Brazilian Lemonade Creamy Limeade

Category: Exquisite Sweet Finales

This Brazilian creamy limeade combines fresh limes, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of sugar for a perfectly balanced, refreshing drink. By blending whole lime wedges—including skin and pith—you capture vibrant citrus notes, while straining ensures a silky consistency without bitterness. Sweetened condensed milk gives a rich, creamy body, and serving over ice chills every glass for ultimate refreshment. The result is a visually inviting, frothy limeade that's both tart and sweet, perfect for tropical weather or any time you crave a unique citrus beverage.

Sandra
By Sandra Sandra
Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 18:42:50 GMT
A glass of Brazilian lemonade with limes on the side. Pin
A glass of Brazilian lemonade with limes on the side. | howtogourmet.com

Brazilian lemonade is not only refreshingly tart and sweet but also uniquely creamy thanks to the touch of condensed milk. Perfect for warm days or as a fun twist on traditional drinks, this limeade comes together quickly and always impresses guests with its balanced, velvety flavor.

When I first learned to make Brazilian lemonade, I was surprised by how the creamy base changed everything. It instantly became one of my go-to recipes for cookouts and pool days.

Ingredients

  • Cold filtered water: brings out a cleaner taste and makes the drink extra thirst-quenching
  • Fresh limes: use unpeeled wedges for bold citrus flavor and signature tartness select limes with smooth skin and a bright green color for peak freshness
  • Granulated sugar: classic sweetness that dissolves easily look for fine sugar to help it blend well
  • Sweetened condensed milk: responsible for the iconic creamy texture and rich taste check that the can is not expired
  • Ice cubes: keep things frosty and refreshing use clear ice for the best look

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Limes:
Wash limes thoroughly under running water then cut them into equal-sized wedges leaving the peel on for extra flavor
Blend the Mixture:
Add cold filtered water lime wedges and granulated sugar into your blender Blend on high until you no longer see large lime pieces and the liquid turns opaque with flecks of green
Strain Well:
Pour this mixture through a fine mesh strainer over a wide bowl Let the mesh catch all pulp and solids pressing gently with a spoon to extract every drop of liquid
Cream the Lemonade:
Quickly rinse the blender to remove any leftover pulp Pour the strained lime liquid back in Add sweetened condensed milk Start with the base amount and blend until the drink looks frothy and fully incorporated Taste and adjust sweetened condensed milk if you like it creamier
Serve Over Ice:
Fill your favorite glasses to the top with ice cubes Pour the creamy limeade over The drink looks beautiful with its creamy color and frothy top If you like garnish with a thin lime slice right before serving
A glass of Brazilian lemonade with lime slices. Pin
A glass of Brazilian lemonade with lime slices. | howtogourmet.com

My favorite part is that splash of sweetened condensed milk it reminds me of street markets in Brazil where vendors whip this up on hot afternoons I still remember the first time my kids tried it and instantly asked for seconds

Storage Tips

Brazilian lemonade tastes best within an hour or so of making It can thicken in the fridge because of the condensed milk If you plan to store leftovers give the drink a good shake or stir before serving Add a splash of filtered water to loosen if needed Avoid freezing as the texture will not recover well after thawing

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of sweetened condensed milk try using sweetened coconut milk for a dairy free twist though the flavor will change Avoid substituting with plain milk or cream as it will not add enough richness or sweetness Use regular lemons if limes are unavailable but be ready for a very different flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve this lemonade as a fun beverage at barbecues family gatherings or picnics It is perfect alongside grilled meats spicy foods or any Latin American fare For a party vibe add colorful straws and plenty of ice or stir in a splash of sparkling water for fizz

A glass of creamy limeade on a table. Pin
A glass of creamy limeade on a table. | howtogourmet.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Despite the name Brazilian lemonade is actually limeade in its homeland In Brazil it is known as limonada suíça Swiss lemonade and is a beloved fixture at juice bars The secret to its creamy taste is blending the whole lime with condensed milk a tradition that dates back decades

Recipe FAQs

→ Why are whole limes used—including the zest and rind?

The zest and rind contribute extra citrus flavor and a bold tartness, giving the drink its distinctive punch. Straining removes bitterness, so only the bright notes remain.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness or creaminess?

Absolutely. You can vary the amount of sugar and sweetened condensed milk to balance tartness and richness according to your taste.

→ How do I prevent bitterness in the final drink?

It's important to strain the blended lime mixture thoroughly, removing pulp and solids. This reduces bitterness from the rind.

→ Is it necessary to use filtered water?

Filtered or purified water helps produce a clean, refreshing taste, but any cold water can be used if needed.

→ Can this drink be made ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, as lime juice can become bitter over time. If preparing ahead, blend and strain but add condensed milk and ice just before serving.

Brazilian Lemonade Creamy Limeade

Refreshing Brazilian-style limeade with condensed milk and real lime zest. Creamy, tart, and served ice-cold.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
~
Total Time
10 min
By Sandra: Sandra

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Brazilian

Yield: 6 Servings (Approximately 1.5 litres of beverage)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1.4 litres cold filtered water
02 5 fresh limes, cut into wedges, unpeeled
03 100 grams granulated sugar
04 60 millilitres sweetened condensed milk, or to taste
05 Ice cubes, for serving

Steps

Step 01

Place cold filtered water, lime wedges, and granulated sugar in a blender. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and the limes are finely processed.

Step 02

Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl, allowing the liquid to drain while discarding solids and pulp.

Step 03

Rinse the blender. Return the strained lime liquid to the blender, add sweetened condensed milk, and blend again until creamy and frothy.

Step 04

Fill serving glasses with ice cubes and pour the creamy lime drink over the ice. Garnish with lime slices if desired.

Additional Notes

  1. Always use filtered or purified water for a cleaner taste and freshness.
  2. Blending whole lime wedges, including zest, is essential for authentic flavour, but straining thoroughly prevents bitterness.

Required Equipment

  • Blender
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Large bowl
  • Serving glasses

Allergen Information

Always review every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a health professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains milk (sweetened condensed milk).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

The provided details are for informational purposes and should not replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Fats: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 2 g