Brazilian Lemonade (also called Swiss Lemonade) is a creamy limeade that balances sweetness and bright citrus tang. A splash of sweetened condensed milk gives it a rich, velvety texture that keeps you coming back for more. This easy, refreshing drink is ideal for hot summer days, backyard gatherings, and potlucks.
I first tasted this at Tucanos (a Brazilian grill) and was hooked immediately. The drink was simultaneously refreshing, citrusy, sweet, and luxuriously creamy. Since I don’t get to that restaurant often, I developed a home version so I can enjoy it anytime.
The key to the creamy flavor is sweetened condensed milk. It blends beautifully with lime and sugar to create a drink that’s rich without being heavy. Served over ice and stirred just before pouring, this limeade disappears fast.
Brazilian Lemonade
Ingredients
- 6 cups cold water (1.42 l)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- 4 juicy limes (thin, smooth skins are juiciest)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (156 g)
- ice
Instructions
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Combine the cold water and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Chill this mixture until you are ready to blend.
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Wash the limes well. Trim off the ends and cut each lime into eighths.
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Place half of the cut limes and half of the chilled water-sugar mixture into a blender. Pulse about 5 times to release the juice and oils from the peel. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher, discarding the pulp. Repeat with the remaining limes and liquid.
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Add ice to the pitcher and stir in the sweetened condensed milk just before serving. Mix well and enjoy immediately.
Video
Notes
Best made fresh just before serving. Do not blend the entire recipe at once unless you have a large-capacity blender. This version is lightly adapted from our original inspiration.
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