Bursting with bright, zesty flavor, Brazilian Lemonade is a sweet, creamy, and refreshingly tart drink you’ll want to whip up all summer long! Despite its name, this crowd-pleaser is actually made with fresh limes—and it comes together in just minutes for the ultimate poolside sip.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes Like Summer Vacation: Every glass of Brazilian Lemonade is a burst of tropical sunshine with the perfect mix of tang and creamy sweetness!
- Ready in 10 Minutes: You don’t need any fancy bartending skills—just a blender and a handful of simple ingredients.
- Naturally Gorgeous: The frothy, pale green drink instantly elevates any party table (and is totally Instagrammable!).
- Totally Customizable: Adjust it to be tart or extra sweet—Brazilian Lemonade is delightfully flexible and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Brazilian Lemonade lies in its simplicity—a few key ingredients come together for an unbeatable flavor explosion. Each one serves an essential purpose, from the bright, aromatic limes to the creamy sweetened condensed milk that makes this drink so uniquely delicious.
- Limes (5, cut into wedges): These are the real stars—use fresh, juicy limes for that punchy flavor. No, you don’t peel them—the zest adds unique bitterness and depth!
- Cold Water (6 cups): Helps mellow out the tartness and creates a refreshing, hydrating base for the lemonade.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Brings out the natural brightness of the limes and balances the tang perfectly. Adjust to taste if you prefer your lemonade sweeter or more tart.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (1/4 cup, or more to taste): This is the signature twist! It adds creamy sweetness and a luxurious texture. Taste and add more if you love extra creaminess.
- Ice: Essential for serving—it chills your drink and adds a wonderful, frosty texture.
Variations
Brazilian Lemonade is already a celebration in a glass, but it also loves to play dress up! Don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins or swaps to perfectly suit your tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you have in the fridge.
- Coconut Twist: Swap some of the water for coconut water for a tropical upgrade that’s extra refreshing.
- Dairy-Free: Use sweetened condensed coconut milk (widely available at many stores) for a vegan-friendly and lactose-free version that’s just as creamy.
- Boozy Lemonade: For grown-up gatherings, a splash of white rum or vodka transforms this lemonade into a dessert cocktail.
- Berry Burst: Toss a handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries into the blender; they’ll add gorgeous color and a subtle fruity note.
How to Make Brazilian Lemonade
Step 1: Blend the Limes
Add the cold water, lime wedges (yes, peel and all!), and granulated sugar into your blender. Blend until the lime pieces are totally pulverized—the mixture should look cloudy and frothy, filled with tiny flecks of green peel. This ensures you’re extracting every bit of zesty flavor.
Step 2: Strain Out the Pulp
Set a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and pour your blended mixture through it, catching all the juice and leaving the pulp behind. Use a spoon to gently press the pulp against the strainer to squeeze out all that citrusy goodness, then discard the solids.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Sweetness
Rinse out the blender and pour the strained lime liquid back in. Add the sweetened condensed milk, and blend again briefly until everything is super smooth and frothy—this is when that signature creamy texture happens!
Step 4: Pour Over Ice & Enjoy
Fill your favorite glasses with plenty of ice. Pour the Brazilian Lemonade over and watch it cascade into a pale, creamy, irresistible drink. For extra flair, garnish with fresh lime slices or a sprig of mint—and dive in!
Pro Tips for Making Brazilian Lemonade
- Freshest Limes Win: Choose thin-skinned, vibrant green limes—they’re juicier and less bitter than the larger, thick-skinned ones.
- Don’t Over-Blend: Blend just until the limes are broken down—over-blending the peel can make the drink bitter, so rely on a quick whiz rather than a long blitz.
- Serve Immediately: Brazilian Lemonade tastes best freshly blended because the limes will start to release more bitterness as they sit.
- Customize the Creaminess: Play with the amount of sweetened condensed milk—some love it lush and creamy, while others prefer a zippier, more citrus-forward sip!
How to Serve Brazilian Lemonade
Garnishes
Garnishing is half the fun! Try thin wheels of fresh lime perched on the glass, a sprig of mint for a cooling contrast, or even a swirl of extra sweetened condensed milk for an artistic touch. A pinch of lime zest will add a pop of color and aroma, making each glass even more enticing.
Side Dishes
Brazilian Lemonade is wonderfully versatile—pair it with grilled meats, light salads, or salty snacks like cheese breads (pão de queijo). It’s perfect with spicy foods too; the creaminess balances out the heat beautifully!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Brazilian Lemonade in mason jars for a rustic picnic feel, or pour into sparkling glass pitchers for parties. For extra flair, freeze edible flowers or lime slices in your ice cubes before dropping them in, or rim the glasses with sugar and lime zest for a festive finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Brazilian Lemonade (lucky you!), store it in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir well before serving, as separation is normal, and always keep it chilled for the freshest taste.
Freezing
You can pour the lemonade into ice cube trays and freeze—the cubes are fantastic dropped into sparkling water, or used to keep a new batch extra cold without dilution. It’s best not to freeze the full mixture for long storage, as the citrus can intensify in bitterness over time.
Reheating
No reheating needed—Brazilian Lemonade is at its best icy cold! If made ahead and stored in the fridge, just give it a vigorous shake or stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients before serving over fresh ice.
FAQs
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Why is it called “Brazilian Lemonade” if it uses limes?
In Brazil, both lemons and limes are often referred to as “limão.” This beloved drink traditionally uses limes, but the name “lemonade” stuck when the recipe spread beyond Brazil—so it’s a lime lemonade!
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Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh limes?
For the classic Brazilian Lemonade experience, you’ll want the whole lime—zest and all—blended into the drink. Bottled lime juice will lack the signature bitterness and vibrant zest, so fresh really is best here.
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Can I make this drink less sweet (or more sweet)?
Absolutely! Feel free to dial back the sugar or the condensed milk for a tarter sip, or add more if you love it dessert-sweet. Brazilian Lemonade is incredibly forgiving—just blend, taste, and adjust as you go.
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Is there a way to make Brazilian Lemonade vegan?
Yes—swap in sweetened condensed coconut milk or your favorite vegan condensed milk alternative. You’ll get the same creamy richness, just dairy-free!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Brazilian Lemonade, let this be the day you fall in love with its creamy, citrusy magic. It’s simple, stunning, and brings serious vacation vibes—so mix up a pitcher and share the joy with friends and family. Cheers to new traditions!
Print
Brazilian Lemonade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Brazilian Lemonade recipe is a refreshing and creamy twist on traditional lemonade. Made with fresh limes, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, it’s a perfect drink for a hot day.
Ingredients
Cold Water
- 6 cups
Limes
- 5, cut into wedges
Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup
Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1/4 cup (or more to taste)
Ice
- For serving
Instructions
- Blend Lime Mixture: In a blender, combine cold water, lime wedges, and granulated sugar. Blend until smooth.
- Blend with Condensed Milk: Rinse the blender, pour the strained lime juice back in, add sweetened condensed milk, and blend until frothy.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice and pour the Brazilian lemonade over. Garnish with lime slices.
Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and strain the blended mixture. Discard any remaining lime pieces.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more condensed milk if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
