Brazilian Lemonade, Brazilian Limeade – whatever you want to call it, this is one delicious and refreshing drink that we enjoy year round! This easy 4-ingredient recipe is perfect for cookouts and other celebrations!

Large glass pitcher full of Brazilian Lemonade (sometimes called Brazilian Limemade) with ice cubes and slices of lime floating inside and sliced chunks of lime on a cutting board in front of it.


Table of Contents
  1. Why is it called Brazilian Lemonade and not Brazilian Limeade?
  2. How to Make Brazilian Lemonade
  3. More Refreshing Summer Drink Recipes You’ll Love
  4. More Favorites from House of Nash Eats
  5. Brazilian Lemonade Recipe Recipe

This is one of our favorite treats that seems to go perfectly with everything. Of course it’s a fantastic drink to enjoy during the summer when the days are long and hot, but it’s also great in the winter when limes are in season and at their juicy best!

I first tried this Brazilian lemonade recipe after seeing it on Our Best Bites, who posted about it way back in 2010, and we’ve been making it ever since.

It’s sweet-tart, tangy, and ever so slightly creamy thanks to the addition of some sweetened condensed milk.

If you have ever eaten at one of many popular Brazilian steakhouses like Tucanos or Fogo de chao, you may have had a chance to try this wonderfully sweet-tart Brazilian Lemonade.

Serve it with almost anything, but if you are doing a Brazilian-themed meal, it’s especially delicious with Brazilian black beans and Brazilian white rice.

We love having something fun to drink when we have friends over! Some of our other favorites are Homemade Hawaiian Punch, Virgin Piña Coladas, Strawberry Lemonade, or Horchata!

Two glasses of Brazilian Lemonade (also known as Swiss Lemonade or Brazilian Limeade), with ice cubes and lime wedges sitting on a cutting board with sliced limes.

Why is it called Brazilian Lemonade and not Brazilian Limeade?

It seems like a strange misnomer to call this beverage “lemonade” when there are no actual lemons in it. But the reason is actually because the word for both lemons and limes in Portuguese is limão.

I’ve also read that this is sometimes actually called Swiss Lemonade in Brazil, although I don’t know why or whether that’s actually true. It may also just be a regional name from Brazilian limeade or lemonade, given that Brazil is such a large country!

How to Make Brazilian Lemonade

You are going to want a good blender to make Brazilian lemonade. A Vitamix or a Blendtec are probably the two best known brands, and I love my Vitamix and use it on an almost daily basis. But if you don’t have one, I’m including a couple of work arounds in the recipe notes.

But it really is so much easier to just use a blender for this recipe.

First you want to make sure you have nice, juicy limes. Ones with thin, smooth skins are the best since they have less white pith between the outer skin and the flesh of the lime and that’s where any bitterness comes from.

Give the limes a good scrub with a little bit of hand or dish soap to get rid of wax and any pesticides, then slice of the ends of each lime and cut them into 1/8ths.

Fresh limes cut into 1/8ths ready to go into Brazilian lemonade with a pitcher of ice and a bowl of limes behind them.

Drop half of the limes into your blender, along with half of the water and sugar called for in the recipe and pulse it about 5 to 7 times. You don’t actually want to pulverize the limes or your Brazilian lemonade might turn out bitter.

A vitamix blender with water, sugar and cut up limes, ready to be blended into Brazilian Lemonade.

Pour everything through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher, using the back of a spoon to press the limes to release any extra juice, then toss the pulp and skins away and repeat the process with the remaining half of the limes, water and sugar.

Lime skins and pulp in a strainer after being blended with water and sugar and strained to make Brazilian limeade.

After that, you just stir in some sweetened condensed milk (it makes a huge difference so I definitely wouldn’t skip this!) and a bunch of ice and serve!

It doesn’t keep very well, which is the one downside to this drink, but it seriously takes 5 minutes or less to make and we never have leftovers, so that’s not usually an issue.

I have actually even frozen this in popsicle molds and we’ve enjoyed it that way too, which is a yummy summer treat!

a glass pitcher filled with brazilian limeade and sliced limes

More Refreshing Summer Drink Recipes You’ll Love

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Brazilian Lemonade Recipe

4.88 from 219 votes
Amy Nash
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 6 servings
Brazilian Lemonade, Brazilian Limeade – whatever you want to call it, this is one delicious and refreshing drink that we enjoy year round!

Equipment

  • Blender (I have had this one for years and use it almost every day)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 juicy limes washed and scrubbed clean
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 6 Tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

Instructions
 

  • Wash limes thoroughly by, scrubbing the skin with hand or dish soap to remove any pesticides or wax. Slice off the ends of each lime, then cut them into 1/8ths.  
    4 juicy limes
  • In a blender, combine half of the water, half of the sugar, and half of the limes, then pulse 5-7 times. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing the lime pulp with a spoon to help release juices, then discarding the remaining skins and pulp. Repeat with the other half of the water, sugar, and limes.
    6 cups water, 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • Stir the sweetened condensed milk into the limeade and serve with lots of ice and thin slices of lime for garnish. If the drink tastes bitter at all, you can add a little extra sweetened condensed milk or sugar as needed.
    6 Tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

Video

Notes

Limes with smooth, thin skin are the juiciest and have less chance of making the drink bitter.
If you don’t have a blender, you could just use 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice instead and stir it into the water and sugar, along with the sweetened condensed milk.  I find that the skin adds a lot of flavor itself because of the zest that comes off it in the blending process, but this is still a good approach if you don’t have a blender.
Recipe from Our Best Bites.

Nutrition

Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 44g
Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @HouseOfNashEats or tag #houseofnasheats!

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Hi, I'm Amy

I enjoy exploring the world through food, culture, and travel and sharing the adventure with mostly from-scratch, family friendly recipes that I think of as modern comfort cooking.

4.88 from 219 votes (171 ratings without comment)

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Reader questions and reviews

  1. Rachel says:

    5 stars
    This drink looks so refreshing! I’m so making it for the kids (and me) this summer. I’m imagining sipping on it while wearing a large hat with my feet in the kiddie pool as the kids chase each other around in the grass with squirt guns! Beautiful photos by the way!

  2. Patti @Patty Cake's Pantry says:

    I am intrigued by this recipe. The combination of ingredients almost reminds me of a creamsicle (orange and vanilla). Creamsicles are my favorite icecream. I’m trying to imagine the taste, and I can’t imagine it, so I will be picking up limes on my weekly trip to the store and making a batch of this. Should I use regular limes or key limes? Does it matter which kind I use.

  3. Sara says:

    5 stars
    This looks delicious! I can’t wait to try this on a warm day!

  4. Pam says:

    5 stars
    Oh my goodness. This sounds just delightful! I love sweetened condensed milk and could drink (eat) it straight out of the can, but I love limes too, so the combination sounds wonderful to me.

  5. Natalie says:

    5 stars
    I never thought of adding sweetened condensed milk to lemonade! It sounds like a brilliant idea which makes it richer in texture and creamy. I have to try it soon!

  6. Dannii says:

    5 stars
    Oh that looks super refreshing. I can just imagine this going down very well at a summer bbq party.

  7. Emily says:

    5 stars
    Oooh this looks absolutely delicious, love your photos too!

  8. Karyl says:

    This sounds so light and refreshing, and I always have limes in the house. I love condensed milk, but have never had it in a beverage. What a unique idea

    1. Tiffany says:

      How long does this last in the fridge? Since I’m the only one in my house that drinks it, I like the idea of freezing some which is what I will do if it’s still ok since it has been about two weeks since it was made.

  9. michele says:

    5 stars
    Ive never met anything with sweetened condensed milk that I haven’t just loved! How have I never heard of this before? being a sweet/tart kind of lover.. this is right up my alley! Im going to see if I can get some great limes at the market tomorrow to have this on Sunday for brunch!

  10. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says:

    5 stars
    The drink sounds fascinating and it has my mouth watering! Very refreshing! Have you ever put any alcohol in it? I wonder if you could and have it as an adult beverage. I just may experiment.

    1. Amy says:

      I haven’t, but only because we don’t drink alcohol. I’ve seen other recipes that do include it though!

      1. Greg says:

        For an adult version add rum or tequila. We prefer rum. 

    2. Liliana Barr says:

      We served this at a party. There was liquor available and people added tequila, rum or vodka to it. It was delicious any way you doctor it up!! Enjoy!

  11. Tamara Andersen says:

    5 stars
    I haven’t had Brazilian food in years, and this post has me missing it! We had a Brazilian exchange student in 2005/2006. We did a full on Brazilian feast for his farewell party (including fejoada). A pitcher of this would have been a perfect non-alcoholic beverage (in addition to the caipirinhas!)… I love the addition of the sweetened condensed milk!

    1. Amy says:

      I’ve considered hosting a foreign exchange student! It sounds like a wonderful experience!

  12. Monica | Nourish & Fete says:

    5 stars
    Oh my goodness, I love regular limeade enough, add sweetened condensed milk and I’m not sure I’d ever stop drinking it! Pinning this to make soon, for sure!

  13. Marlee says:

    5 stars
    I am dying to try out Fogo de Choa. I am totally ordering this when I, eventually, make my way there! A perfect summer drink indeed!

  14. Ben Myhre says:

    What a cool and interesting drink. I am going to have to give this one a try.

  15. Maggie @ Mama Maggie's Kitchen says:

    5 stars
    I’m Mexican. If you took out the condensed milk, this would be Lime Agua Fresca. I’m SOOOO going to try adding the condensed milk next time. Thanks for sharing!

  16. Anne Murphy says:

    Never heard of any kind of dairy in lemon/limeade – but it sounds so creamy and wonderful! Like drinking a popsicle! What a fascinating drink.

  17. Debs says:

    5 stars
    this sounds so interesting. And also like it would be absolutely delicious!

  18. Tatiana says:

    5 stars
    I am totally going to try it! Condensed milk is something that widely used in Latin America, and Russia, where i am from. We use it everywhere, from tea and coffee to baking!

    1. Amy says:

      I didn’t realize it was used so much in Russia! So interesting!

  19. Carla says:

    5 stars
    Soooooo good! My husband asked for thirds, and the little ones kept reaching for more.

    1. Amy says:

      I’m so glad your family loved this, Carla! We drink so much of it during the summertime!

  20. Karen says:

    Why couldn’t you use lemons instead of limes?

    1. Amy says:

      Lemons just have a different flavor from limes. I suppose you could try it, but it just wouldn’t be the same drink.

  21. Roxanne says:

    5 stars
    Could a simple syrup be made with the sugar and a cup of the water, then chilled before proceeding with the recipe? A comment from another site felt the drink was gritty because the sugar had not dissolved completely. Once the drink is prepared how long will it keep before becoming bitter? I’d like to make it about 45 minutes before serving it to guests.

    1. Amy says:

      Yes, I’m sure a simple syrup could be used, although I have never noticed any grittiness in this drink. It really takes at least a few hours to become bitter, so you will be fine with making it an hour in advance. And even the next day when it does start to turn a little bitter, it’s still not terrible, just not as good as when it is first made.

  22. Kristi Strange says:

    This would have to make an excellent cocktail, too! I can’t help but imagine what alcohol would pair great with this…Malibu coconut rum, spiced rum, or maybe a little vodka or tequila…? Any thoughts or suggestions?

    1. Amy says:

      I don’t drink, so I really don’t know! But if you try one, leave another comment and let me know because I’m sure it would help other readers!

    2. Greg says:

      Rum is best. Tried tequila but prefer white rum

  23. Allyson says:

    4 stars
    Lovely recipe! The reference to Swiss lemonade is probably because it has milk in it.

  24. C. Gresham says:

    I frequently drink limeade because of the sweet/tart balance of flavors. Simply made, I use one 12 oz. can of 7-Up or Sprite and approx. 2 T. Of frozen limeade, undiluted, straight from the freezer. This makes a very sweet drink but I like the cloudy look with the addition of the sweetened condensed milk so I’m going to give it a try. Thanks for the idea!

  25. Thais says:

    Lovely recipe. Simple and delicious.
    (I’m brazilian and it’s true: we really call it swiss lemonade- probably is a reference to the figure of the swiss milkmaid on the packaging of the largest brand of local condensed milk)

    1. Amy says:

      That makes so much sense!

  26. Resep Mami says:

    I will really try it! This drink looks very refreshing, Thank you Amy. Pin it

  27. Jill Bean says:

    Can you use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk?

    1. Amy says:

      No, I don’t think that substitution would work very well. But if you give it a try, let me know what you think!

      1. Robyn says:

        You can use coconut sweetened condensed milk. Super delicious if you are dairy free.

  28. Holly says:

    I tried coconut cream condensed milk because it was dairy free but it kind of curdled and had small solid chunks in it. The flavour is amazing, such a refreshing drink. Thank you!

  29. Michelle says:

    I just made a batch for my son’s lemonade stand. Delicious. It will go fast.

  30. Roses 61 says:

    Why a cup of sugar when you’re adding sweetened condensed milk? Tooooo sweet! Will only use the canned milk, and will definitely be freezing the leftovers for popsicles. 💚

  31. Erika Varga says:

    Made this drink tonight! Turned out amazing!! Will definitely use this recipe next time!💚

  32. Lisa says:

    I just made this for the first time.  I cut the sugar to 1/3 C and used sweetened condensed coconut milk and it was stupid delicious!!!!!

  33. Kelly says:

    I have made this three times in the last week. It is so refreshing. I have kicked it up a notch by mixing it with whipped cream vodka. Rim martini glass with graham cracker crumbs. Garnish with whipped cream and lime slice. Key Limetini. 

    1. Chelsea says:

      We’ve been using coconut rum for a very tropical summer drink 😋

  34. Chelsea says:

    I’ve made this a few times this summer and really enjoy it. I’m curious if you’ve ever used lemons, or heard of anyone using lemons. I’d love to know if it’s as tasty. Thanks! 

    1. Amy says:

      You know, that’s a really good question! I’ve never tried it with lemons but now I think I just might have to!

  35. Benedicta says:

    Thank you for this recipe!

  36. Susan Miller says:

    I will be making this very soon !! I live in Portugal .. and Limes … are called LIMAS not limões which truly are lemons ! Although, that being said I have heard a few folk who haven’t a clue about limes calling them limões verde … green lemons ! lol !

    Whatever they call them … this will be delicious I’m sure. The Portuguese and Brazilians seem to use condensed milk both plain sweet, and the ready cooked variety – for which I for one am a VERY happy bunny as I hate boiling the can for hours to get that toffee coloured milk … I’m terrified it will explode !!

  37. Matt Redding says:

    It works well with lemons as well, tried it

  38. Melissa Rogers-Obal says:

    This is one of the best things I’ve ever tasted! I LOVE sweetened condensed milk, but never would have thought to mix it with limeade…amazing! I love it as is, but have also mixed it with Pama in order to make an adult beverage…so good!

  39. Laura says:

    Made this today! So good! I didn’t add the sweetened condensed milk until I made individual glasses because I didn’t know how long it would keep. 

  40. kia says:

    This was soooo good. Thank you!

  41. Michelle says:

    This is so easy and so good have made several times now . Thanks 

  42. Grumpy Laura says:

    Why do people comment on how a recipe looks so good – but never make it? I’m scrollllllllling through all these hundreds of not-cooks’ comments, food porn addicts, who cannot say a single word about the actual recipe and how it worked or didn’t work for them, the only reason to read comments. I know I’m not the only person who gets peeved by this.
    LOL Sorry! Nothing against this site or this recipe; it’s great! I had 40 tiny round organic key limes and wondered if anyone had tried using them here. Rots o’ruck there! Lol 🙂 come on, laugh with me? You know going in at any good recipe site that 98% of the comments will be readers, not cooks, and alllll their sobs and gasps, and that’s it, but some days you just have to say something! 🙂   Buried deeply beneath all those posts a real gem can sometimes be located, with a great tip or substitution and results. But dang, my patience is at low tide this afternoon. Hahaha, have a good one and thanks for the recipe. 

    1. Denni (wearing crabby pants) says:

      5 stars
      Okay, this will be the day I say something! I completely agree with what you’re saying about comments and what is and isn’t helpful. Please let me add my annoyance with people who completely change the ingredients and then give the recipe a low rating because it didn’t taste right. Sure, share your story about the meat you added to a recipe labeled “vegetarian”. I will never forget the person who gave a one star rating to a recipe for Apple Gouda grilled cheese sandwiches because she didn’t like Gouda! I could do without comments that attack the person who posted the recipe or label the ingredients as disgustingly sweet or crap we’d never eat, etc. I say be respectful and kind or just move on. Well, that’s off of my chest which makes more room in my belly for this delicious recipe for Brazilian lemonade. I’m on my second glass.

  43. Monica says:

    I made this today! (05/09/2021) It was so yummy! I had to improvise with a little more condensed but it was so good! My Mom and My bestfriend loved it alot.

  44. Mae says:

    This drink is sooo refreshing! I used a small can of coconut milk with 1/8 c of honey & simmered til reduced by half instead of store bought sweetened condensed milk. So good! 

    1. Amy says:

      Such a good idea to make your own sweetened condensed milk! I just had someone ask me for a good substitute over on YouTube so I’m glad to hear it worked well for you!

  45. Carissa Wilson says:

    If you top each glass with a little sparkling water, it really elevates the drink!

    1. Amy says:

      Love this idea!

  46. Brian says:

    Well I do not do dairy, but I will try vanilla oatmilk and see how that works out.

  47. Diamonique says:

    5 stars
    Just finished making it and omg yes!!! First try of this drink too and it tastes so yummy!

  48. Debbie says:

    Just made this for my pool party tomorrow, first, it certainly doesn’t make a lot, second, I did not add the sugar, figured sweetened condensed milk would make it sweet enough. Sure enough it is delish, even without the added cup of sugar. I also didn’t have a blender, so I used my food processor without adding the water, just processed the limes and it turned out just fine. Thanks for sharing, it’s sure to be a big hit tomorrow!!

  49. Noelle says:

    Would it make sense to simply just juice the limes instead? That way you know you’d avoid the bitterness from both the rind and the white parts 🤷🏻‍♀️

  50. Sadie Gabler says:

    5 stars
    I made a pitcher of this yesterday it was very refreshing! The only problem is that I drank 1/2 of the pitcher by myself! I may add in another lime or two next time because the limes I get tend to be on the smaller side. 🙂