Sparkling Mexican Limeade and Orangeade

When I was growing up, there was no such thing as bottled orange juice. Usually, there was a truck carrying oranges that would go around the neighborhood; the driver would talk into a loudspeaker, announcing that he was selling oranges and mentioning the prices per 100 or 50 oranges. The oranges were already packaged in large sacks, and believe me, they still sell them like that in some areas of Mexico!

In honor of the citrus season, today I’m sharing with you two easy drinks that I absolutely love: Sparkling Limeade and Orangeade. We call them “Limonada and Naranjada Preparada” in Spanish.
Besides the simple or natural varieties of limeade or orangeade, this version is popularly sold at restaurants in Mexico. In some places, like in the state of Tabasco, the server will bring a huge glass to the table. The glass will already have the sugar, lime juice, and ice cubes in it; all the customer has to do is add the mineral water.
Enjoy!

Sparkling Mexican Limeade and Orangeade

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DIRECTIONS:

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First, to make the syrup, place the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Place over medium-high heat and stir until it dissolves. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to simmer for 5 minutes to form a very uniform syrup. Remove from heat and let it cool. (Please check the ingredients list below)
Once the syrup has cooled, place the ice in the glasses, pour the juice (either lime or orange), then add 2 tablespoons of syrup.

Now, slowly pour in the mineral water. It will form bubbles and rise to the top, that’s why it has to be done slowly.
Stir and enjoy!

Mexican Limeade and Orangeade recipe

In honor of the citrus season, today I’m sharing with you two easy drinks that I absolutely love: Sparkling Limeade and Orangeade. We call them Limeade and Orangeade Preparada in Spanish. Besides the simple or natural varieties of limeade or orangeade, this version is popularly sold at restaurants.

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Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: SERVING EACH

Calories: 91kcal

Author: Mely Martínez - Mexico in my Kitchen

Ingredients

SYRUP:

1 cup sugar
1 cup water

LIME FLAVOR:

½ cup ice cubes
2 Tbsp. Syrup
2 Tbsp. Lime juice
1 cup mineral water or club soda

ORANGE FLAVOR:

½ cup ice cubes
2 Tbsp. Syrup
½ cup Orange Juice
1 cup mineral water or club soda

Instructions

First, to make the syrup, place the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Place over medium-high heat and stir until it dissolves. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to simmer for 5 minutes to form a very uniform syrup. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Once the syrup has cooled, place the ice in the glasses, pour the juice (either lime or orange), then add 2 tablespoons of syrup.
Now, slowly pour in the mineral water. It will form bubbles and rise to the top, that’s why it has to be done slowly.

Stir and enjoy!

Notes

I prefer to use the sugar syrup since it dissolves faster in the water, but it is commonly made at home using regular white sugar.
Other versions of similar drinks add lime juice to the glass rim and dip into salt, sugar or a spicy hot powder. I love mine plain.

Tried this recipe?Mention @Mexicoinmykitchen or tag #Mexicoinmykitchen!