Brazilian Lemonade

I have seen recipes and videos for this drink for a while and with this nice stretch of weather to lead into Labor Day I decided it was time to try.

While called lemonade the original recipes all call for limes. Since making this I realize you can do it with lemons or a mix or lemon and lime and it seems that almost any citrus might work. The resulting drink is refreshing and sweet with a slight bitterness that keeps it from being cloyingly sweet.

Step 1:

  • Cut 4-5 limes into quarters or wedges and place in the blender, yes, skins and all.
  • Add 4-5 cups of water and about 1 cup of ice and blend until smooth, then blend some more.
  • Strain this mixture through a sieve and discard the remaining pulp.
  • Clean mixer and return juice to blender.
  • Add ¼ cup sugar (this can be adjusted to suite your taste.)
  • Add 3-6 Tablespoons sweetened condensed milk depending on how sweet you like and how astringent it might be.
  • Add 1-2 cups of ice
  • Blend until smooth and frothy

Taste and adjust to your sweetness preference then pour over ice and enjoy.

The resulting drink is smooth and frothy with a slight bitterness (from the pith of the fruit) that counters the sweetness. Great alone or with a jigger or two of your favorite libations (tequila and lime anyone.)

Store in the fridge and mix before serving as the froth and juice will separate.

I have seen variations that use coconut sweetened condensed milk that sound amazing.

Slainte