Bright, bubbly, and refreshing, this simple Sparkling Limeade (known as “limonada con agua mineral” in Spanish) is my favorite summer beverage. Lightly sweet, beautifully tart and so easy to make, you’re sure to love it as much as I do.

mason jar filled with sparkling limeade with a carafe of the limonada in the background

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This yummy limeade is my drink of choice when I’m on the beach in Mexico. It is sparkly enough for a celebration and perfectly thirst-quenching. It’s also booze free*, which is just what I need when I’m soaking in the rays.

*While you can spike it with a little tequila, vodka, or rum for a tasty adult beverage, you definitely don’t need to!

Why I Love Limonada con Agua Mineral

Made with just four ingredients (two of which are WATER), this easy drink is made for summertime. As an added bonus, you don’t even need to turn on the stovetop to make it, meaning you can stay cool while you make this refreshing beverage.

There’s a reason I think making your own DIY recipes is superior to purchasing store bought stuff, and customizability is #1 on that list!

You don’t have to feel bound to one type of citrus when you’re making this spritzer. While I personally love the flavor of limeade, you can easily turn this recipe into a sparkling lemonade, orangeade, or even grapefruit- or pomelo-ade if you prefer!

You can also customize this citrus-ade by using herbs (mint, basil, thyme, or lavender) or chile peppers in your garnish. Jalapeño Mint Limeade? Lavender Lemon Margarita? SIGN ME UP!!!

Unlike store-bought limeade or canned sweetened lime drinks, this recipe is free of any artificial sweeteners, preservatives or high fructose corn syrup. It’s made with fresh limes and pure cane sugar, then topped with your favorite sparkling mineral water. As a result, you can feel good about serving this happy drink to the whole family.

Oh, and if you’re limiting your sugar intake, feel free to make the simple syrup using your favorite sugar alternative! Stevia, monkfruit, or any other zero calorie sweetener should do the trick just fine. So, let’s get this party started, shall we?

halved limes on a platter next to a citrus juicer

How to Make Sparkling Limeade at Home

This recipe is super simple to follow. All you’ll need to do is make a simple syrup, add some fresh citrus juice, and top with sparkling water!

Make Simple Syrup

The key to this yummy limeade is to make a simple syrup, but there is no need to turn on the stovetop. Using superfine sugar means that you don’t even need to turn on the stove because the smaller granules dissolve more easily in liquid. Simply add hot water and superfine cane sugar and combine.

TIP: Don’t have any superfine sugar? Make your own by using regular granulated sugar and a food processor. You can also opt for a liquid sweetener like honey, agave, or maple syrup, but note that your limonada may take on some of the added flavor of these other ingredients.

Try using a mason jar and shake the mixture or simply combine in a bowl. Once the sugar is dissolved then it’s time to make this easy limonada.

TIP: Want to get a jump on making this easy limeade? Make the simple syrup up to a week in advance and store in the refrigerator.

Assemble the Drink

Now that you’ve done the “hard part” of making simple syrup (is that an oxymoron??), you’re ready to rock! Simply squeeze the lime juice into a pitcher.

TIP: To get the most juice out of your limes, lemons or other citrus, give them a firm roll on the countertop for about 10 to 15 seconds before cutting them in half for juicing. I highly recommend a lime squeezer!

Add the simple syrup, then top with mineral water when you’re ready to serve! Add a few slices of lime into the pitcher as garnish. Stir well and serve over ice. Enjoy!

mason jar with a handle filled with sparkling limeade and round lime slices on a picnic blanket next to a carafe of limonada

TIP: Making a big batch for a gathering? Feel free to keep a pitcher of the lime flavored simple syrup in a squeeze bottle for people to make their own.

Leave out a bucket of ice with a scoop, some chilled bottles of mineral water and a jigger for folks to measure in the lime flavoring! Be sure to serve with straws so your guests have a way to stir their made-to-order drinks.

overhead shot of bottles of topo chico in a metal trough of ice

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does Limonada last?

The assembled limeade is best consumed immediately so the mineral water doesn’t lose its fizz. That said, feel free to make the syrup up to a week ahead of time. Citrus juice is also best consumed within 24 hours of juicing, but can last for up to three days in the refrigerator.

What is the best mineral water to use for sparkling limeade?

My suggestion is to steer clear of club soda, as it has added sodium that I don’t find particularly appealing. Any mineral water will do, but I find the big bubbles of Mexican made Topo Chico to be the best!

Do I have to use superfine sugar?

If you want to make simple syrup with just your hot water pitcher and without turning on the stove, yes. Superfine sugar has smaller granules than regular sugar, meaning it will dissolve much more easily in liquid.

That said, you can use a small pot on the stovetop and make simple syrup by boiling regular sugar in water until it dissolves. You can also opt to use a liquid sweetener like agave or honey instead, as they will easily dissolve in warm water. Just note that their individual flavors will impact the final limonada taste.

Can I make this recipe using other citrus juices?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by swapping in lemons, grapefruit, tangerines, oranges, or pomelo for some or all of the limes. Note that sweeter citrus may require less of the simple syrup mixture.

Can I make this limeade into a cocktail?

Heck yeah, you can! Add about 1 ½ ounces of either tequila (my favorite), mezcal, vodka, or rum to the bottom of your glass, then top with sparkling limeade and stir. Yum!

Need more bubbly beverage inspiration?

Check out these other refreshing recipes:

If you made this recipe for my Sparkling Limeade (Limonada con Agua Mineral), let me know how you liked it by commenting below!

Sparkling Limeade (Limonada con Agua Mineral)

5 (1 rating)
Bright, bubbly, and refreshing, this simple Sparkling Limeade (known as “limonada con agua mineral” in Spanish) is my favorite summer beverage. Lightly sweet, beautifully tart and so easy to make, you’re sure to love it as much as I do.
Print Pin Rate
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

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Instructions 

  • Juice limes into a small pitcher or carafe.
  • Make simple syrup by combing hot water and sugar in a mason jar and shake until sugar dissolves or simply combine in a bowl.
  • Add simple syrup to pitcher and top with mineral water when ready to serve.
  • Add a few slices of lime into the pitcher for garnish. Stir well and serve over ice.

Notes

  • Making a big batch for a gathering? Feel free to keep a pitcher of the lime flavored simple syrup in a squeeze bottle for people to make their own.
  • The assembled limeade is best consumed immediately so the mineral water doesn’t lose its fizz. That said, feel free to make the syrup up to a week ahead of time. Citrus juice is also best consumed within 24 hours of juicing, but can last for up to three days in the refrigerator.
Calories: 117kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 4mg, Potassium: 69mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 26g, Vitamin A: 34IU, Vitamin C: 19mg, Calcium: 57mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Yvette Marquez
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Mexican

Photography by Jenna Sparks