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!
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!
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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.
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 ⅛ths.
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.
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.
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!
More Refreshing Summer Drink Recipes You'll Love
- Fresh Squeezed Homemade Lemonade
- Orange Julius Recipe
- Raspberry Peach Italian Cream Sodas
- Horchata
- Pumpkin Juice Recipe (Harry Potter Inspired)
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Brazilian Lemonade
Ingredients
- 4 juicy limes, washed and scrubbed clean
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 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 ⅛ths.
- 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.
- 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.
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!
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.
This looks delicious! I can't wait to try this on a warm day!
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.
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!
Oh that looks super refreshing. I can just imagine this going down very well at a summer bbq party.
Oooh this looks absolutely delicious, love your photos too!
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
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.
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!
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.
I haven't, but only because we don't drink alcohol. I've seen other recipes that do include it though!
For an adult version add rum or tequila. We prefer rum.
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!
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!
I've considered hosting a foreign exchange student! It sounds like a wonderful experience!
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!
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!
What a cool and interesting drink. I am going to have to give this one a try.
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!
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.
this sounds so interesting. And also like it would be absolutely delicious!
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!
I didn't realize it was used so much in Russia! So interesting!
Soooooo good! My husband asked for thirds, and the little ones kept reaching for more.
I'm so glad your family loved this, Carla! We drink so much of it during the summertime!
Why couldn't you use lemons instead of limes?
Lemons just have a different flavor from limes. I suppose you could try it, but it just wouldn't be the same drink.
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.
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.
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?
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!
Rum is best. Tried tequila but prefer white rum
Lovely recipe! The reference to Swiss lemonade is probably because it has milk in it.
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!
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)
That makes so much sense!
I will really try it! This drink looks very refreshing, Thank you Amy. Pin it
Can you use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk?
No, I don't think that substitution would work very well. But if you give it a try, let me know what you think!
You can use coconut sweetened condensed milk. Super delicious if you are dairy free.
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!
I just made a batch for my son's lemonade stand. Delicious. It will go fast.
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. 💚
Made this drink tonight! Turned out amazing!! Will definitely use this recipe next time!💚
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!!!!!
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.
We’ve been using coconut rum for a very tropical summer drink 😋
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!
You know, that's a really good question! I've never tried it with lemons but now I think I just might have to!
Thank you for this recipe!
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 !!
It works well with lemons as well, tried it
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!
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.
This was soooo good. Thank you!
This is so easy and so good have made several times now . Thanks
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
If you top each glass with a little sparkling water, it really elevates the drink!
Love this idea!
Well I do not do dairy, but I will try vanilla oatmilk and see how that works out.
Just finished making it and omg yes!!! First try of this drink too and it tastes so yummy!
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!!
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 🤷🏻♀️
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. 🙂