Brazilian Lemonade Mocktail Recipe
First off, even though this mocktail is called Brazilian lemonade, there are no lemons in it! Instead, you blend whole limes with sugar and condensed milk, then strain the mixture to make a tart, creamy drink that tastes nothing like the lemonade your mom made.
Here’s a recipe that we’ve tried successfully several times over, and it doesn’t turn bitter or separate into a curdled mess in the pitcher. Just remember, the blend time is super important, and so is the water you use to make it.
What Brazilian lemonade is and where it came from
In Brazil, this drink is called limonada suíça, or Swiss lemonade. The name comes from when Nestlé promoted condensed milk in Brazil years ago. In Portuguese, the word limão can mean either lemon or lime, so lemons are called "Sicilian lemons," and limes are called "Tahitian lemons."
This drink gets its unique flavor because you blend whole limes, peel and all, instead of just using the juice. That’s why you shouldn’t blend it for too long. If you blend it for more than 10 or 15 seconds, the pith will make the drink bitter, and adding more sugar won’t help.
Ingredients you need to make Brazilian lemonade
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4 limes, washed and quartered
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2 cups mainelove Still Water
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1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
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3 tbsp granulated sugar, or more to taste
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mainelove With Bubbles, to top off
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Ice
How to make it
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Cut the ends off each lime and then quarter them. Leave the peel on, since that’s where most of the flavor is.
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Place the lime quarters, condensed milk, and sugar into a blender. Pour mainelove Perfectly Still over it.
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This is the step where many people make mistakes. Blend for just 10 to 15 seconds. You’re looking for a pale green, slightly frothy mixture, not a smoothie.
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Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Use a spoon to press the pulp and get out as much juice as you can. Throw away what’s left in the strainer.
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Fill your glasses with lots of ice, then pour the creamy, chilled drink over it.
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Give the drink a gentle stir and, if you like, add a lime wheel on top.
Tip: Brazilian lemonades separate fast, so it’s best enjoyed right after mixing. If you have leftovers, just whisk the pitcher quickly to bring back the creamy texture before pouring another glass.
FAQ
What is Brazilian lemonade?
Brazilian lemonade is a cold drink made by blending whole limes with water, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, then straining out the pulp. Despite the name, no lemons are ever harmed in the making of this lemonade.
Why is Brazilian lemonade so bitter?
The usual culprit is the blending. Limes have pith right under the skin, and if you run the blender too long, the pith breaks down and releases a bitterness that overpowers the drink. If you let the drink sit too long before serving, it can also bring out some bitterness, so it's best when consumed fresh.
What does Brazilian lemonade taste like?
It’s sweet, creamy, and tart, which sounds kind of odd, but it somehow all comes together to make a delicious cold drink. You’ll taste the sharp citrus from the lemon and the creamy sweetness, from the condensed milk.
Is Brazilian lemonade healthy?
If we’re being honest, no. Sugar and condensed milk are in the ingredient list, so it's closer to a guilty pleasure than a healthy drink. That said, you're getting lime, and therefore Vitamin C in there, and you can always cut back on the sugar or condensed milk if you’re counting the calories.
Is there alcohol in Brazilian lemonade?
The original recipe is strictly a mocktail, but some people do add a shot of cachaça or white rum to turn it into a cocktail. The base recipe, however, is completely alcohol-free.
