Step by step

Method

5 steps

1. 1

   Make simple syrup: combine 1 cup white sugar and 2 cups water in a small saucepan. Heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just begins to boil. Remove from heat and cool completely — warm syrup melts your ice later.

2. 2

   Juice enough limes for 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8–10 limes). Strain out seeds; a little pulp is fine.

3. 3

   In a large pitcher, combine 1 cup cooled syrup with the 1 cup lime juice. Add cold water until you reach about ½ gallon (roughly 4 more cups — adjust to taste). Stir well.

4. 4

   Taste. Add more syrup if you want it sweeter, or more lime juice if you want it sharper. Chill at least 30 minutes if you can.

5. 5

   Serve over ice with lime wheels. Leftover syrup keeps in the fridge for another batch. You want bright, cold limeade that tastes tart-sweet and fresh — not watery lime water or a syrupy sugar bomb.