Ready for a truly refreshing twist on classic citrus drinks? Brazilian Lemonade is a creamy, tangy, and totally addictive treat that instantly transports you to a sunny street café in Brazil. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a blender, you’ll have an icy-cold pitcher of this vibrant lemonade in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy & Tangy: The unique addition of sweetened condensed milk gives Brazilian Lemonade its signature creamy, dreamy texture and an irresistible sweet-tart flavor.
- Refreshing in a Flash: With just a blender and 10 minutes, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing drink ready to go—no stovetop or fancy gear required!
- Naturally Beautiful: Whole limes (yes, peels and all!) give this lemonade a vibrant color and an aromatic citrus punch you just don’t get from regular lemonade.
- Totally Customizable: You can easily make it sweeter, tangier, lighter, or even spike it for a fun adults-only version—this recipe plays nice with your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Brazilian Lemonade is how short and sweet the ingredient list is! Every ingredient here makes a starring contribution to flavor, texture, or that signature frothy finish. Let’s break down what you’ll need for the perfect pitcher.
- Cold Water: Starting with cold water helps keep your drink icy and refreshing from the very first sip.
- Fresh Limes (about 5): For the authentic zesty flavor, whole fresh limes (peel on!) are essential—don’t worry, you’ll strain out the bitterness after blending.
- Granulated Sugar: This balances the limes’ natural tartness and gives that classic lemonade sweetness.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The not-so-secret ingredient that transforms Brazilian Lemonade into a creamy, almost dessert-like treat. Add more if you love it extra sweet and rich!
- Ice: Essential for an ultra-refreshing drink and the best way to serve your beautiful, frothy lemonade.
Variations
Brazilian Lemonade is fun and forgiving—there are so many easy ways to switch things up depending on your mood, ingredient stash, or who you’re serving! Don’t be shy about playing with flavors and making this pitcher of joy your own.
- Make it Boozy: Add a splash of rum, vodka, or cachaça for an easy summer cocktail (think Brazilian lemonade mojito!).
- Dairy-Free Swap: Use coconut condensed milk or sweetened coconut cream instead for a creamy vegan version with tropical flair.
- Berry Burst: Toss in a handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries before blending for a fruity twist and gorgeous color pop.
- More Citrus, Please: Try a mix of lime and lemon, or even add a splash of orange juice for a unique citrusy spin.
How to Make Brazilian Lemonade
Step 1: Blend Limes, Sugar & Water
Cut your limes into wedges (no peeling necessary!) and pop them straight into your blender, along with the cold water and sugar. Blend everything together until the mixture looks cloudy and the limes are well pulverized—this releases all that bold citrus flavor into the water.
Step 2: Strain for a Smooth Sip
Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and pour your blended mixture through, letting all the fragrant juice collect in the bowl beneath. Use a spoon to press every last drop through, then discard the lime pulp left behind—you just want the liquid.
Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Give your blender a quick rinse, then pour the strained lime juice back in. Add the sweetened condensed milk (start with 1/4 cup; you can always add more later) and blend again until everything is fully combined and you’ve got a frothy, pale-green lemonade.
Step 4: Serve Icy Cold
Fill glasses generously with ice and pour your creamy, tangy Brazilian Lemonade over the top. Garnish if you like—it’s ready for sipping on a hot day, or any time you need a zesty pick-me-up!
Pro Tips for Making Brazilian Lemonade
- Lime Timing: Only blend the limes for 30 seconds—any longer and the peels can make your lemonade taste bitter. Quick and efficient is best here!
- Chill Factor: Use cold water and plenty of ice—Brazilian Lemonade is at its best ice-cold, especially on a hot day.
- Sweet Tooth Solution: Start with less sweetened condensed milk, then taste and adjust. Some people love it ultra-creamy; others prefer a sharper citrus tang!
- Squeeze Every Drop: When straining, use the back of a spoon to press all the juice from the pulp—don’t rush this step, it makes the most of those beautiful limes!
How to Serve Brazilian Lemonade
Garnishes
Brazilian Lemonade is already stunning, but a few thoughtful garnishes can really make it pop! Try floating a slice or wedge of fresh lime, a mint sprig, or even a twist of lime peel on top of each glass for a bright, inviting finish. If you want to get playful, add a few thin slices of strawberries or edible flowers for extra color.
Side Dishes
Pair your lemonade with Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo), light grilled skewers, or a crisp summer salad. This lemonade is especially perfect with spicy or salty snacks—the sweet-tart creaminess cuts through and refreshes every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Brazilian Lemonade in tall mason jars, colorful tumblers, or even hollowed-out limes for a festive touch. For a party, set up a self-serve lemonade bar with fruit and herb add-ins, or freeze the drink into popsicles for a chilly treat that’s as pretty as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Brazilian Lemonade, store it in a closed pitcher or large jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors stay bright, but do give it a quick shake or stir before serving, as separation is totally normal!
Freezing
Brazilian Lemonade can be frozen! Pour leftovers into ice cube trays or popsicle molds. Freeze until solid, then blend with extra water for instant slushies—or pop the cubes right into your next pitcher to keep it deliciously cold without diluting the flavor.
Reheating
No need to reheat—this is purely a cold, refreshing beverage! If your lemonade has separated in the fridge, just give it a good stir or a quick blend, then pour over fresh ice for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Why is it called Brazilian Lemonade if it uses limes?
In Brazil, limes are often called “limão,” which translates to “lemon” in English. So, what we know as limes are actually the base for this refreshing lemonade, giving it its distinct flavor and name!
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Can I make Brazilian Lemonade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lemonade a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just give it a good stir before serving and pour over ice for the freshest taste and texture.
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Is Brazilian Lemonade vegan?
The classic recipe isn’t vegan due to the sweetened condensed milk, but you can easily use coconut condensed milk or another plant-based alternative to enjoy a creamy, totally vegan version.
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Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?
Yes! You can substitute honey, agave, or any granulated sugar alternative you like. Start with a little less and adjust to taste—since the condensed milk also adds sweetness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something bright, creamy, and crave-worthy, Brazilian Lemonade is absolutely the answer! It’s a breeze to make and guaranteed to become a favorite, whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself. Give it a try and taste a little Brazilian sunshine in every sip!
PrintBrazilian Lemonade Recipe
This Brazilian Lemonade recipe is a refreshing and creamy citrus drink that is perfect for hot summer days. Made with fresh limes, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, it’s a delightful twist on traditional lemonade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Brazilian Lemonade:
- 6 cups cold water
- 5 limes (cut into wedges)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (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.
- Strain the Mixture: Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl to remove pulp.
- Add 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.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk.
- For a tangier version, reduce the amount of sugar used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
