homemade limeade AKA mock-a-rita AKA homemade margarita mix

This shit is delicious. That is all.

Homemade Limeade (AKA Mock-A-Rita)

Ingredients

6 c water

2 c sugar

zest of 2 limes

2 c fresh lime juice (takes about 10-14 limes)

1. Making the simple syrup: Combine 2 c of water, the sugar, and the zest in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove zest.
2. Meanwhile get juicing on those limes. It takes forever, trust me.
3. Combine the lime juice with the simple syrup. Add the additional 4 cups of water.

Now…this recipe makes a fairly concentrated mixture. But, I like my limeade sparkling. So, when I pour it into my glass I cut it with about 1/2 seltzer water/club soda. If you add the seltzer too early it loses its bubbles. But, feel free to add seltzer (or replace the 4 additional cups of water with more seltzer) if you are serving it right away.

If you like a little of the hard stuff, use this mixture as a margarita mix and add your favorite tequila to taste. And if you are pregnant or otherwise not drinking, this mixture is great cut with a little more water as a fake-out-margarita. It can be blended with ice in a blender for a frozen marg! Don’t forget to rim the glass (oh how I miss a good margarita).