Bright and refreshing, this Herbal Limeade recipe makes a perfect mocktail or cocktail mixer. Made with fresh limes and garden herbs, a pitcher of this will become your go-to sipper all spring and summer long.
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I’ll never forget the first time I tried Peruvian chicken.
My brother took me to this teeny tiny joint near his place in D.C., and it’s where I fell in love with the flavorful chicken, the sweet plantains, the canary beans, the cilantro rice… Incredible.
After returning to Charlotte, I longed for food like that. I soon discovered Viva Chicken, a Utah chain with a bunch of franchises here in North Carolina.
Last year a location opened up near us, and my husband and I go at least once a month to get our chicken fix.
Their Peruvian chicken fulfills all my memories of that amazing spot in D.C., but one thing stood out: the beverages.
Next to the cash registers stand several drink machines swishing around colorful, freshly mixed juices. You can’t miss them.
The first time I ate at Viva Chicken, a staff member sweetly offered me samples of each one.
Their golden maracuya is made with passionfruit juice. The magenta chicha morada is a mix of purple corn, pineapple and cinnamon.
And then there’s the bright green herbal limeade, made with basil, mint and rosemary.
Don’t get me wrong: I love them all, but I just can’t get enough of that herbal limeade on my visits. It’s a perfect companion to the spiced chicken and of course those sweet plantains.
These juices are some of the most popular cocktail mixers in Charlotte and I can see why. Each one is easily paired with bourbon, tequila, rum or vodka for a delightful cocktail.
A few months ago, Chris and I stopped in during an annoying day of car shopping and I decided: I NEED to know how to make this incredible herbal limeade.
So I set out to replicate the incredible herbal flavors and that true green color at home. I am so excited to have figured out this copycat Viva Chicken herbal limeade recipe and couldn’t wait any longer to share it with you!
It will be the perfect green drink to serve at a St. Patrick’s Day party if you so choose! Or you can sip it any time.
What is herbal limeade?
Like lemonade, limeade is made with fresh lime juice and simple syrup.
Herbal limeade is limeade that is blended and infused with three fresh herbs: mint, basil and rosemary.
The result is a homemade version of Viva Chicken’s herbal limeade recipe. If you’re a fan of that, you’ll love drinking this one at home.
I can’t wait to make it during the summer when my herb garden is at its prime!
How to make herbal limeade
Herbal limeade is easy to make. You’ll need a little bit of time, but you can make it with less than 30 minutes of hands-on time.
First, you’ll need to make simple syrup, which you can even make ahead of time. You’ll want it to cool down or you’ll risk “cooking” the herbs. (If they do they’ll turn brown.)
Once the syrup is cooled, throw it into the blender with water, lime zest, fresh lime juice and the herbs. (No stems! An herb stripper is amazing for splitting off the leaves in one fell swoop.)
Blend and strain with a fine mesh strainer. Do it two or three times if needed to remove all the pulp. This is really more personal preference.
And then enjoy it! It’s so good, you will want to make it over and over.
How long does herbal limeade keep?
Store it in the fridge for up to a week. (I use a pitcher like this one.) But if you plan to serve it, make it the same day.
Be warned: Over time, the bright green color from the herbs will turn brown from the cold and from the acidity of the lime juice. It will still taste great, but its color will just be a little less appetizing.
Should you use fresh lime juice or concentrate?
Fresh is always better, if you ask me.
However, I am all for saving time, so if you can find lime juice in your grocery store, go for it. The flavor will only be marginally different.
If you do opt for juicing at home, you won’t regret the fresh flavor. I use a hand-squeezer, but an electric juicer would be easier on your hand muscles!
How to drink herbal limeade
This herbal limeade recipe is fantastic on its own. Me, I like it chilled, without ice.
You can serve it as a non-alcoholic mocktail. Top it with a little club soda to make it sparkling.
Jazzing it up with some booze is also perfectly acceptable. I’ve been using it in lieu of lime juice in margaritas and mojitos.
No matter how you serve it up, its green color is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!
More citrus drink recipes
Herbal Limeade
ingredients
- 10 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 10 sprigs basil
- 10 sprigs mint
- 2 cups simple syrup
- 2 cups fresh squeezed lime juice approximately 16-20 limes
- 2 teaspoons lime zest from about 2 limes
- 3 cups cold water
instructions
- Wash and pat dry the herbs with a paper towel, then remove the leaves from the stems. (An herb stripper comes in handy!)
- In a blender, combine herb leaves, simple syrup, lime juice, zest and water.
- Pour the limeade into a pitcher or jar through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp. Repeat the straining process if desired.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
notes
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Beverly Megonnell Campbell says
how much lime juice?
Susannah says
Hey Beverly! 2 cups, or around 16-20 limes.
Margo says
I also freeze the herbal limeade in large ice cube trays, drop a couple in a glass of water and you get a lovely hint without it being so sweet.
Susannah says
Hey Margo! I love that tip. So smart! I will definitely try that next time I make this or bring some home from Viva Chicken! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Kathryn Brown says
What is considered a sprig of each herb? Thank you, I’m so excited to make this at home. I, too, am obsessed with their limeade!!
Susannah says
Hey Kathryn! I am so happy to hear I am not alone in my limeade love. I consider a sprig to be about 4-6 inches long for rosemary, basil and mint. A sprig of mint or basil would likely have 6-8 leaves, so you can use that to adjust depending on how sparse or full they are, and how herbaceous you want your limeade. I hope that helps!
Whitney North says
I can’t wait to make this herbal juice. Will you please tell me how many weeks I can store it in my refrigerator?
Susannah says
Hey Whitney, you can store it in your refrigerator for up to one week. Hope you enjoy!
Sam says
This drink is THE most refreshing!
Meg says
I am LITERALLY drinking this now and searching for a copycat recipe. SO GOOD. I cant wait to try your version. It’s delicious and refreshing
Susannah says
Hey Meg! I am SO happy to hear that! It’s one of my absolute favorites.
S says
Oh, how fun to find a cooking blogger from Charlotte! I look forward to browsing the rest of your site. Thank you for posting this recipe! 🙂
Susannah says
Hey S! Thank you so much for saying hi! There are actually quite a lot of food bloggers in Charlotte. You can find more of us at cltfoodbloggers.com. 🙂
Kate Bruski says
When I was visiting Peru and Bolivia, I had a similar beverage. I am delighted to find this recipe! Thank you 😀
Susannah says
I’m so glad to hear this, Kate! Thanks so much for the comment.