Top 10 Lime Juice Recipes

This summer is the best time to introduce our top 10 lime juice recipes. Our collection is versatile, made up of lemonades, cocktails, and healthy drinks.

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From breakfasts to parties, you can use them to add vibrant, zesty taste to your summer.

All these great flavors can be achieved from the comfort of your home, too. Extracting lime juice requires little and sometimes no equipment so you can start your juicing regimen right away.

Read on to learn how to make delicious lime drinks using these recipes. But first, let’s debunk some myths about this juice.

Lime Juice Benefits

Lime juice offers a plethora of health benefits. Some of its primary characteristics include antibacterial, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects.

It even has topical benefits when applied carefully. So, it goes without saying that you could profit from always having limes on hand.

1. For Acne

Although lime juice has traditionally been used to treat acne, the scientific research supporting this is few and far between.

But one 2017 study indicated that it inhibited the growth of acne due to its oils and citric acid. This confirms the age-old practice of using this juice as a spot treatment and supports its use in cosmetic products.

However, take caution when applying it topically; mix with equal parts of water to use as a toner. Dab small amounts of this juice on acne scars as a spot treatment.

Even so, it may be harsh for sensitive skin types. So, always consult a physician before relying on this juice as a permanent remedy.

2. For Skin

Dermatologists profess vitamin C to be among the best anti-aging remedies. It’s a brightening agent that can help to combat hyperpigmentation and bring your “glow” back.

But the link between consuming lime juice and improving skin health is distant. It’s unlikely that lime juice’s vitamin C will still be present in amounts high enough to impact your skin after consumption.

There’s some anecdotal evidence that applying lemon juice may lighten dark skin patches to even your skin tone. But we urge you to practice caution whenever applying it, as it has been shown to induce phytodermatitis, an inflammation of the skin after sun exposure.

3. For Weight Loss

It is a myth that drinking lime juice can help reduce weight, and there’s no direct research linking the two. But the juice is rich in polyphenols, and their association with weight loss has led people to make their own conclusions.

However, citric acids (also in this juice) boost metabolism. Health experts recommend drinking lime water to help store less fat and encourage weight loss.

Lime water is also tastier than plain water, which may encourage you to drink more of it throughout the day.

4. For Spicy Food

If you’ve ever bitten into a spicy chicken wing, your first instinct may have been to rush for some cold water. And you might have been surprised to find the water didn’t alleviate the feeling of heat that follows after consuming spicy foods.

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Lime juice, however, could have been more effective. Here’s why:

Spicy foods contain capsaicin, a non-water-soluble alkaloid. This means drinking water has no effect on capsaicin and doesn’t cause it to dissolve.

You’d need an acidic component to counteract the vanilloid from capsaicin and relieve the spicy taste in your mouth. This acid is found in foods like yogurt and lime.

So, next time you’re feeling peppery, remember to have a lime wedge on hand.

Now, given you did have a lime wedge, just how much juice would it yield? Let’s find out.

How Much Juice Is in One Lime?

If you squeeze 44 grams of lime juice from one large lime, you’d get three tablespoons of juice, equal to 1.5 fluid ounces. A medium-sized lime gives two tablespoons of juice, equal to 1 fluid ounce, and a small one gives roughly one and a half tablespoons, equating to 0.75 fluid ounces.

We can get a clearer understanding by converting across unit measurements (ounces, cups, spoons, etc.).

Here’s a quick summary of lime juice yields for medium limes:

• 1/2 lime = 0.5 oz juice
• 1 lime = 1 oz juice
• 1/2 lime = 1 tbsp juice
• 1 lime = 2 tbsp juice
• 2 limes= 1/4 cup juice
• 8 limes = 1 cup juice

When following a recipe, “the juice of one lime” usually refers to a medium-sized one. You can also substitute it for two tablespoons of bottled lime juice.

When you’ve bought the appropriate amount of limes for juicing, the next step is to extract the juice.

How to Juice a Lime

There are a few ways to juice a lime, all somewhat effective. The modern electric juicing approach claims to give the best squeeze out of your lime, and maybe it does.

But the old slice-and-squeeze method works just as well, with some pulpy bits in there if you’re lucky. So, here are three ways we know to juice a lime:

1. Squeezing

Squeezing a lime is the quickest way to extract its juice.

You start with gentle force as you roll the fruit back and forth against a hard surface. (It loosens the membranes to draw out more liquid.)

Then, slice it in half or into wedges and use your hand to squeeze the this juice into a cup.

One hack is to cut off 1/3 of the lime lengthwise. Then, turn it ninety degrees so the cut side faces up.

Slice 1/3 of it again and rotate it ninety degrees, this time cutting it in half. Then, turn it once more and slice in half.

You’ll get a lot more squeeze from the smaller wedges than from slicing it into two halves. Try it!

2. Presser

Alternatively, you can use a citrus press after slicing the lime. Place half the lime onto the citrus press with the cut section facing up.

Then, squeeze together both handles until all the juice comes out.

3. Reamer

A citrus reamer or spike might give you a slightly larger volume of lime juice than the previous methods. If you’re aiming for a smooth drink, however, use a mesh sieve after juicing to remove any pulp.

To extract juice, place the lime onto the reamer with the cut side down. Then, gently twist until you’ve squeezed out all the juice.

Once juiced, the extract is ready for use. This next part sheds light on the nitty-gritty that makes all the difference as to whether you should incorporate this juice into your diet.

Lime Juice Nutrition

Lime juice is refreshing to the palate and body. It has been adopted as a form of traditional medicine native to Mexico and embraced worldwide.

Below is how it nourishes while remaining low in carbs and overall calories.

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1. Carbs

Carbohydrates are an essential energy source for our bodies, the most common being sugars, fiber, and starch. This juice is a healthy source of minimal carbohydrates, which is excellent for low-carb diets.

The juice of one large lime yields just 3.7 grams of carbohydrates, with only 20% of them being sugars.

This explains why you can barely taste its sweetness. Yet it makes lime juice an excellent choice to incorporate into daily beverages.

This juice also has zero starch, with a small amount of fiber contributing 5% of its carbohydrates.

2. Calories

Low carbs result in low calories, and the same goes for lime juice. You squeeze only eleven zesty calories of juice from one large lime.

These calories are low in sodium and virtually fat free, which gives more reason for lime juice being a healthy dressing or vinaigrette option.

It also makes an appropriate choice for people watching their weight. A few tablespoons in your glass of water create a tasty drink you can continuously sip without the risk of piling up calories.

3. The pH

The pH of an ingredient measures its acidity. For instance, a high pH (8-14) indicates that it’s basic/alkaline, whereas a low pH (0-6) means it’s acidic.

The only neutral at a pH of 7 is pure water.

Lime juice has a pH of approximately 2 to 2.8, making it acidic. So, you can add it to high-pH foods, like seafood, to preserve them.

One misconception about this juice is that, because it’s acidic, it will remain acidic after digestion. But its low pH actually causes it to form alkali residue after passing through the stomach.

The same effect takes place with alkalis; milk leaves an acidic residue.

Though pH influences taste, you can’t predict how sour something is just by its pH. For instance, some acids taste more sour than others at the same pH.

Still, the sourness of this juice can drastically change the essence of a recipe. Thus, bartenders usually add it to alcohol to enhance the flavor profile.

Easy and Delicious Lime Juice Recipes

Summer is here, and with it, the need for refreshing beverages. These lime juice recipes are just that.

They’re delicious and easy to make while staying ideal for the hot summertime.

Note, however, that some recipes include alcohol, so you should consume those drinks in moderation. Alcohol is not ideal for quenching thirst; instead, supplement with water to keep your body hydrated at all times.

1. Best Recipe: Fresh Lime Juice (4 Servings)

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You can call this fresh lime juice a limeade. It has the ideal balance of sour and sweet, with a tangier edge that competes with the popular lemonade flavor.

2. Vodka and Lime Juice (4 Servings)

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Our vodka and lime juice is a hassle-free summer cocktail that’s just right for cooling off. The fresh juice tartly dresses the vodka and creates a somewhat crisp, cooling beverage.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup lime juice, fresh
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 fl oz vodka
• 8 tsp sugar
• 4 tsp spearmint leaves, fresh
• 1 cup ice, crushed

Instructions:

1. In a large jug, combine all ingredients, except spearmint and ice. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
2. Hold the mint in the palm of your hand. Clap your hands gently to awaken the mint aroma.
3. Add mint and ice to the jug.
4. Divide into 4 iced glasses and serve.

3. Sweetened Lime Juice (4 Servings)

With just a few ingredients, you can achieve homemade sweetened lime— the secret behind tangy marinades and dipping sauces. You can also prepare it ahead of time without the risk of losing its intense flavors.

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Add it to a plain beer or cocktail to complete a sensational beverage.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp lime juice, fresh
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp mint leaves, fresh
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, stir the lime, honey, and sugar together until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the water and stir to combine.Serve over ice and garnish with mint.

4. Tequila and Lime Juice (4 Servings)

Tequila and lime juice is a seamless blend of earthy citrus flavors. You won’t even have to prepare a simple syrup beforehand.

Just mix in sugar with lime for an instant sweetness that’s gentle on the palate.

Ingredients:

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• 6 tbsp lime juice
• 3/4 cup mint leaves
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 4 tsp sugar
• 3/4 cup tequila
• 1 cup club soda
• 2 cups ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Add lime, mint, salt, and sugar into a pitcher and use a spoon to muddle the mint leaves. 
2. Fill four glasses with ice, and pour the lime mixture and tequila in. Slowly pour club soda into each glass.
3. Serve. Add more mint leaves and lime wedges for garnish if desired.

5. Cucumber Lime Juice (4 Servings)

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Cucumber lime juice is a simple family recipe for retaining water during hot summer days. Serve with a meal or as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz cucumber chunks, seedless
• 2 tbsp lime juice, fresh
• 1/2 tbsp mint leaves, fresh
• 1 cup water
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups ice, crushed

Instructions:

1. Add cucumber chunks and mint leaves to the juicer.
2. In a large pitcher, stir together water, lime, and sugar.
3. Fill large glasses with ice and pour in the cucumber lime. Garnish with mint leaves and serve.

6. Watermelon Lime Juice (6 Servings)

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This lime watermelon juice is the perfect summertime refreshment. The calming watermelon taste balances the vibrant lime and sings through with subtle notes that make this drink feel light.

Mix with ice for a more refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• 24 fl oz watermelon juice, from 25-26 oz watermelon
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsps sugar
• 1 tbsp rosemary, fresh
• 2 cups ice

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix sugar with roughly 1/4 cup of watermelon juice. When the sugar dissolves, pour in the rest of the juice and transfer the mixture to a large serving pitcher.
2. Add lime juice, ice, and rosemary sprigs. Serve and enjoy!

7. Rose’s Lime Juice (26 Servings)

This lime cordial is a homemade version of the renowned Rose’s Lime Juice. But you can adjust it and make a batch to store.

You can drink it straight, but it’s even better when you add it to drinks and cocktails. 

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Ingredients:

Simple Syrup (makes 400 ml)

• 1/2 cup water
• 9 oz sugar

Lime Cordial

• 1 1/2 cups simple Syrup
• 2 tbsp citric acid
• 3 tbsp lime zest
• 3 tbsp lime juice, fresh

Instructions:

1.  Start by making a simple syrup. In a small saucepan, add water and sugar. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. 
3. Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend for 30 seconds.
4. Strain and transfer into a bottle for storage.

8. Lemon Lime Juice (8 Servings)

This homemade lime juice is an innovative approach to lemonade. You can finally get the best of both worlds as it combines lime and lemon juices to create a burst of zesty flavors.

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Hopefully, it is to you what we found it to be— a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that will keep you sipping at it.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup lemon juice, fresh
• 1/4 cup lime juice, fresh 
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 cups water

Instructions:

1. Add lime, lemon juice, and sugar into a 2-quart pitcher. Stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Add water and stir to combine. Serve over ice.

9. Fresh Lime Juice Margarita (1 Serving)

This simple and fresh lime juice margarita has only four ingredients: tequila, lime, orange liquor, and syrup. It’s a straightforward cocktail with a simplistic salt rim and a clean-cut lime wedge that’ll have you serving it up as a fashionable cocktail.

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Ingredients:

Simple Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar

Cocktail

• 3 tbsp tequila
• 2 tbsp lime juice, fresh
• 1 tbsp orange liquor
• 1 1/2 tbsp simple syrup

Salt Rim

• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp lime zest

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the simple syrup. In a small saucepan, add water and sugar. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Transfer to a container for storage.
3. Combine all ingredients for the salt rim on a flat surface and mix.
4. Use a lime wedge to moisten the rim of one glass and invert it onto salt rim mixture. Twist to ensure that the rim is fully coated then turn glass back up.
5. Pour tequila, fresh lime, orange liquor, and simple syrup into the prepared glass. Stir to mix.
6. Add ice and garnish with a lime wedge. Sprinkle with lime zest (optional) and serve. 

10. Rum and Lime Juice (1 Serving)

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Another simple cocktail, this recipe uses only three ingredients. The result is a toasty, citrus flavor that you can adjust to your preference using either powdered sugar or syrup.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp light rum
• 1 tbsp lime juice, fresh
• 1/2 tbsp simple syrup
• 1/4 cup ice, crushed

 Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker/mason jar. Shake until chilled.
2. Strain mixture into a chilled cocktail glass and serve. 

Judging from the above lime recipes, it’s incredible what some fresh-squeezed lime can help create. Even with a few limes, you can make a delicious and refreshing drink.

Not to forget how healthy a few sips will get you feeling. Hopefully, they’ll have you sharing these drinks with loved ones, using them for special occasions, or just enjoying some every day.

FAQ

1. Does Lime Juice Go Bad?

Yes, like other fruit juices, this juice spoils. But this mainly depends on storage conditions.

At higher temperatures, bacteria tends to increase, and in some cases, this depletes its nutrient content. The result can be a drink devoid of nutrients or one that has spoilt.

To store it safely, keep it at low temperatures. The lower the temperature, the longer you can preserve lime juice.

You can store it for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and 6 months in the freezer.

2. Is This Juice Good for You?

Certainly, this juice is a naturally healthy ingredient. And you don’t need a lot for it to be effective.

It’s useful in restraining bacteria like E. coli that originate from eating undercooked or contaminated food. Adding this juice is the next best measure after heating food to eliminate pathogens.

But without going into much scientific research, the benefits and nutrition paint a picture of how multifaceted it is. So, it’s always a good idea to keep some lime around, whether to add in sauces, salads, or drinking water.

3. Can You Substitute Lime for Lemon Juice?

Yes, you definitely can. Lime and lemon juices share similar nutrient profiles.

You can usually get away with swapping in lime for lemon juice for foods like salsa and jams.

Some may even fail to distinguish the two because of their similar pH and taste (though lime is more bitter). So, go ahead and use whichever you have readily available, especially when mixing with other ingredients.

In the following top 10 lime juice recipes, however, please try to get a hold of limes! Or you may have to refer to our lemon juice recipes instead.

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