Brazilian Lemonade
Creamy, tangy, and ice-cold, Brazilian lemonade is made with fresh limes, water, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. It comes together fast in a blender and is especially good on a hot day.
Total
10 min
Servings
4 servings
Level
Easy
Brazilian lemonade is a refreshing lime drink with a creamy twist. Despite the name, it is usually made with limes, not lemons, because limes are common in Brazil and bring a bright, fragrant flavor.
The classic method blends chopped whole limes with water, then strains the mixture. This gives the drink a lively citrus taste from the peel and pulp, but the trick is to blend briefly so it does not turn bitter.
Sweetened condensed milk makes the drink smooth and lightly creamy. Serve it right away over plenty of ice, while the flavor is fresh and the texture is frothy.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
6 items · 4 servings
- 4 medium thin-skinned limes, washed well
- 4 cups cold water, divided
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups ice, plus more for serving
- Lime slices, for serving, optional
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Wash the limes
Scrub the limes well under cool running water, then dry them. Because the peel is blended into the drink, clean limes matter. If your limes have thick, bumpy skin, use 3 instead of 4 to reduce bitterness.
2. Trim and cut the limes
Cut off the hard ends of each lime. Cut the limes into quarters, then remove any visible seeds. Seeds can add a bitter taste, so take out as many as you can.
3. Blend the first batch
Add the cut limes, 2 cups of the cold water, and the sugar to a blender. Pulse 5 to 7 times, just until the limes are broken up. Do not blend until smooth; a short blend gives flavor without pulling too much bitterness from the peel.
4. Strain the lime mixture
Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher. Press gently with a spoon to get the liquid out, but do not squeeze hard. Discard the solids left in the strainer.
5. Blend with milk and ice
Rinse the blender jar if needed. Pour the strained lime liquid back into the blender. Add the remaining 2 cups cold water, the sweetened condensed milk, and 2 cups ice. Blend for 15 to 20 seconds, until cold and frothy.
6. Taste and adjust
Taste the lemonade. Add more sugar if you like it sweeter, or a splash more water if it tastes too strong. Blend briefly again if you make an adjustment.
7. Serve right away
Fill glasses with ice and pour in the Brazilian lemonade. Garnish with lime slices if you like. This drink tastes brightest when served immediately.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: For the freshest flavor, make Brazilian lemonade right before serving. If needed, blend and strain the lime-water-sugar mixture up to 2 hours ahead, then refrigerate. Add the condensed milk and ice just before serving.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, but the flavor may become more bitter as it sits. Stir or blend briefly before serving, because the drink can separate.
- Choose the right limes: Thin-skinned, juicy limes work best. Very thick-skinned limes have more white pith, which can taste bitter.
- Dairy swap: For a dairy-free version, use sweetened condensed coconut milk. It will add a gentle coconut flavor and still give the drink a creamy texture.
- Sugar swap: You can use simple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Start with 1/2 cup simple syrup, then adjust to taste.
- Less creamy version: Use 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk for a lighter drink, or leave it out for a sharper limeade-style drink.
Cook's note
Brazilian lemonade is sometimes called limonada suíça, or Swiss lemonade, in Brazil. Recipes vary by family and blender method. The most important technique is not to overblend the lime peel, since that can make the drink harsh.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Why is it called Brazilian lemonade if it uses limes?
In many places, including Brazil, the words for lemons and limes are used differently than in American English. This drink is traditionally made with limes, which give it a bright, tart flavor.
Can I make Brazilian lemonade without sweetened condensed milk?
Yes. It will taste more like a fresh limeade. You may want to add a little extra sugar or simple syrup to balance the tart lime flavor.
Why did my Brazilian lemonade turn bitter?
The most common reason is overblending the limes. Blend only in short pulses, strain right away, and avoid pressing the solids too hard. Thick-skinned limes can also add bitterness.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh limes are strongly recommended because the peel and pulp give the drink its special flavor. Bottled juice will work in a quick version, but it will taste flatter and less fragrant.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but blend in batches so the blender is not too full. Strain each batch, then combine everything in a large pitcher before adding the condensed milk and ice.
05Keep cooking
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