Despite the name, Brazilian lemonade isn’t made with lemons—it’s made with limes. And while the traditional version is a tart, frothy blend of limes, water, sugar, and ice, this creamy version takes it one step further. With the addition of sweetened condensed milk, it turns into something richer, smoother, and downright addictive.
This isn’t your average limeade. Creamy Brazilian Lemonade delivers the perfect balance between tart and sweet, icy and smooth. It’s a summertime favorite in Brazil, often served in cafes and beachside stands, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become popular across the globe.
Why You’ll Love This Drink
Creamy Brazilian Lemonade isn’t just refreshing—it’s a drink with personality. It’s bold, bright, and totally unexpected the first time you try it. Here’s why it stands out:
Tart meets creamy: The fresh lime juice cuts through the sweetness of the condensed milk for a balanced flavor.
Ready in minutes: All you need is a blender and a few ingredients.
Naturally frothy: The blending process gives it a built-in foam that makes each sip light and satisfying.
No cooking involved: It’s perfect for hot days when you want something cold and homemade—fast.
Crowd-pleaser: Serve it at parties, BBQs, or just when you want to impress with something a little different.
The Brazilian Connection
In Brazil, this drink is called “limonada suíça,” which translates to “Swiss lemonade”—a bit of a misnomer, as the drink isn’t Swiss and doesn’t use lemons. The name may have originated from the use of condensed milk, which was once imported from Switzerland. Over time, this lime-based drink evolved, with the creamy version becoming especially popular at cafés and restaurants.
What makes Brazilian lemonade unique is how it uses the entire lime—skin, pulp, and juice. This creates a more intense lime flavor and a slight bitterness from the peel, which actually complements the sweetness of the milk beautifully. That said, for a smoother version, we’ll strain it after blending to remove any excess pulp and peel bits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list—just a few quality ingredients and a blender.
- 4 fresh limes, washed thoroughly
- 4 cups cold water
- ½ cup granulated sugar, or to taste
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups ice cubes, plus more for serving
- Extra lime slices, for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Coconut milk for a tropical variation
- Sparkling water for a fizzy twist
How to Choose the Best Limes
The flavor of this drink depends entirely on your limes. Look for:
- Smooth, thin-skinned limes: These tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
- Bright green color: Avoid limes that are turning yellow or have soft spots.
- Firm feel: A ripe lime will have a little give but won’t be mushy.
For the best flavor, use limes that are freshly purchased. The oils in the skin are key to the aroma and depth of the drink.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Limes
Wash the limes thoroughly to remove wax or residue. Cut each lime into 8 wedges. Removing the ends (tips) can reduce bitterness.
If you’re sensitive to bitterness, you can peel the limes first and remove the white pith—but this is optional and will give you a slightly milder result.
Step 2: First Blend
In a blender, combine:
- 2 cups of the cold water
- All the lime wedges
- The sugar
Blend on high for 20–25 seconds max. Don’t overblend—you’re just extracting the flavor and juice, not pulverizing the peels.
Step 3: Strain
Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.
Step 4: Blend Again With Ice and Milk
Return the strained liquid to the blender. Add:
- Remaining 2 cups cold water
- Sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups of ice
Blend until smooth and frothy, about 15–20 seconds. The result will be creamy, light, and slightly foamy.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with a lime wheel or mint sprig if desired.
Serve right away for best flavor and froth.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t blend the limes too long: This increases bitterness from the peel.
- Taste and adjust sugar: Some limes are more sour than others—sweeten to your liking.
- Serve fresh: Brazilian lemonade doesn’t store well. The lime juice and milk can turn bitter over time.
- Use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk: They’re not the same. The sweetness is essential.
Flavor Variations
Here are a few ways to put your own spin on creamy Brazilian lemonade:
Coconut Brazilian Lemonade
Add ¼ cup coconut milk or cream during the second blend. This gives it a tropical edge and a hint of richness.
Sparkling Creamy Limeade
Swap out one cup of water for unflavored sparkling water. Blend the drink without it, then stir it in before serving to preserve the fizz.
Strawberry Limeade Twist
Blend a handful of fresh strawberries with the limes in the first step. Strain as usual and continue with the recipe.
Minty Fresh Version
Add 5–6 fresh mint leaves in the second blend for a cooling, herbal touch.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugar: 27g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin C: ~20% DV
- Calcium: ~8% DV
Note: These are rough estimates and will vary based on your exact ingredients and serving size.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. If you must prep ahead, blend and strain the lime mixture, but wait to add the condensed milk and ice until just before serving.
What can I do with leftover condensed milk?
Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Use it in iced coffee, baking, or drizzled over fruit.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh limes are essential for this recipe. Bottled juice lacks the oils and brightness of real limes.
Is it really Brazilian if it uses condensed milk?
Yes—this creamy version is widely made across Brazil and beloved for its richness. The use of condensed milk is common in many Brazilian sweets and drinks.
Serving Ideas
- Serve it as a non-alcoholic option at summer BBQs
- Pair with spicy dishes to cool the palate
- Pour into mason jars for a picnic or outdoor meal
- Garnish with a rim of sugar and lime zest for a festive touch
Final Thoughts
Creamy Brazilian Lemonade is proof that the simplest ingredients can create something extraordinary. With just fresh limes, condensed milk, and water, you get a drink that’s cold, sweet, tart, and frothy—perfect for summer afternoons or casual get-togethers. The first sip surprises you, and the second sip gets you hooked.
It’s not just a drink—it’s an experience. And once you make it once, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen whenever you need something cold, creamy, and different.
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