Why Make This Recipe
Brazilian Lemonade, also known as Brazilian Limeade, is a refreshing and delicious drink perfect for hot days. Its unique taste combines the bright flavor of limes with the sweetness of condensed milk, creating a delightful balance between tart and sweet. This drink is not just easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser, making it a great choice for gatherings or a simple treat at home.
How to Make Brazilian Lemonade
Ingredients
- 4 juicy limes
- 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
- 5 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
Directions
- Wash all limes thoroughly by scrubbing the peel with dish soap to remove any wax or pesticides.
- Remove the peel from two of the limes and slice off the ends of each lime.
- Cut the limes lengthwise into eighths and remove the pith to avoid bitterness.
- In a blender, combine all the lime wedges with half the water and blend for about 10 seconds—no longer!
- Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing on the pulp to extract all the lime juice. Discard the remaining peels and pulp.
- Return the juice to the blender, add the condensed milk, and blend with the remaining water until creamy and frothy.
- Pour into a pitcher filled with ice and serve immediately.
How to Serve Brazilian Lemonade
Brazilian Lemonade is best served cold. Pour it into glasses filled with ice to keep it refreshing. You can garnish it with a slice of lime on the rim or a sprig of mint for added flair. This drink pairs wonderfully with any Brazilian meal or can be enjoyed on its own.
How to Store Brazilian Lemonade
If you have leftover Brazilian Lemonade, store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It’s best to consume it within 1-2 days. However, the drink may lose some of its frothiness over time. Always give it a good stir before serving again.
Tips to Make Brazilian Lemonade
- Use fresh, ripe limes for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of condensed milk according to your taste preference—more for sweetness, or less for a more tart drink.
- Blend the limes quickly to avoid bitterness; over-blending can release too much pith.
- If you like a thicker consistency, add a bit more condensed milk.
Variation
For a different twist, try adding fresh mint leaves to the blender when mixing the lime juice. You can also substitute the limes with lemons for a slightly different flavor. For an icy version, add ice cubes to the blender while mixing to create a slushy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use lemons instead of limes for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute limes with lemons to make a delicious lemon version of this drink.
2. Is it okay to make Brazilian Lemonade ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to stir it before serving.
3. Can I make a sugar-free version of Brazilian Lemonade?
Yes! You can use sugar substitutes or omit the condensed milk, adding sweetener to taste instead. Just keep in mind the flavor will be different.
Brazilian Lemonade
Ingredients
Lime Ingredients
- 4 units juicy limes Use fresh, ripe limes for the best flavor.
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk Adjust according to taste preference.
- 5 cups cold water Separated into two portions for blending.
Miscellaneous
- Ice cubes For serving and cooling the drink.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash all limes thoroughly by scrubbing the peel with dish soap to remove any wax or pesticides.
- Remove the peel from two of the limes and slice off the ends of each lime.
- Cut the limes lengthwise into eighths and remove the pith to avoid bitterness.
Blending
- In a blender, combine all the lime wedges with half the water and blend for about 10 seconds—no longer!
- Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing on the pulp to extract all the lime juice. Discard the remaining peels and pulp.
- Return the juice to the blender, add the condensed milk, and blend with the remaining water until creamy and frothy.
Serving
- Pour into a pitcher filled with ice and serve immediately.