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Get ready for a super-smooth Brazilian Lemonade that takes zesty limes, regular sugar, water, and sweet condensed milk and stirs it into an ice-cold tangy treat. If classic lemonade bores you, this is just the thing to shake up your taste buds on a sunny afternoon.
The first time we made this on a sweltering day in the backyard it turned into a summertime must-have. The kids ask for more limes right away so we can make another round the next day.
Delicious Ingredients
- Ice: seriously important so your drink stays super cold and refreshing
- Sweetened condensed milk: makes this crazy creamy and blends all the flavors right together. Try to get one with just milk and sugar
- Granulated sugar: tames down the tartness and brings out sweet notes. Pure cane sugar is best for taste
- Fresh whole limes: bring a blast of flavor and the prettiest green shade. Grab limes that feel heavy and smooth
- Cold water: smooths out the mix and cuts the lime’s sharpness. Filtered or bottle water tastes best
Simple Steps
- Serve It Up:
- Toss a bunch of ice cubes in your favorite glasses. Pour the creamy lemonade on top and drop in lime slices to make it pop
- Add Sweetness:
- Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, blend one more time for half a minute until it goes light and frothy
- Clean That Pitcher:
- Give your blender a quick rinse so the final lemonade turns out extra smooth. Pour the strained lime mix right back in
- Strain Everything:
- Set a mesh strainer over a bowl. Pour in the blended lime mix. Let all that goodness drip down and use a spoon to press if there’s stubborn bits
- Blend It All:
- Start by tossing sugar, water, and your quartered limes in the blender. Go full speed until the limes break down and the whole thing looks a bit cloudy—about forty-five seconds
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Don’t skip using the whole lime—it really brings out next-level flavor. I’m a big fan of the condensed milk because it brings back awesome memories of family parties. Every glass reminds me of bright summer days outside.
Keeping It Fresh
This drink is best enjoyed right after you blend it up. If you let it sit with the peel, the lime flavor can go bitter. Need to store it? Pop it in the fridge for a day and give it a good stir before pouring.
Swap Ideas
If you’re out of sweetened condensed milk mix up some evaporated milk with extra sugar—though it won’t be quite as rich. You can switch out plain sugar for raw or go wild and try honey if you want a twist.
How to Serve
Grab some mason jars and fun straws for outdoor sipping. A couple lime wheels or a sprig of mint will make it extra pretty for parties and picnics.
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Where It’s From
This drink gets called lemonade but it’s actually made with limes. In Brazil they call it limonada suíça and it’s a café favorite. That sweetened condensed milk is totally a Brazilian thing—they love bumping up drinks and desserts with it.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Why use whole limes, including the skin?
Blending the entire lime, peel and all, gives this drink those bold citrus notes and a gentle bitter kick balanced out by all the sweetness.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness?
Of course, just stir in more or less sugar or condensed milk until it tastes just how you like. Taste as you go. Make it work for you.
- → Is it necessary to strain the blended mixture?
Straining gets rid of any lumps or rough bits, so your limeade comes out smooth and not bitter or sandy.
- → What type of water should I use?
Use filtered or even bottled water so your drink stays clean and fresh. It really makes a difference for taste and looks.
- → Can I make Brazilian lemonade ahead of time?
It’s way better when fresh. If you gotta prep it, pop the blended and strained mix in the fridge and give it a good shake before pouring.
- → What garnishes work well?
Pop in a wedge of lime or some mint leaves. They look great, add a nice fresh smell, and give a little zing.