Introduction
Forget everything you know about traditional tart lemonade. Brazilian Lemonade, known locally as Limonada Suíça (Swiss Lemonade), is a creamy, sweet, and incredibly refreshing beverage that has captivated taste buds far beyond the shores of Brazil. Unlike its North American counterpart, this recipe utilizes the entire lime—peel and all—in the initial blend, which provides a unique depth of flavor. The magic ingredient that transforms this drink from simple citrus water into a velvety, milky delight is sweetened condensed milk, giving it a rich texture and balanced sweetness perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Limes (preferably Persian limes), washed and quartered
- 4 cups (1 liter) cold Water, plus extra for serving
- ½ can (200 grams / 7 ounces) Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 2 cups (475 ml) Ice Cubes, plus extra for serving
- Optional: 2-3 tablespoons granulated Sugar (adjust to taste, depending on lime acidity)
Step-by-step Preparation
- The Quick Blend (15 Seconds): Place the quartered limes and 4 cups of cold water into a high-powered blender. Pulse the mixture 4 to 5 times for no more than 15 seconds total. Tip: It is crucial not to over-blend the mixture, as the lime rind contains oils that will quickly turn the lemonade bitter if processed for too long.
- Strain and Discard Pulp: Immediately pour the blended liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a separate bowl or pitcher. Press down lightly on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible, then discard the remaining lime rind and pulp.
- The Creamy Finish (45 Seconds): Rinse the blender jug and return the strained lime liquid to it. Add the sweetened condensed milk and the 2 cups of ice cubes. Blend on high until the ice is completely crushed and the mixture is smooth and frothy (approximately 30 to 45 seconds).
- Serve Immediately: Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness if necessary (adding a tablespoon or two of granulated sugar if the limes were particularly acidic). Pour into tall glasses filled with fresh ice and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Brazilian Lemonade is intended as a decadent treat rather than a health drink. A typical serving (approximately 1 cup or 240 ml) contains about 250-300 calories, primarily derived from the sugar in the condensed milk. While it is high in carbohydrates and sugar, it does offer a significant boost of Vitamin C from the fresh limes, which supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant. Due to its high sugar content, moderation is recommended.
Storage
This lemonade is best consumed immediately after preparation. Because of the use of fresh citrus and condensed milk, the mixture tends to separate quickly, and the flavor can become slightly flat if stored for too long. If you have leftovers, store them tightly covered in the refrigerator for no more than 1–2 days. Before serving, stir vigorously or shake well, as the solids will settle at the bottom.
Conclusion
Brazilian Lemonade is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary experience. Its creamy texture and vibrant, sweet-tart flavor make it an ideal pairing for savory snacks like Brazilian cheese bread (Pão de Queijo) or spicy barbecue. For an adult variation, a splash of white rum or cachaça can transform it into a unique cocktail. For a lighter flavor, substitute half of the water with sparkling water before the final blend.