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

Description

This Brazilian Lemonade is a refreshing, creamy limeade beverage made with fresh limes, sweetened condensed milk, and ice. Quick and easy to blend, it’s the perfect sweet-tart drink for hot days or to serve with your favorite meals.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Lime Preparation

5 limes (or 4 if large), plus extra lime wheels for serving

Lemonade Base

3 1/4 cups cold water
3 cups ice
1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

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Instructions

Prep the Limes: Lightly scrub the limes, rinse, and pat them dry. Cut the ends off each lime, then cut into quarters. Carefully remove and discard the white veiny interior to minimize bitterness.
Blend and Strain: Transfer the prepared lime quarters to a blender. Add the cold water and blend until the mixture is mostly smooth and well combined, about 1 minute. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, straining out and discarding the pulp. Wipe out the blender to prepare for the next step.
Blend with Ice and Milk: Return the strained lime juice to the clean blender. Add the ice and sweetened condensed milk. Blend until the lemonade reaches your desired consistency, about 1 minute, making sure the mixture is creamy and frothy.
Serve: Divide the lemonade among glasses. Garnish each glass with a lime wheel for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately for best results.

Notes

For best flavor, avoid blending the limes for too long to prevent bitterness from the peel.
Serve the lemonade immediately after blending to enjoy its freshest taste and texture.
You can adjust sweetness by adding more or less condensed milk as preferred.
If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the mixture twice.
This lemonade is best served cold and enjoyed on the same day.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8th of recipe)
Calories: 172
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 71 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 17 mg