Lemon lime juice is fresh lemon and lime juice mixed together, usually diluted with water and lightly sweetened, like a homemade lemonade-limeade. The mix tastes brighter and more complex than either citrus alone. Here is a quick recipe, how much juice you get from each fruit and what the drink can and cannot do for your health.
Quick answer: Squeeze 2 lemons and 2 limes (about ½ cup / 120 ml of juice), stir into 3 cups (720 ml) cold water with 2–3 tablespoons honey or sugar, and serve over ice. Makes about 4 cups. One lemon gives about 3 tablespoons of juice and one lime about 2 tablespoons.
Homemade Lemon Lime Juice Recipe
| Prep time | 10 minutes |
| Equipment | Citrus juicer or reamer, pitcher |
| Yield | About 4 cups (1 liter), 4 servings |
Ingredients
- 2 lemons
- 2 limes
- 3 cups (720 ml) cold water or sparkling water
- 2–3 tablespoons honey, sugar or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice, plus lemon and lime slices and mint to serve
Instructions
- Roll each fruit firmly on the counter for 10 seconds to release more juice.
- Cut in half and squeeze with a citrus press or reamer. Strain out seeds.
- If using honey, dissolve it in ¼ cup of warm water first so it mixes evenly.
- Combine the juice, sweetener and cold water in a pitcher. Taste and adjust.
- Serve over ice with citrus slices. Use sparkling water for a homemade lemon-lime soda.
How Much Juice Is in a Lemon and a Lime?
| Fruit (medium) | Juice per fruit | To get ½ cup (120 ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon | About 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) | 3–4 lemons |
| Lime | About 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) | 4–6 limes |
| Key lime | About 2 tsp (10 ml) | 12 or more |
For full conversion tables see how much lemon juice is in one lemon and how many ounces of juice are in a lime. A citrus juicer makes this much faster if you squeeze often.
Nutrition
| Per 100 ml raw juice | Lemon juice | Lime juice |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | About 22 kcal | About 25 kcal |
| Vitamin C | About 39 mg | About 30 mg |
| Sugars | About 2.5 g | About 1.7 g |
Health Benefits: What the Evidence Supports
- Vitamin C: a glass made with this recipe gives roughly 15–20 mg of vitamin C, about a fifth of the daily value (NIH ODS).
- Hydration: a flavored drink can help people who struggle to drink plain water.
- Kidney stones: lemon and lime juice contain citrate. Some studies suggest diluted lemon juice can raise urine citrate, which helps prevent certain kidney stones; ask your doctor if you have a history of stones.
- Detox and weight loss: citrus juice does not detox your body or burn fat. If it replaces soda, though, you will drink less sugar. Our lemon cucumber guide and green juice for weight loss cover lighter options.
Side Effects and Tips
- Tooth enamel: citrus acid can erode enamel. Drink with a straw, rinse your mouth with water after, and wait 30 minutes before brushing.
- Heartburn: acidic drinks can trigger reflux in some people.
- Medication: unlike grapefruit, lemon and lime are not known for major drug interactions, but check with your pharmacist if you are unsure.
Storage
Fresh lemon and lime juice keeps 2–3 days in a sealed jar in the fridge, and the mixed drink is best within 24 hours. Freeze extra juice in ice-cube trays for up to 4 months. See does lemon juice go bad? and can lime juice go bad?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lemon lime juice the same as lemon-lime soda?
No. Lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7Up) is carbonated, sweetened and flavored. Homemade lemon lime juice uses real fruit juice, so you control the sugar. Compare the sodas in 7Up vs Sprite.
Can I use bottled lemon and lime juice?
Yes, but the flavor is flatter and some brands contain preservatives. Fresh juice tastes noticeably brighter.
Is it OK to drink lemon lime water every day?
For most people, yes. Dilute it well and protect your teeth by rinsing with plain water afterwards.
