The Best Brazilian Limeade (2024)

This Brazilian limeade has a delicious rich, creamy texture and the tangy, citrus kick. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss drink with a taste that’s anything but ordinary. The limes provide a natural, bright flavor that's beautifully counteracted by the sweet condensed milk, resulting in a refreshingly sweet treat.

If you're after something that's easy to make but tastes like you've put a whole lot of effort in, this Brazilian Limeade recipe is the answer.

This is a limeade made with condensed milk, which combines the tartness of fresh limes with the smooth sweetness of condensed milk to create a drink that’s both comforting and a refreshing drink.

It's a classic Brazilian drink and similar to Brazilian lemonade, but made with limes instead.

If you like this lime drink, check out some of our favorite summer drink recipes like our pineapple slush or our lemonade slush.

Ingredients

Limes: The star of the show. Look for bright, plump limes that are firm but give slightly under pressure, indicating juiciness. They should be heavy for their size, which suggests they are full of juice, perfect for maximizing flavor. We'll be adding the lime peels to our drink, so keep that in mind when picking your fruit.

Cold Water: The base of your limeade, helping to blend all the flavors harmoniously. Use filtered water for the best taste.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds a rich, creamy sweetness that balances the tartness of the limes. Select a brand that you trust, ensuring it's sweet but not overpowering.

Ice Cubes: Keeps the drink chilled and refreshing, enhancing the overall flavor and experience.

Equipment

• Blender: Essential for combining all the ingredients into a smooth, cohesive mixture. If you don’t have a blender, a food processor or a hand mixer can work, though the texture might be slightly different.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: To remove any pulp or seeds after blending, ensuring a smooth drink. If you don't have a strainer, a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel can be used as an alternative.
• Pitcher: For serving the limeade. If not available, any large container will suffice.

Instructions

Start by giving your limes a good rinse under cold water. This ensures they're clean and ready for use. We'll be blending the whole lime, so this parts important.

Then, cut each lime into quarters, getting rid of any seeds you spot, as they can make your drink bitter. Then toss these lime quarters into your blender.

Pour in the cold water and add the sweetened condensed milk. This creamy milk is going to sweeten things up and balance the tart lime flavor, giving your limeade a smooth, rich taste.

Blend everything together until it’s perfectly smooth. You want to make sure there are no chunky bits left, so give it a good whirl.

After blending, grab a strainer and pour your limeade through it. This step gets rid of all the lime pulp and any remaining bits, leaving you with a silky-smooth drink.

Now, just pour your freshly strained limeade over a bunch of ice in your favorite glasses. The ice will make sure it's refreshingly cold. Serve it up right away and enjoy the burst of flavor!

And that's it! You have a delicious brazilian lime drink that perfect for hot summer days! Serve immediately for freshest flavor.

Substitutions

• Lime Juice: If fresh limes are hard to come by, you can use store-bought lime juice. Just remember that fresh juice will always give you a more vibrant flavor.
• Cream of Coconut: If you’re out of sweetened condensed milk, try cream of coconut for a tropical twist. It’s sweet and creamy and will give your limeade a slight coconut flavor.

Variations

Fruit-Infused Limeade: Mix in some pureed strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a fruity take on the classic recipe. The berries add a sweet, tart flavor that complements the lime beautifully.

Herb-Enhanced Limeade: Add a handful of fresh mint or basil to the blender for a herbaceous twist. The herbs infuse a subtle, refreshing flavor that’s perfect for a hot day.

Sparkling Limeade: For a fizzy version, mix the strained limeade with some sparkling water. It adds a refreshing carbonation that lightens the drink and makes it even more celebratory.

Storage Instructions

Brazilian Limeade is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, keep it in the refrigerator in a sealed pitcher or bottle for up to 24 hours. Stir well before serving as the ingredients may separate over time.

Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture and flavor, particularly the creamy consistency from the condensed milk. If you have leftover limes or condensed milk, consider using them in other recipes to avoid waste.

Recipe

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