Can I make Brazilian Lemonade ahead of time?

It’s best served right away, but you can prep the lime juice and keep it in the fridge for up to 12 hours, then blend with condensed milk and ice just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Is it really made with limes, not lemons?

Yes, the name is a bit of a misnomer! Brazilian Lemonade uses limes, which are plentiful and favored in Brazil. Lemons could work, but the flavor is more traditional (and tastier) with limes.

Can I use less sugar or a sugar substitute?

Sweetened condensed milk provides both sweetness and creaminess. You can use less of it for a tangier drink, or seek out a low-sugar or dairy-free version. Avoid standard sugar—it just won’t give you the same creamy result.

What if my lemonade turns out bitter?

Bitterness comes from over-blending the lime peels or including too much of the white pith. Make sure to cut away the thick white center, blend only until the limes break down, and strain well before combining with condensed milk and ice.

Brazilian Lemonade Recipe - LittleSpoonBites

Name: Brazilian Lemonade Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 5 limes (or 4 if large), plus extra lime wheels for serving; 3 1/4 cups cold water; 3 cups ice; 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Discover the joy of Brazilian Lemonade, a refreshingly creamy citrus drink that instantly brightens up any meal or moment. This thirst-quenching lemonade is unlike anything you’ve tried—it blends whole limes and sweetened condensed milk for a drink that’s impossibly smooth, zingy, and just sweet enough. Plus, it comes together in a flash, making it the ultimate quick-fix treat for busy days, lazy afternoons, or last-minute gatherings. If you need something satisfying and memorable with almost no effort, Brazilian Lemonade is about to become your go-to drink.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Breathtakingly Easy: No fancy juicers or complicated steps. Just quarter, blend, strain, and serve!
Bold, Unique Flavor: Whole limes give a punchy freshness with just the right amount of tart, mellowed perfectly by the rich, sweet condensed milk.
Crowd Pleaser: Eye-catching and fun, this creamy, frothy lemonade is always a conversation starter.
Quick as Can Be: Ready in under 10 minutes—yes, even if you’re wrangling kids or guests at the same time.
Flexible: Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to barbecues or impromptu weekend treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make a pitcher of Brazilian Lemonade, but each one plays a key role in the final flavor:

Limes: Use fresh limes—preferably not too large, and definitely with smooth, vibrant skins. The whole lime (peel and all) gets blended, so fresh is critical for zesty flavor and minimal bitterness. Tip: Remove the thick white pith inside to keep the bitterness in check.
Cold Water: Essential for creating the perfect consistency and diluting the lime so it’s not overpowering.
Ice: Adds that signature chill and slushy texture; don’t skip it!
Sweetened Condensed Milk: The secret to making it creamy, lush, and perfectly sweet. Don’t substitute with evaporated milk or regular milk—they just don’t deliver the magic.
Lime Wheels (for garnish): Purely optional, but they look gorgeous floating on top and add a little extra citrus aroma.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe is delightfully forgiving and welcomes a little creativity. Here are some easy ways to change things up:

Dairy-Free Version: Use a coconut-based sweetened condensed milk for a tropical twist.
Extra Citrus: Add a splash of fresh orange or grapefruit juice for a new layer of flavor.
Grown-Up Option: Turn it into a fabulous cocktail with a splash of rum or cachaça.
Herbal Touch: Blend in a few fresh mint leaves or basil for an elegant herbal note.
Less Sweet: Use just half the can of condensed milk if you prefer a tart lemonade.

How to Make Brazilian Lemonade

Let’s break it down together and you’ll see just how ridiculously easy (and fun) this process is.

Step 1: Prep the Limes

Give the limes a good scrub, rinse, and pat dry. Chop off the ends, then cut each lime into quarters. Remove that thick white core in the center—a little extra effort, but absolutely worth it for a smoother, less bitter drink.

Step 2: Blend Limes and Water

Toss your lime quarters straight into a blender with the cold water. Blend until the pieces are mostly broken down (about 1 minute should do). The aroma will hit you right away—so fresh!

Step 3: Strain

Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve right into a bowl or pitcher, pressing to extract all those zippy juices. Discard the leftover pulp.

Step 4: Blend Again with Ice and Condensed Milk

Give the blender a quick wipe (no need to wash thoroughly), then pour the strained juice back in. Add ice and all of the sweetened condensed milk. Blend for another minute, until the drink is frothy and silky.

Step 5: Serve

Pour into glasses, pop a lime wheel on the rim or into the drink, and enjoy immediately while it’s icy cold and extra creamy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Limes Only: Avoid bottled lime juice or limes that feel hard—they’ll lack flavor and make the drink bitter.
Don’t Over-Blend the Limes: Just enough to break them down. Over-blending can make the drink more bitter because of the skins.
Serve Immediately: This lemonade is best right after it’s made, when it’s cold and foamy. As it sits, the texture changes.
Adjust Sweetness: Start with a full can of condensed milk, then add more ice or water if you’d like it lighter.

How to Serve

Brazilian Lemonade truly shines as a standalone refreshment, but it pairs beautifully with:

Grilled Meats: The tart creaminess cuts through savory, smoky flavors.
Spicy Dishes: Serve alongside spicy tacos, curries, or feijoada for a cooling, soothing sip.
Summer Brunches: Pour into pretty glasses and jazz up with fresh mint or edible flowers.
Kid Parties: Kids love the unique creamy texture—skip the lime wheels for little ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While Brazilian Lemonade is best fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake or stir before serving, as it will tend to separate.

Freezing

Not recommended. Freezing can affect the creamy, lush texture and may cause the mixture to split.

Reheating

Not applicable, since this is a cold beverage. Simply blend or stir again if it separates in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make Brazilian Lemonade ahead of time?

It’s best served right away, but you can prep the lime juice and keep it in the fridge for up to 12 hours, then blend with condensed milk and ice just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Is it really made with limes, not lemons?

Yes, the name is a bit of a misnomer! Brazilian Lemonade uses limes, which are plentiful and favored in Brazil. Lemons could work, but the flavor is more traditional (and tastier) with limes.
Can I use less sugar or a sugar substitute?

Sweetened condensed milk provides both sweetness and creaminess. You can use less of it for a tangier drink, or seek out a low-sugar or dairy-free version. Avoid standard sugar—it just won’t give you the same creamy result.
What if my lemonade turns out bitter?

Bitterness comes from over-blending the lime peels or including too much of the white pith. Make sure to cut away the thick white center, blend only until the limes break down, and strain well before combining with condensed milk and ice.

Final Thoughts

If quick, crave-worthy refreshment is what you need, Brazilian Lemonade checks every box. It looks festive, tastes divine, and is easier to make than almost any other drink in your repertoire. Go ahead—give this lively, creamy classic a try and watch everyone ask for seconds. Your blender is about to become the star of the kitchen!