Use any lidded container you want. The type of container you use to make your drinks doesn't matter! As long as you have a lid, you're in business. Try using a mason jar or even a cocktail shaker to mix up your own homemade limeades.
- Add other fruit flavors. It's easy to change up the flavor of your limeade. Just add some fruit puree before shaking. Try adding strawberry, lemon, cherry, blueberry, mango, blackberry, or pineapple to your limeades!
- Use flavored syrups. Another simple way to add more flavor to your limeade is with a pump of flavored syrup. Grab your favorite flavor or you make your own homemade simple syrup to create unique drinks. Just keep in mind that most syrups are sweetened, so you may need to reduce the amount of sugar you use in your homemade limeade.


Single Serve Homemade Limeade (Fair Style)
Equipment
- 32-Ounce Container with Lid
- Lime Juicer
- Hole Punch (optional - for container lid)
Ingredients
- 2 Limes
- 1 ½ Cups Water
- 3 Tablespoons White Granulated Sugar
- Ice optional
Instructions
- Cut both limes in half and use the juicer to squeeze them into the container then drop the juiced lime pieces into the bottom of the container.
- Add the sugar, ½ cup of the water, and a couple pieces of ice (if using).
- Secure the lid on top of the container and shake until everything is mixed well.
- Add the rest of the water and give a slight stir. Top with more ice, if using.
- Use a hole punch or straw punch to make a hole in the container lid if you’re wanting to use a straw. Enjoy!
Notes
• You can prepare this in whatever container you choose, it doesn’t have to be what they use at the fair.
• If it’s going to be a bit before you’re drinking the limeade, remove the lime pieces out of the drink or it will turn the drink bitter.
• You can stir instead of shake, if that’s what you prefer. It still turns out perfect.
• You can adjust the sugar amount to suit your preferences. Sugar replacement works as well, but you’ll need to test those amounts based on the brand and type you’re using.
• This makes 32 ounces when using ice, if you’re not using ice, it will be about 20 ounces.













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