Brazilian Lemonade
on Apr 27, 2023, Updated Sep 06, 2024
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This Brazilian Lemonade lives up to the hype! And, yes, it’s made with limes, not lemons BUT I’m not lying to you. The reason why Brazilian Lemonade is called a lemonade and not a limeade is due to the translation. In Portuguese, limão is the term for 🍋🟩 lime, so everyone calls it limonada. In Bulgaria, we also call any type of citrus drink limonada, which is generally a broad term for any lime or lemon juice. While the name may confuse, what is totally clear is how utterly 😋 delicious this is. It’s creamy, citrusy, and so refreshing. Traditionally, Brazilian lemonade uses whole limes — pith, peel, and all — but I decided to remove the lime peels prior to blending, as the limes in Canada have really thick skin and can be extremely bitter.
Why You’ll Love Brazilian Lemonade
It takes just 3 simple ingredients to make this sensational Brazilian Lemonade, which will have you doing the 💃 samba after one sip. This drink is zesty and sweet, making it the perfect thirst-quencher for hot days. The balance of tart limes with the rich sweetened condensed milk creates a frothy treat that’s incredibly refreshing and flavorful. Plus, it’s versatile: you can enjoy it as is, add a splash of your favorite liquor to make it into a cocktail, or add some bubbly water for some 🫧 fizz.
How to Prepare
🍋🟩 Use a zester to zest 2 limes and reserve.
🔪 Now, using a paring knife, remove the peels and pith (the white coating between the lime flesh and peel) from 4 limes.
💧 Add the peeled limes to a blender with cold water and then blend for 20 to 30 seconds.
👩🍳 Place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the blended liquid through the strainer.
🧊 Pour the strained liquid back into the blender with ice, the reserved lime zest, and the sweetened condensed milk. Blend again until frothy.
😋 Enjoy with extra ice and if you’re in the mood, you can absolutely add a splash of your favorite alcohol too.
Nonna’s Tip 🍋🟩
You don’t have to remove the lime peels but I prefer to, as it can be really bitter. If you want to add the limes in whole, do NOT blend for more than 20 seconds before straining.
Variations and Substitutions for Brazilian Lemonade
- If you are not a fan of (or cannot tolerate) sweetened condensed milk, I would definitely try this drink with a can of 🥥 coconut milk and some sweetener instead. Let me know how it turns out!
- Feel free to add a splash of any 🥃 alcohol of choice to turn this Brazilian Lemonade into a cocktail.
- You can absolutely use 🍋 lemons instead of limes. You may have to adjust the sweetness.
- Add a handful of fresh 🌿 mint leaves or a splash of sparkling water for some fizz.
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Best Served With
- A variety of ☀️ summer dips such as my Healthy Green Goddess Dip, Whipped Feta Dip with Grapes, or Grilled Eggplant Dip.
- Add a splash of 🍹 non-alcoholic or alcoholic rum, vodka, or tequila to this Brazilian Lemonade.
Common Questions
Yes, you can substitute limes with lemons or a mix of both for a slightly different flavor profile. Keep in mind that other citrus fruits may alter the taste and sweetness level.
If you find the drink too sweet, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or add more cold water.
The leftover lime pulp can be used in smoothies or as a marinade for grilled chicken or pineapple. Alternatively, you can compost it.
If you are not a fan of (or cannot tolerate) sweetened condensed milk, you can certainly try making this drink with a can of coconut milk (or cream) and some sweetener.
Brazilian Lemonade
Ingredients
- 4 limes
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- ice
- 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk , 300 ml
Instructions
- Zest 2 of the limes and reserve. Now, take all 4 limes and remove the peels and pith (the white coating between the lime flesh and peel).
- Add the peeled limes to a blender with the cold water. Blend for 20 to 30 seconds. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the blended liquid through the strainer. You should be left with a little bit of pulp which you can use for other recipes or compost.
- Pour the strained liquid back into the blender with ice, the reserved lime zest and the sweetened condensed milk. Blend until frothy.
- Enjoy with extra ice and if you're in the mood, you can absolutely add a splash of your favorite alcohol too.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made a big batch of this drink for a barbecue and everyone loved it! Was also delicious with a splash of rum for the adults. Sooo frothy and creamy.
So tart not sweet at all I ended up adding ¾ cups of sugar to sweeten it up and it made the best lime-ade
So glad you made it work for you Madeline! Cheers!
Delicious and very easy! Will be making this for the next family get together.
Love to hear it, Kerry! Thank you for trusting me with that honor! ❤️
Larissa what would be a normal use for the pulp afterwards? I hate to throw anything away that can reused, but being mixed with the condensed milk, is it salvagable for any uses?
You remove it prior to adding the milk
Hi! I’m Brazilian and I just loved to see this recipe here! It’s very refreshing and all restaurants have it!
Sometimes we remove the peel too. If not drinked right alway, the lemonade become very bitter.
But it’s really good!
Best wishes!
Larissa
Hi Larissa, I love that you are giving me feedback especially since this drink is inspired by your beautiful country!