Fresh Orange & Sweet Lime Juice Recipe – Quick Summer Cooler

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Fresh Orange & Sweet Lime Juice Recipe – Quick Summer Cooler

Okay, let’s be real. When the Indian summer heat hits, nothing – and I mean nothing – beats a tall glass of fresh juice. This Orange & Sweet Lime Juice is my go-to. It’s unbelievably refreshing, takes minutes to make, and always hits the spot. I first made this when I was craving something light and zesty, and it’s been a family favourite ever since! It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a scorching day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any juice; it’s a little burst of sunshine in a glass! It’s incredibly easy to whip up, needing just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. Plus, it’s naturally packed with Vitamin C – a little health boost alongside all that deliciousness. Honestly, once you taste the difference between fresh juice and store-bought, you’ll never go back.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 2 cups of this amazing juice:

• 2 oranges (nos)
• 2 sweet limes (nos)
• 0.5 teaspoon sugar (approx. 2.5g)
• 1 pinch salt / black salt (approx. 1g)
• Few ice cubes (nos)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Using fresh oranges and sweet limes makes all the difference. You get a brighter, more vibrant flavour that you just can’t replicate with packaged juice.

Now, about the salt… I highly recommend using black salt (kala namak). It adds a lovely, slightly sulphurous tang that complements the citrus beautifully. It’s a little secret my dadi (grandmother) taught me! Regular salt works in a pinch, but black salt really elevates the flavour.

And the sugar? Feel free to adjust it to your liking. I like just a touch to balance the tartness, but you can always add more if you prefer a sweeter juice.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get juicing!

1. First, give your oranges and sweet limes a good wash. Then, cut them in half.
2. Now, grab your hand juicer (or use an electric one if you prefer!). Extract all that lovely juice from each half.
3. Pour the freshly squeezed orange and sweet lime juice into a pitcher. You should get about 1-1.5 cups of juice total.
4. Add the sugar and a pinch of salt (or black salt). Give it a good stir until everything is completely dissolved. No one wants grainy juice!
5. Pop the pitcher into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to chill. Or, if you’re impatient like me, just add ice cubes directly to your glasses before pouring.
6. Finally, pour the juice into glasses filled with ice and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Want to make this juice even better? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

• Maximum Juice: Gently roll the oranges and sweet limes on the counter before cutting them. This helps break down the membranes and release more juice.
• Sweetness & Tartness: Taste as you go! Add more sugar a little at a time until you reach your perfect balance. Remember, sweet limes can vary in sweetness.
• Don’t Over-Stir: Once the sugar is dissolved, avoid over-stirring. It can make the juice a little bitter.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to spice things up:

• Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan!
• Spice it Up: My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny piece of ginger (about ½ inch) to the juice while blending for a little zing. A few mint leaves are also fantastic.
• Festival Adaptations: During summer festivals like Baisakhi or Teej, I sometimes add a splash of rose water for a fragrant twist.
• Other Citrus: Feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits like grapefruit or mandarin oranges.

Serving Suggestions

This juice is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Spicy Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras.
• A light lunch like a salad or sandwich.
• A cooling dessert like shrikhand (Indian yogurt dessert).

Storage Instructions

Fresh juice is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavour might diminish slightly over time.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is it better to use seeded or seedless oranges? Seedless are definitely easier, but seeded oranges work just fine! Just strain the juice before serving.
• Can I use honey or another sweetener instead of sugar? Absolutely! Honey, maple syrup, or even stevia are great alternatives. Adjust the amount to your taste.
• What’s the best way to chill the juice quickly? Add plenty of ice cubes to your glasses, or chill the juice in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes (but don’t let it freeze!).
• Can I make this juice ahead of time? It’s best fresh, but you can juice the oranges and sweet limes ahead of time and store the juice separately in the fridge for a few hours. Add the sugar and salt just before serving.
• What is the difference between sweet lime and mosambi? Sweet lime (also known as mosambi in many parts of India) is a citrus fruit with a sweet, slightly tart flavour and a thin, greenish-yellow skin. They are very similar, and often used interchangeably!