If you’re looking for a refreshing, tangy drink that’s perfect for a hot day, look no further than Brazilian Lemonade. This isn’t your typical lemonade—it’s a silky-smooth, creamy concoction that’s as sweet and tart as it is refreshing. The secret ingredient? Sweetened condensed milk! It adds a luscious, almost tropical sweetness that perfectly balances the sharp citrusy punch of the limes. It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to sit back, close your eyes, and pretend you’re lounging on a Brazilian beach somewhere, the warm sun kissing your skin. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Why You’ll Love Brazilian Lemonade
This drink is a game-changer, and here’s why:
Creamy and Refreshing
It’s like a hybrid between lemonade and a milkshake, with a smooth, creamy texture that’s perfectly balanced by the refreshing tartness of the lime.
Quick and Easy
This drink comes together in just a few simple steps, so you won’t spend your time in the kitchen—just blend, pour, and enjoy!
Unique and Flavorful
It’s not your average lemonade. The addition of sweetened condensed milk gives it a unique flavor that will have everyone asking, “What’s in this?!”
Customizable
Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a more tart drink, cut back on the sweetened condensed milk. Want it even creamier? Add a little more milk!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a sunny afternoon, a cookout, or a special occasion, this Brazilian Lemonade is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a tropical twist on a classic that’s perfect for almost any occasion.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this creamy Brazilian Lemonade:
For the Lemonade
- Limes: Fresh, juicy limes are the star here. The more ripe and juicy, the better.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is what makes the lemonade extra creamy and perfectly sweet. It’s the secret to that lush, tropical flavor.
- Ice: Ice helps create that cool, refreshing vibe. It also adds to the smooth texture.
- Water: Regular cold water will balance out the flavors. If you want a more intense citrus flavor, you can even add a bit of sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
- Sugar: A little extra sugar helps balance out the tartness. You can adjust this depending on how sweet you like your drinks.
Instructions
Let’s get to making this dreamy Brazilian Lemonade:
Step 1: Prep the Limes
- Cut the Limes: Start by cutting the limes into quarters. You’ll want to remove any seeds, but leave the skins on! The skins contribute to the drink’s vibrant flavor.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the lime quarters, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and ice to a blender.
- Add Water: Pour in the cold water. If you’re using sparkling water for a fizzy touch, you can add that now.
- Blend Away: Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy. You should see a beautiful, frothy mixture that’s a pale yellow color.
Step 3: Strain (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother drink, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any pulp. If you like a bit more texture, feel free to skip this step!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the Brazilian Lemonade into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or a mint sprig for a fresh touch. Now all that’s left is to sip, relax, and enjoy this refreshing tropical drink!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 (depending on serving size)
Calories per serving: 190
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 5mg
Total Carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 34g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin C: 30% of your daily value
Calcium: 6% of your daily value
Potassium: 200mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Blend Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
How to Serve Brazilian Lemonade
This Brazilian Lemonade is perfect for many occasions! Here are a few serving ideas:
With Grilled Meats
The refreshing, creamy texture of this lemonade pairs perfectly with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or even steak. It’s the ideal drink for a BBQ or cookout.
As a Party Drink
Serve it at your next party or get-together. It’s a unique drink that’s sure to stand out and impress your guests. You can even double the recipe to make a big batch!
Poolside or Beachside
There’s something about a tropical drink like this that just screams poolside relaxation. Serve it up in a tall glass with a colorful straw and a slice of lime for a beachy vibe.
For a Brunch Gathering
Brazilian Lemonade is a hit at brunch gatherings—especially when paired with fresh pastries, croissants, or eggs benedict. It’s like an exotic twist on your morning mimosa!
Additional Tips
- Adjust the Sweetness: Not all limes are the same—some are more tart than others. Taste your drink as you go and adjust the sugar or condensed milk accordingly. You can also use honey or agave as a substitute for sugar.
- For a Vegan Version: You can substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk and a bit of agave or maple syrup for a dairy-free version of this drink. It will give you a slight coconut flavor, which is just as tropical!
- Make It a Frozen Drink: Want to turn this into a frozen treat? Simply add extra ice and blend until it reaches a slushy consistency. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
- Make a Bigger Batch: This recipe is super easy to scale up. Just double or triple the ingredients if you’re hosting a larger crowd, and serve it in a pitcher or jug with extra lime wedges for garnish.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh limes?
A1: While fresh limes are ideal for the best flavor, you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch. Just be sure to taste and adjust the sweetness since bottled juice can be more sour.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just give it a good stir before serving to remix the ingredients, as they may settle a bit.
Q3: Can I make this drink without sweetened condensed milk?
A3: Yes! If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute it with coconut milk or regular milk with a little sugar, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Q4: Can I make this into a cocktail?
A4: Absolutely! Add a shot of rum (light or dark) to make it a fun, tropical cocktail. You can also try vodka or tequila for a different twist.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavor might mellow out a bit, but it’s still delicious!
Q6: Can I use sparkling water instead of regular water?
A6: Yes! Using sparkling water adds a fizzy kick and makes the drink even more refreshing. Just make sure to blend the mixture gently to avoid losing too much of the carbonation.
Q7: Is this drink very sweet?
A7: It is on the sweeter side, thanks to the sweetened condensed milk. However, you can adjust the sweetness by adding less sugar or condensed milk if you prefer a less sweet version.
Q8: Can I freeze this drink?
A8: While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the mixture to make popsicles! Just pour the lemonade into popsicle molds, insert sticks, and freeze for a refreshing frozen treat.
Q9: Can I use a blender that’s not very powerful?
A9: Yes! If your blender isn’t super powerful, just make sure to cut the limes into smaller pieces and blend in batches to ensure everything gets blended smoothly.
Q10: What if I don’t have ice?
A10: If you don’t have ice, you can freeze the water in advance in ice cube trays, or just use chilled water and serve the lemonade over cold glasses.
Conclusion
This Brazilian Lemonade is a tropical, creamy, and absolutely refreshing drink that will transport your taste buds straight to paradise. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy this creamy citrus dream—it’s the perfect way to cool off and refresh, no matter the occasion.
PrintBrazilian Lemonade
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Brazilian Lemonade, also known as Limonada Suíça, is a refreshing, tangy, and creamy drink that perfectly balances tart lemon, sweetened condensed milk, and ice. Unlike traditional lemonade, this version is made with whole lemons (peel and all), giving it a unique, zesty flavor. A perfect drink for hot days, parties, or when you’re craving something sweet and citrusy!
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized lemons (preferably fresh and organic)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 cups ice cubes (or more, depending on preference)
- Lime wedges or lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemons:
- Wash the lemons thoroughly. Cut off the ends of each lemon, then cut them into 8 wedges (you’ll be using the whole lemon, peel and all).
- Blend the Ingredients:
- In a blender, add the lemon wedges, cold water, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar.
- Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the lemons are completely broken down and the mixture becomes frothy.
- Strain (Optional):
- For a smoother drink, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any pulp or seeds. If you prefer a more rustic drink with some texture, you can skip this step.
- Add Ice and Blend Again:
- Add ice cubes to the blender and blend again until the ice is crushed and the drink is cold and frothy.
- Serve:
- Pour the Brazilian lemonade into glasses, garnish with lime wedges or lemon slices if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- The sweetened condensed milk adds a creamy texture and sweetness to the lemonade. You can adjust the amount of sugar or condensed milk based on how sweet you like your drink.
- If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the sweetened condensed milk and add a bit of regular milk or coconut milk for creaminess.
- You can store any leftover Brazilian lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh as the texture can change over time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Desserts
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0 g