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If you want a cool and tangy summertime drink, this smooth Brazilian Lemonade is where it's at. Whip up fresh limes, ice water, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. The result? A bold, sweet-tart sip that seriously wakes up your mouth when regular lemonade just doesn't cut it.
The first time I made this for a backyard cookout, it became a staple for our whole summer. The kids always ask for more limes so we can mix up another batch the next day.
Tasty Ingredients
- Ice: Totally crucial to get that chill and keep your sips nice and frosty
- Sweetened condensed milk: Makes everything super creamy and smooth plus ties those flavors together. Pick one with only sugar and milk in the mix
- Granulated sugar: Cuts the tartness. Try pure cane for the best taste
- Fresh whole limes: They have all the punchy citrus flavor and that pretty green color. Go for limes that are hefty and have shiny skin
- Cold water: Smooths everything out so you don’t get too much zing. Use filtered if you like clean water taste
Simple How-To Steps
- Pour Over Ice:
- Pack your favorite cups with lots of ice, then fill with that creamy lemonade and toss in a couple lime slices for extra color
- Sweetened Condensed Milk Goes In:
- After straining, pour in your sweetened condensed milk and blend again. Let it run for about half a minute until you see a foamy, pale liquid
- Clean and Refuel:
- Swoosh out your blender so nothing weird gets in the mix. Return your strained liquid from the bowl back into the clean blender
- Strain It Out:
- Set up a fine mesh sieve over a bowl. Pour everything you just blended in, letting the juice drip through and leaving the bits behind. Press lightly with a spoon to get every bit of juice out
- Blend Limes and Sugar:
- Toss lime wedges, cold water, and sugar into your blender. Hit blend until the limes are totally mashed and you can see bits of peel swirling around. Takes less than a minute
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Using the whole lime makes the flavor pop more. I’m always extra happy when I pour in the sweetened condensed milk—it takes me right back to family get-togethers as a kid. It's one of those drinks that brings back all those sunny day vibes.
Keep It Fresh
Brazilian Lemonade tastes best if you drink it right after you blend. Leave it with the lime peels too long and it can turn a bit bitter. If you need to keep some for later stash it in the fridge—just no more than a day—and stir before you pour.
Swap-Outs
If you’re out of sweetened condensed milk, try mixing evaporated milk and a little extra sugar—you’ll get a different richness. You could swap white sugar for honey or raw sugar, just for a new twist.
Fun Ways to Serve
Pour it into mason jars with some fun straws for a backyard party. Add mint or extra lime wheels if you want things extra cheerful.
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Background
Even though folks call it lemonade, this Brazilian favorite is all about limes. In Brazil, it's known as limonada suíça. People order it at cafés, and sweetened condensed milk is the classic move to bump up the creamy factor in drinks and desserts over there.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What’s the point of using whole limes, skin included?
Blending in the peel gives your drink a super strong lime flavor and brings a hint of pleasant bitterness, all mellowed out by the sugar and milk.
- → Can the sweetness level be changed?
Totally—add or skip a bit of sugar and condensed milk until the drink’s just how you like it. Taste as you go.
- → Do I really need to strain what I blend?
Yep, straining takes care of any tough bits from the skin and pulp, leaving you with a smooth, not-bitter limeade.
- → Is there a specific water that works best?
Go with filtered or bottled water for the cleanest, freshest taste you can get in your glass.
- → Is it okay to make this drink before I need it?
It tastes best right away, but you can blend and chill it ahead. Just shake it up before pouring because it settles a bit.
- → What fun toppings go with it?
Add a wheel of lime or pop in some mint leaves. They look cool and bump up the fresh vibes in every sip.