This creamy, tangy Brazilian Lemonade is exactly what you need when the heat hits and regular lemonade just won't do. It's sweet and refreshing with a tropical twist that comes from blending whole limes with sweetened condensed milk, and I first tried it at a friend's backyard barbecue where everyone kept going back for seconds. The best part? You only need three ingredients and about ten minutes to make a pitcher that serves six.
If you're looking for more refreshing drinks, you'll also love this Creamy Caribbean Carrot Juice Recipe or this Best Homemade Peach Lemonade Recipe for sunny afternoons.
Why You will Love This Brazilian Lemonade !
This easy lemonade recipe comes together faster than you can say "summer refreshment." There's no cooking, no fancy equipment beyond a blender, and the ingredient list is so short you probably have everything already. The sweetened condensed milk does all the work of sweetening and creating that signature creamy texture without any extra steps.
It's also incredibly forgiving. If your limes are extra tart, the sweetness balances it. If they're mild, you still get that fresh lime lemonade flavor. Kids love it because it tastes like a treat, and adults appreciate how it's not cloyingly sweet like some cold lime drinks can be.
Plus, it's a great conversation starter. Most people have never tried a creamy lime drink before, and watching their faces when they take that first sip is always fun.
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Brazilian Lemonade Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this refreshing summer beverage.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
Limes: Fresh limes give this drink its bright, tangy base. You'll use the whole fruit (peel and all), which is what makes the flavor so bold. Make sure to wash them well.
Water: Helps blend everything smoothly and keeps the drink from being too thick or intense. Cold water works best.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is what makes Brazilian lemonade different from regular lemonade. It adds creamy sweetness and that unique tropical flavor. The thick, sugary milk balances the tartness perfectly.
how to make Brazilian Lemonade
Making this condensed milk Brazilian Lemonade is easier than you think.
- Prep your ingredients: Gather your limes, water, and sweetened condensed milk. Wash the limes thoroughly under cool water, scrubbing the skins gently.
- Quarter the limes: Cut each lime into four pieces. You'll be blending the whole fruit, so don't worry about removing seeds or peel at this stage.
- Add to blender: Toss the lime quarters, water, and entire can of sweetened condensed milk into your blender. Make sure the lid is secure.
- Blend briefly: Pulse on high for just 15 seconds. You want to break up the limes and mix everything together, but you don't want to pulverize the peel too much or it'll taste bitter.
- Strain the mixture: Pour everything through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl. Use a spoon or spatula to press gently and tap the sides to get all the liquid through. You might need to work in batches. The pulp and peel will stay in the strainer, and that's what you want.
- Serve over ice: Pour about 1 cup of the strained lemonade into glasses filled with ice. The drink should be pale green and slightly cloudy. Enjoy immediately while it's cold and fresh.
Substitutions and Variations
No sweetened condensed milk? You can try coconut milk for Brazilian lemonade coconut milk version, though you'll need to add sugar separately since coconut milk isn't sweet. Start with ½ cup sugar and adjust to taste.
Want to use lemons? While authentic Brazilian lemonade uses limes, you can make Brazilian lemonade with yellow lemons for a milder, less tangy version. The color will be more golden than green.
Looking for an adult version? Add 1-2 ounces of white rum or cachaça per serving for Brazilian lemonade alcohol. Some people also enjoy it with vodka.
Need a dairy-free option? Try making Brazilian lemonade without condensed milk by using coconut cream and agave syrup, though the texture won't be quite the same.
Want it without a blender? Making Brazilian lemonade without blender is trickier but possible. Juice the limes, whisk the juice with water and condensed milk, and strain. The flavor will be less complex since you're not using the peel. great idea to link out to another blogger with a similar recipe that fits a different diet.
Equipment FOr Brazilian Lemonade
Blender: Any standard blender works. You don't need anything fancy or high-powered.
Strainer: A fine-mesh strainer is best for catching all the pulp and peel pieces. A regular colander won't work as well.
Bowl: You'll need something to catch the strained liquid. A large mixing bowl or pitcher works perfectly.
Glasses: Serve in tall glasses over ice for the best experience.
Storage your Brazilian Lemonade
This sweet lime beverage is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it in a sealed pitcher or jar, and give it a good shake before serving since the condensed milk may settle slightly.
The flavors will be brightest and most vibrant on day one. After that, the lime oils can make the drink taste a bit more bitter. If you're making it for a party, blend it right before guests arrive.
Don't freeze this drink, as the dairy content doesn't thaw well and the texture gets grainy.
Serving Suggestions
Backyard barbecues: This tangy lemonade recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially Brazilian-style churrasco or simple burgers.
Taco night: The creamy, citrusy flavor complements Mexican food surprisingly well. Serve it alongside tacos or enchiladas.
Hot summer afternoons: Sometimes you just need a glass of something cold and refreshing. This hits the spot better than plain water.
Brunch gatherings: Set out a pitcher with the Delicious Pineapple Smoothie Recipe for a tropical drink station guests will love.
Expert Tips
Don't over-blend: Those 15 seconds are important. Blending longer releases bitter oils from the lime peel and makes the drink taste off.
Use fresh limes: This isn't a recipe where you can substitute bottled lime juice. Fresh limes are essential for that authentic flavor.
Strain thoroughly: Take your time with the straining step. Getting all the pulp and peel out makes a huge difference in the final texture.
Serve immediately: This is one of those simple lemonade recipes that tastes best right after making it. The ice helps keep it cold and slightly dilutes it to perfection.
Adjust sweetness: If your limes are super tart, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of condensed milk. Taste after straining and adjust.
FAQ
Brazilian lemonade is a creamy beverage made by blending whole limes with water and sweetened condensed milk, then straining out the pulp. Despite the name, it's made with limes, not lemons. Emma calls it "lime milk," which honestly makes more sense.
It tastes tangy and sweet with a creamy texture, like a cross between regular lemonade and a milkshake. The condensed milk softens the tartness of the limes and adds a subtle richness that makes it feel more indulgent than ordinary lemonade.
The key difference is using whole limes (peel included) and adding sweetened condensed milk for creaminess. Most lemonades just use juice and sugar, but this Brazilian drink has a unique cloudy appearance and smoother, more complex flavor.
Traditional Brazilian lemonade doesn't contain alcohol, but you can add cachaça (Brazilian rum), white rum, or vodka to make an adult version. Start with 1-2 ounces per serving and adjust to your preference.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Brazilian Lemonade
Brazilian Lemonade
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the limes into quarters after washing them thoroughly.
- Add the quartered limes, water, and sweetened condensed milk to a blender.
- Blend on high for about 15 seconds until well combined.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, tapping the sides of the strainer to extract as much liquid as possible. You may need to do this in batches.
- Pour the strained lemonade into a glass over ice, serving 1 cup (8 oz.) per serving.
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