Name: Brazilian Lemonade (Limonada Suíça)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 4–5 whole limes (4 large or 5 smaller ones); 1 cup granulated sugar (or chilled sugar water); 6 cups cold water; 6 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk; Ice, for serving

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A creamy, tangy tropical drink made with fresh limes, sugar, water, and sweetened condensed milk. It’s rich, refreshing, and perfect for a hot day.

Brazilian Lemonade (Limonada Suíça)

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this drink delivers a bold lime punch with just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess. It’s incredibly refreshing and feels like a treat in a glass. The combination of zesty limes and smooth condensed milk creates a unique, almost dessert-like beverage that’s still light enough to enjoy any time. It’s also quick to make and always impresses guests.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4–5 whole limes (4 large or 5 smaller ones)
1 cup granulated sugar (or chilled sugar water)
6 cups cold water
6 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
Ice, for serving

directions

Wash the limes thoroughly and cut off the ends. Slice each lime into eighths.
Mix the sugar and water until dissolved, then chill it in the fridge.
Add half of the limes and half of the sugar water to a blender. Pulse 4–5 times quickly—just enough to release the juice and oils from the limes without over-blending.
Strain the mixture into a pitcher using a fine mesh strainer, pressing the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
Repeat the process with the remaining limes and sugar water.
Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, or blend again briefly to create a frothy texture.
Serve over ice and enjoy immediately. Optionally, garnish with lime slices.

Servings and timing

Yields: about 4 servings (8 oz each)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Frosty version: Blend the strained juice with ice and condensed milk for a slushy texture.
Alcoholic twist: Add a shot of cachaça or rum for an adult version.
Sugar-free: Replace sugar with stevia or skip entirely if using extra condensed milk.
Fizzy option: Use sparkling water instead of still water for a bubbly drink.
Lemon alternative: Swap limes with lemons for a slightly different citrus flavor.

storage/reheating

This drink is best enjoyed right after making it. If left too long, the lime rinds can make it bitter. If needed, I store it in the fridge for up to an hour and give it a good stir before serving. I avoid freezing or reheating—it’s just not the same.

FAQs

Can I use just lime juice instead of whole limes?

Yes, but I find using whole limes gives the drink a deeper, zestier flavor. The rind adds extra citrus oils that make a big difference.

How do I prevent the drink from getting bitter?

I only pulse the blender a few times and avoid over-blending. Overdoing it releases too much from the bitter white pith. Using fresh, thin-skinned limes helps too.

Can I make it less sweet?

Definitely. I just use less condensed milk or reduce the sugar in the water. It’s easy to adjust based on my taste.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to condensed milk?

Yes, I’ve used coconut condensed milk and it works well. It still gives that creamy consistency with a slight coconut flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but I sometimes prep the sugar water and cut the limes ahead. Once blended, I try to drink it within an hour.

Conclusion

Brazilian Lemonade is a refreshing, creamy, and citrusy drink that I can’t get enough of. It’s simple, quick, and always a hit—especially on hot days. The sweetened condensed milk adds a unique twist that makes it extra special. I love how easy it is to make and customize. This one’s a keeper in my summer recipe collection.