If you’re craving a cool, creamy refreshment that instantly transports you to a sunny beach, look no further than Brazilian Lemonade. With its unique blend of bright, zesty limes and luscious sweetened condensed milk, this drink is unlike anything else. Every sip is tropical, tangy, and unbelievably frothy, making it the perfect treat for summer afternoons or gatherings with friends. Once you try Brazilian Lemonade, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite across Brazil—and why it deserves a spot among your go-to homemade beverages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Brazilian Lemonade lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one brings something special to the glass, from the punchy citrus notes to that unmistakable, velvety finish. Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible drink.
- Cold Water: Use purified or filtered water to keep the lemonade tasting crisp and clean—your ice cubes will thank you!
- Limes (5, cut into wedges): The star of the show, whole limes add a full-spectrum citrus flavor, thanks to both the juicy flesh and aromatic zest.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the fresh tartness of the limes.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (1/4 cup or more): This is what gives Brazilian Lemonade its signature creaminess and luxurious mouthfeel—start with a quarter cup, then add more if you want it extra silky.
- Ice for Serving: Cold ice transforms every glass into a frosty treat and keeps your drink refreshing to the very last sip.
How to Make Brazilian Lemonade
Step 1: Blend Limes, Water, and Sugar
Begin by placing the cold water, lime wedges (yes, skin and all!), and granulated sugar into your blender. Don’t worry about juicing or peeling—blending the whole lime captures those floral and zesty oils from the skin, delivering an unbeatable depth of flavor. Blitz until the mixture is smooth, and the limes are fully blended.
Step 2: Strain the Mixture
Set a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and pour in your blended mixture. Use a spoon to gently press and extract every drop of liquid—this step removes the bitter pith and gnarly pulp while leaving you with the fresh, bright base of your Brazilian Lemonade. Discard the leftover pulp and rinse the blender.
Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the strained liquid back into your clean blender, and add the sweetened condensed milk. Start with a quarter cup, then taste and adjust if you love it even creamier. Blend again until everything is frothy and fully incorporated; the transformation in both flavor and texture is pure magic!
Step 4: Serve Over Ice
Fill glasses generously with ice, and pour that glorious, creamy Brazilian Lemonade over top. Each glass should be wonderfully frothy with just the right balance of sweet, tart, and creamy.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
For a beautiful finishing touch, add a couple of fresh lime slices or wheels to each glass. Snap a photo, give it a good stir, and enjoy your homemade taste of Brazil!
How to Serve Brazilian Lemonade
Garnishes
Garnishing your Brazilian Lemonade is not only about looks—those fresh lime wheels or wedges brighten the aroma with every sip. For an extra pop, try a sprig of mint or a light sprinkle of grated lime zest; it elevates the experience to café-level delight.
Side Dishes
Brazilian Lemonade pairs beautifully with a variety of snacks and light bites. It’s perfect alongside salty cheese bread (pão de queijo), grilled chicken, or a bowl of tropical fruit salad. The tangy, creamy flavor cuts through richness, making it an amazing match for barbecue or spicy dishes, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve Brazilian Lemonade in a big pitcher with plenty of ice and bowls of lime slices so guests can garnish their own drinks. Try using mason jars or stemless wine glasses for a rustic touch, or freeze some of the drink into ice cubes for an extra frosty twist that won’t get watered down. You can even blend it with ice for a slushy, frozen treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Brazilian Lemonade, store it in an airtight container or pitcher in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir well before serving, as the creamy layer may naturally separate over time.
Freezing
While Brazilian Lemonade is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers into popsicle molds for a frozen treat. The texture changes slightly, but the flavor remains bright and creamy—perfect for hot days!
Reheating
This drink is meant to be served cold and frothy, so reheating isn’t recommended. If your lemonade has been refrigerated, simply stir and serve over fresh ice to restore the original texture and chill.
FAQs
Can I make Brazilian Lemonade without sweetened condensed milk?
While sweetened condensed milk gives Brazilian Lemonade its creamy sweetness, you can experiment with coconut milk and a touch of extra sugar for a dairy-free variation. The taste will be different but still delicious!
Why is it called “Brazilian Lemonade” when it uses limes?
It’s a fun twist of language! In Brazil, limes are commonly referred to as “limão,” which translates to “lemon” in English, hence the name. Despite the lime base, “Brazilian Lemonade” is how this irresistible drink is known worldwide.
Can I adjust the sweetness or creaminess?
Absolutely. Taste as you go! Add more sugar if you like it sweeter, and adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to amp up the creaminess until it’s just right for you.
How do I prevent bitterness from the lime rind?
Only blend the mixture for a short time—just until the limes are broken down. Over-blending can release too much bitterness from the rind. Strain thoroughly to keep the flavor smooth and bright.
Is Brazilian Lemonade safe to make ahead for a party?
Yes! For the best flavor and froth, blend in the sweetened condensed milk just before serving. You can prep the base in advance and refrigerate, then finish and pour over ice when your guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
There’s something absolutely joyful about sharing a glass of Brazilian Lemonade—every sip is a burst of sunshine! Try this recipe once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it all summer long. Go ahead, gather your friends, and treat everyone to a creamy, citrusy drink that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy.
Print
Brazilian Lemonade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brazilian Lemonade is a refreshingly bright, sweet-tart drink featuring limes blended whole (with skin on!) and sweetened with sugar and creamy condensed milk. Despite the name, this classic summer cooler uses limes instead of lemons, delivering a uniquely tangy, frothy, and vibrant beverage that’s perfect for quenching your thirst or serving at a summer gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups cold water (filtered or purified recommended)
- 5 limes, cut into wedges (use whole lime, skin and all)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Creamy Addition
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (or more to taste)
To Serve
- Ice, for serving
- Fresh lime slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Blend the Limes and Water: Add the cold water, whole lime wedges, and granulated sugar to a blender. Blend on high speed until the lime wedges and skins are broken down and the mixture is as smooth as possible.
- Strain the Mixture: Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl. Pour the blended liquid through the strainer, catching all the liquid in the bowl beneath. Discard the remaining lime pulp and pieces left in the strainer.
- Blend with Condensed Milk: Rinse out the blender. Return the strained lime juice mixture back into the clean blender, then add the sweetened condensed milk. Blend again until the mixture is completely combined and frothy.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice. Pour the creamy Brazilian lemonade over the ice. Garnish with fresh lime slices if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cold Water: For best flavor, use filtered or purified water rather than tap water for the base.
- Limes: You do not need to peel or juice the limes — blend the whole wedges, as the skin adds extra flavor and brightness. Everything will be strained out later.
- Customization: Taste and adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to make it creamier or sweeter if you wish.
- Serving: This drink is best enjoyed immediately after blending, as the flavor and frothiness diminish over time.
- Make Ahead: If needed, you can prep all ingredients except the ice and blend just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approx 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 183
- Sugar: 37g
- Sodium: 44mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
