Name: Brazilian Lemonade
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 Small Limes, washed; 6 Cups Water; 1 Cup White Granulated Sugar; 7 Ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk; 8-Cup Blender; Fine Mesh Sieve; Rubber Spatula or Large Spoon; Large Bowl

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Brazilian Lemonade is a cold, sweet drink bursting with tangy lime flavor. It’s extremely easy and quick to create with only four simple ingredients, making it one of the best summertime drinks.

This refreshing Brazilian Lemonade Recipe uses fresh limes instead of lemons. This creamy, sweet-tart beverage originated in Brazil and has become popular worldwide for its unique taste and simple preparation. It’s the perfect drink on a hot summer day.

The secret to authentic Brazilian Lemonade is the unexpected addition of condensed milk, which creates a smooth texture while balancing the tartness of the limes.

Key Ingredients

Brazilian Lemonade’s signature flavor profile is created by a unique blend of tangy citrus, creamy sweetness, and refreshing coolness.

Limes

Despite its name, Brazilian Lemonade uses whole limes, not lemons. The small, green Persian limes are the preferred choice for this recipe because of their bright, intense flavor.

These limes contain more acid than regular lemons, giving the drink a tangy kick. When selecting limes, look for fruits that feel heavy for their size and have thin, smooth skin. This indicates they’re juicy and fresh.

Brazil’s drink is called “Limonada Suíça” (Swiss Lemonade), though unrelated to Switzerland. The preparation method is crucial: limes are cut into quarters and blended briefly with water.

Pro tip: Don’t over-blend the limes as this releases bitter compounds from the pith and peel. A quick pulse is all you need.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is the secret ingredient that transforms Brazilian Lemonade from an ordinary citrus drink into something special. This thick, creamy ingredient adds richness and balances the tart lime flavor.

Sugar

Sugar plays a dual role in Brazilian Lemonade. First, it balances the sour lime flavor. Second, it works with the sweetened condensed milk to create the drink’s smooth texture.

Granulated white sugar is most commonly used.

You can use alternative sweeteners like honey or agave syrup for a variation, though these will slightly alter the traditional flavor profile.

Water

Temperature tip: Chill your glasses before serving for the most refreshing result. This prevents the ice from melting too quickly.

Items Needed:

8-Cup Blender
Fine Mesh Sieve
Rubber Spatula or Large Spoon
Large Bowl

Simple Steps For Making Brazilian Lemonade (Full Printable Recipe Card Down Below)

Quarter the limes and put them in a blender with 4 cups of water.

Place a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl and slowly pour in the lime mixture.

Press the lime pulp left over in the sieve using a rubber spatula or large spoon to get as much excess juice as possible.

Rinse the blender and add the lime juice mixture from the large bowl back to the blender. Add 2 cups of water, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk to the blender. Blend for about 1 minute on low.

If desired, gently scoop the foam off the top of the blender and enjoy over ice with a slice of lime.

Helpful Tips:

Store in the fridge in a pitcher or jar with a lid for up to 4 days. We don’t freeze this drink, so I’m unsure how it would react (it never lasts long enough).
The foam tastes delicious, but some people don’t like the texture. So, it’s based on preference if you remove it. You can hand-mix to avoid the foam, but I don’t think it tastes as thoroughly mixed when done by hand. I much prefer the blender.
If you don’t mind lime pulp, you can leave it in your drink, but it’s a little too much for me, so I strain it out.
Try to use limes with thinner skins. This reduces the amount of pith on the lime, ensuring your drink doesn’t turn bitter.

Pairing with Food

Brazilian Lemonade works well with many dishes, thanks to its refreshing, tangy-sweet flavor profile. The drink cuts through rich foods and complements light fare equally well.

Perfect Meal Partners:

Brazilian BBQ (churrasco)
Grilled fish tacos
Spicy chicken dishes
Feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew)

The drink’s creamy texture and bright citrus notes make it ideal for balancing heat in spicy dishes. The slight sweetness helps cool the palate after each bite of fiery food.

Brazilian Lemonade pairs with salty snacks like pão de queijo (cheese bread) or coxinha (chicken croquettes) appetizers. The contrast between the salty food and the sweet-tart drink creates a pleasant taste experience.

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Yield: 8 servings