When I first made Brazilian lemonade, I couldn’t believe how simple yet delicious it was! It’s creamy, citrusy, and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Unlike what the name suggests, this lemonade is actually made with limes, and the secret lies in blending the whole fruit along with sweetened condensed milk for a frothy, refreshing drink. Every sip feels like a mini tropical getaway, and I’m so excited to share this refreshing recipe with you!
Ingredients
- 2 limes
- 3 cups water
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- Ice cubes (as needed)
Note: This drink makes 4 servings.
Time Required
Preparing this drink is incredibly quick and simple. Here’s all the time you’ll need:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
Equipment You Need
- Blender: To mix all the ingredients smoothly and create that creamy texture.
- Knife and cutting board: For slicing the limes into wedges.
- Fine mesh strainer: To remove the lime rinds and pulp from the mixture.
- Measuring cups/spoons: For accurate quantities of water, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk.
How to Make Brazilian Lemonade?
Making Brazilian lemonade is a fun and quick process, and the results are absolutely worth it. Every step adds a layer of flavor to create the ultimate summer drink.
Step 1: Prepare the Limes
Start by thoroughly washing the limes. Since we’ll be blending the whole fruit, this step ensures there’s no dirt or residue left behind. Once washed, cut off the ends of the limes for a clean start. Then, slice each lime into eight equal wedges, keeping the rind intact.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Add the lime wedges to your blender along with 3 cups of water. Toss in the sugar and sweetened condensed milk to give the drink its signature creamy sweetness. Finally, add a handful of ice cubes to chill the mixture as it blends. Pulse the blender about 5 times or until the ingredients combine into a smooth, frothy drink. Make sure not to overblend, as it could release too much bitterness from the lime rinds.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
Place a fine mesh strainer over a pitcher or large bowl and pour the blended mixture through it. Use a spoon or spatula to press the liquid through while discarding the leftover lime pulp and rinds. This will leave you with a rich, silky lemonade that’s ready to serve.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the smooth, strained lemonade into glasses filled with ice. For an extra touch, you can garnish each glass with a slice of lime or a sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Brazilian lemonade at its freshest.
Nutritional Information
This Brazilian lemonade is not only delicious but also light and refreshing. Here are some basic nutritional details for one serving:
- Calories: 152
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fat: 1 g
Tips for Making the Recipe
After making Brazilian lemonade a few times, I’ve discovered some tips that make it even better. Here’s what I’ve learned to help you achieve the most flavorful results:
- Wash thoroughly: Since the whole lime is blended, make sure to scrub the skin well to remove any wax or residue.
- Don’t overblend: When blending, pulse only a few times to avoid releasing too much bitterness from the rind.
- Adjust sweetness: Tweak the amount of sugar and condensed milk to suit your taste preference. I like mine slightly less sweet and add just 2 tablespoons of condensed milk.
- Use fresh limes: This drink tastes best when made with fresh, juicy limes. Avoid limes that are hard or have very thick rinds.
- Strain twice if needed: If you prefer an ultra-smooth drink with no pulp at all, strain the mixture twice.
- Drink it fresh: Brazilian lemonade tastes best served immediately. If left to sit, it can become slightly bitter due to the limes.
Now that you’ve got the tips and steps at your fingertips, it’s time to whip up this tropical drink. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just craving something to cool you down, Brazilian lemonade is a foolproof crowd-pleaser.
Brazilian Lemonade
Ingredients
- 2 limes
- 3 cups water
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- Ice cubes as needed
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly washing the limes. Since we’ll be blending the whole fruit, this step ensures there’s no dirt or residue left behind. Once washed, cut off the ends of the limes for a clean start. Then, slice each lime into eight equal wedges, keeping the rind intact.
- Add the lime wedges to your blender along with 3 cups of water. Toss in the sugar and sweetened condensed milk to give the drink its signature creamy sweetness. Finally, add a handful of ice cubes to chill the mixture as it blends. Pulse the blender about 5 times or until the ingredients combine into a smooth, frothy drink. Make sure not to overblend, as it could release too much bitterness from the lime rinds.
- Place a fine mesh strainer over a pitcher or large bowl and pour the blended mixture through it. Use a spoon or spatula to press the liquid through while discarding the leftover lime pulp and rinds. This will leave you with a rich, silky lemonade that’s ready to serve.
- Pour the smooth, strained lemonade into glasses filled with ice. For an extra touch, you can garnish each glass with a slice of lime or a sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Brazilian lemonade at its freshest.
Notes
- Wash thoroughly: Since the whole lime is blended, make sure to scrub the skin well to remove any wax or residue.
- Don’t overblend: When blending, pulse only a few times to avoid releasing too much bitterness from the rind.
- Adjust sweetness: Tweak the amount of sugar and condensed milk to suit your taste preference. I like mine slightly less sweet and add just 2 tablespoons of condensed milk.
- Use fresh limes: This drink tastes best when made with fresh, juicy limes. Avoid limes that are hard or have very thick rinds.
