Brazilian Lemonade

By Snejana Andreeva

on Apr 27, 2023, Updated Sep 06, 2024

4.77 from 13 reviews
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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.

Table of Contents

A creamy white Brazilian lemonade drink garnished with lime and mint sits on a wooden tray with ice cubes, lime wedges, and mint leaves. In the background, there’s a glass bottle and another drink on a white surface.

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.

A top-down view of a bowl of crushed ice with a scoop, three whole limes, an open can of sweetened condensed milk, and a glass pitcher of water on a white surface.
A mug with peeled limes sits above a small plate holding a pile of fresh lime zest, all on a light surface.
Top view of a blender with four peeled lime halves and water inside, placed on a light-colored surface.
Top-down view of a blender pitcher filled with Brazilian Lemonade - a light green, frothy liquid, set against a plain white background.

👩‍🍳 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.

A hand holds a metal strainer over a bowl while pouring a foamy liquid from a blender through the strainer, separating pulp from juice.
Top view of a blender containing a pale, frothy liquid with bubbles, set against a white background.
Top-down view of a blender containing Brazilian Lemonade - a pale green liquid with small flecks of lime zest, set against a light background.
A top-down view of a blender filled with Brazilian Lemonade - a frothy, blended milk or a milk-based liquid against a light background.

😋 Enjoy your Brazilian Lemonade 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 they 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

  1. 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!
  2. Feel free to add a splash of any 🥃 alcohol of choice to turn this Brazilian Lemonade into a cocktail.
  3. You can absolutely use 🍋 lemons instead of limes. You may have to adjust the sweetness.
  4. Add a handful of fresh 🌿 mint leaves or a splash of sparkling water for some fizz.

Similar Recipes

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Common Questions

can I make this with lemons instead of limes?

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.

How can I adjust the sweetness?

If you find the drink too sweet, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or add more cold water.

What can I do with the leftover lime pulp?

The leftover lime pulp can be used in smoothies or as a marinade for grilled chicken or pineapple. Alternatively, you can compost it.

can I make this without the sweetened condensed milk?

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.

5 from 13 reviews

Brazilian Lemonade

A creamy white drink garnished with lime and mint is served in a glass on a wooden board, with lime wedges, fresh mint, ice cubes, and a milk bottle in the background.
This drink is creamy, citrusy, and refreshing and uses only 3 simple ingredients: ice, limes, and sweetened condensed milk.
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Makes: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
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VideoEquipmentIngredientsInstructionsNutrition

Video

Equipment

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.

My Notes

Add your personal notes here!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Brazilian Lemonade
Amount per Serving
Calories
21
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.2
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.03
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.04
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.02
g
Cholesterol
 
0.1
mg
0
%
Sodium
 
13
mg
1
%
Potassium
 
69
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
7
g
2
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
0.5
g
1
%
Vitamin A
 
34
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
20
mg
24
%
Calcium
 
30
mg
3
%
Iron
 
0.4
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

4.77 from 13 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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12 Comments

  3. 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.

    Reply

  4. 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

    Reply

  6. 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?

    Reply

  7. 5 stars
    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

    Reply

    1. Hi Larissa, I love that you are giving me feedback especially since this drink is inspired by your beautiful country!

      Reply