Cool, sweet, and refreshing, Brazilian lemonade aka Limonada Suíça is a tropical-inspired treat that'll make you feel like you're on a hot and sunny vacation.
Condensed milk might not seem like your typical lemonade ingredient, but it adds a sweetness and creaminess that makes this a lemonade recipe like no other. And the limes round out the flavor profile with a tangy, refreshing kick.
This so-called "lemonade" is actually made with limes, which offer a tropical twist to the classic lemonade recipe.
Whether you're hosting a backyard party, a family get-together, a neighborhood barbecue, or a weekend camping trip, this tangy, refreshing beverage is the perfect complement to your outdoor activities. I love serving it with these grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers.
It's a simple drink you can make in just a few minutes. Of course, this drink isn't just for summertime; you can whip up a batch of Brazilian lemonade any time you feel like having a taste of the tropics.
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Ingredients
- fresh limes - Ripe limes will be slightly soft to the touch, on the heavy side and a nice, bright green color.
- water - I like to chill it ahead of time to help keep the drink cold for serving.
- sweetened condensed milk - You will find this in a can, usually in the baking aisle or coffee aisle (by the powdered milk) in the grocery store. It's sweet, thick and creamy.
- sugar - Granulated white sugar is what I use in this recipe.
- ice cubes - To keep the drink nice and chilled.
*Check recipe card for ingredient amounts.
Chef's Note: Make sure you've got lots of ice and extra limes on hand for serving; the ice cubes and cut limes in the pitcher or glass makes the drink more chilled and refreshing on a hot summer day. You could even garnish the drink with a candied lime; it looks amazing.
How to Make it
Step 1. Cut the limes. Wash the limes, cut off the tops and bottoms and slice each lime into 8 wedges.
Step 2. Remove pith. Remove the white pith from the lime wedges with a small knife.
Chef's Note: You want to remove as much of the pith as you can (the white part of the lime) because that part of the lime is very bitter and can transfer to the drink. Some limes have more pith than others.
Step 3. Blend. Add the lime wedges, water, sugar and sweet condensed milk to a blender and pulse for a few seconds.
Step 4. Strain. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on the pulp to extract all of the juice. You don’t want to leave any of the lime bits in your drink.
Step 5. Serve. Serve your Limonada Suíça immediately with a lot of ice and more lime wedges! You can also add extra sweetened condensed milk to taste, if needed.
Joss' Tips
- You don't want to blend the Brazilian lemonade so much that the limes are in tiny pieces. This is why you only want to pulse for a few seconds (see size of lime chunks in picture above). The first time I made this drink, I pulverized the limes and this imparted a very bitter flavor to the drink. It shouldn't taste super bitter, just sweet, creamy and citrusy with a touch of bitterness.
- If you want to make your Limonada Suíça even more festive, try serving it in individual glasses with a slice of lime and sugar on the rim. I have a recipe for lime sugar rim here.
- For outdoor entertaining, chill the glasses in the fridge before serving--it'll keep your drinks cold for a longer amount of time.
- It should be served immediately because it will start to separate a day later and it becomes a tad more bitter, in my experience.
Brazilian Lemonade (Limonada Suíça) FAQs
It's a Brazilian-style, creamy lemonade that is actually made out of limes, including the peel.
It is also called limonada suíça (in Portuguese) or Swiss lemonade. Although it is a Brazilian drink, the name 'Swiss Lemonade' apparently comes from one of the main ingredients: sweetened condensed milk. The label on the can had a picture of a Swiss milkmaid on it.
Absolutely. I suggest white rum or vodka if you want to turn this drink into a cocktail. A coconut flavored rum steps it up a notch!
More Chilled Beverages to Try
If you tried this Brazilian Lemonade (Limonada Suíça) Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!
📋Recipe
Brazilian Lemonade (Limonada Suíça)
Ingredients
- 2 limes
- 3 cups water
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Wash the limes, cut off the tops and bottoms and slice each lime into 8 wedges. Remove the white pith.
- Add the lime wedges, water, sugar and sweet condensed milk to a blender and pulse for just a few seconds.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on the pulp to extract all of the juice. You don’t want to leave any of the lime bits in your drink.
- Serve immediately with a lot of ice and more lime wedges! You can also add extra sweetened condensed milk to taste, if needed.
Equipment
Notes
- Keep extra limes and ice on hand. Make sure you've got lots of ice and extra limes on hand for serving; the ice cubes and cut limes in the pitcher or glass makes the drink more chilled and refreshing on a hot summer day. You could even garnish the drink with a candied lime; it looks amazing.
- Bitterness tip: You don't want to blend the drink so much that the limes are in tiny pieces. This is why you only want to pulse for a few seconds. It shouldn't taste super bitter, just sweet, creamy and citrusy with a touch of bitterness.
- Serve immediately: It should be served immediately because it will start to separate a day later and it becomes a tad more bitter, in my experience.
- Chill the glasses: For outdoor entertaining, chill the glasses in the fridge before serving--it'll keep your drinks cold for a longer amount of time.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
Linda Zwerling says
The Brazilian Lemonade can be made into an adult version by adding some Alcohol of sorts ( of your choosing )
& blended up with all the other ingredients. Now that would make me a happy girl!!!
Joss D says
That would make me a happy girl as well Linda! 😀 Coconut rum tastes great in it!