Brazilian Lemonade Recipe
If you’re searching for a truly refreshing, creamy, and citrusy drink to brighten up your day, look no further than Brazilian Lemonade. This beloved Brazilian classic is a dreamy fusion of tart whole limes, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, all whirled together into a cool, irresistible beverage. It’s as zippy as a sunny afternoon and as comforting as a hug from an old friend. Whether you’re serving it poolside, at a backyard party, or just treating yourself to something special, one sip and you’ll see why Brazilian Lemonade captures hearts everywhere it goes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Ingredients
- 4 limes (washed and quartered)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- Ice cubes for serving
How to Make Brazilian Lemonade
Step 1: Prep the Limes
Start by thoroughly washing your limes to remove any wax or residue. Quarter each lime, leaving the peel on — the peel is what gives Brazilian Lemonade its signature punch of flavor and a gorgeous pale green color.
Step 2: Blend with Sugar and Water
Place the quartered limes into your blender, add the cold water, and sprinkle in the granulated sugar. Pulse the mixture 4 to 5 times — just enough to break down the limes and release their juices and fragrant oils, but not so much that you pulverize the peels, which can make the drink bitter.
Step 3: Strain for Smoothness
Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher, making sure to press down on the solids to extract every drop of delicious citrusy liquid. Discard the leftover solids; all you want is that vibrant, tangy juice.
Step 4: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Stir the sweetened condensed milk into the strained lime mixture until it’s fully dissolved. This is where Brazilian Lemonade transforms from ordinary limeade to something creamy and totally crave-worthy. The milk not only sweetens the drink but gives it that dreamy, silky body.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice
Pour your freshly made Brazilian Lemonade over a tall glass of ice cubes. For the best flavor and color, enjoy right away while it’s at its freshest and most vibrant!
How to Serve Brazilian Lemonade
Garnishes
For a touch of extra flair, garnish each glass with a slice of lime on the rim or a small sprig of fresh mint. A few thinly sliced lime wheels floating in the pitcher look stunning and hint at the citrusy burst within. If you’re feeling playful, a dusting of lime zest on top adds a pop of color and aroma.
Side Dishes
Brazilian Lemonade shines alongside summer favorites like grilled meats, savory cheese bread, crispy fried snacks, or fresh fruit platters. It’s the perfect partner for a Brazilian-inspired barbecue or any meal where bold, bright flavors are the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, serve Brazilian Lemonade in mason jars, tall tumblers, or even hollowed-out lime shells for a whimsical touch. Try adding colorful paper straws or cocktail umbrellas to make every sip feel festive. For an adult twist, a splash of rum or vodka turns this into a tropical cocktail everyone will talk about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Brazilian Lemonade is best enjoyed immediately, but if you have leftovers, store them in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator. Keep in mind the lime can become bitter over time, so try to finish it within a few hours for the best flavor.
Freezing
While it’s not common to freeze Brazilian Lemonade, you can pour leftovers into ice cube trays and freeze. These lemonade cubes are fantastic for chilling your next batch or blending into slushies for a frosty treat!
Reheating
This drink is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If your lemonade has separated in the fridge, just give it a good stir before serving over fresh ice.
FAQs
Why is it called Brazilian Lemonade if it uses limes?
In Brazil, what we call limes are often referred to as “limão,” which is their word for lemon. So while the recipe uses limes, the name Brazilian Lemonade has stuck — and it certainly has a lovely ring to it!
Can I make Brazilian Lemonade dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free twist, simply swap the sweetened condensed milk for sweetened coconut milk or any other creamy dairy-free alternative. The result is just as luscious, with a hint of tropical flair.
How do I prevent my Brazilian Lemonade from turning bitter?
The secret is not to over-blend the limes and to serve the lemonade right away. Blending too long breaks down the peel too much, which can add bitterness. Strain promptly and enjoy fresh for the best flavor.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
You can prepare the lime-sugar-water mixture a couple of hours ahead and keep it chilled, but wait to add the sweetened condensed milk until just before serving. This keeps your Brazilian Lemonade tasting the freshest and creamiest.
Is there a way to make this into a cocktail?
Yes! Add a splash of rum or vodka to your Brazilian Lemonade for an instant party upgrade. It’s a crowd-pleasing cocktail that still keeps all the creamy, citrusy charm of the original.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Brazilian Lemonade before, let this be the summer you fall in love with its creamy, zesty goodness. It’s simple, stunning, and guaranteed to bring smiles to any table. Gather your limes and give it a whirl — you’ll want to make this refreshing treat again and again!
Print
Brazilian Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brazilian Lemonade is a refreshing, creamy limeade made with fresh limes, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of sugar. This vibrant drink is quick to prepare and perfect for cooling down on hot summer days, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 limes (washed and quartered)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the limes: Wash the limes thoroughly and cut each lime into quarters to ensure easy blending and maximum flavor extraction.
- Blend the mixture: Place the quartered limes, cold water, and granulated sugar into a blender. Pulse about 4 to 5 times until the limes are broken down but not fully pureed, avoiding bitterness.
- Strain the juice: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing the solids gently to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the remaining solids to avoid bitterness.
- Add condensed milk: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined to achieve a creamy texture and balanced sweetness.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lemonade over the ice. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest, most vibrant flavor.
Notes
- Brazilian lemonade is best enjoyed fresh, as the limes can turn bitter if it sits too long.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute sweetened condensed milk with sweetened coconut milk.
- Add a splash of rum or vodka for a refreshing cocktail variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
