Brazilian Lemonade, also known as "Limonada Suíça," is a creamy, tangy, and refreshing drink that is perfect for hot days and festive occasions. This unique beverage combines fresh limes, sugar, water, and a touch of sweetened condensed milk to create a deliciously smooth and frothy lemonade that is beloved in Brazil. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide to making this delightful drink, including ingredients, step-by-step preparation, cooking notes, serving suggestions, and tips.
Ingredients:
- 4 fresh limes
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- Ice cubes
- Lime slices and mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Wash and Prep the Limes
Thoroughly wash the limes to remove any wax or pesticides. Cut off the ends of the limes and discard. Then, cut each lime into quarters.
Step 2: Blend the Limes
Place the quartered limes in a blender. Add the granulated sugar and half of the cold water (2 cups). Blend the mixture on high for about 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the drink bitter from the lime rinds.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing down with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids left in the strainer.
Step 4: Add Condensed Milk and Water
To the strained lime mixture in the pitcher, add the sweetened condensed milk and the remaining 2 cups of cold water. Stir well until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Add ice cubes to the pitcher to chill the Brazilian Lemonade. Serve immediately in glasses over additional ice, garnished with lime slices and mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Notes:
- Make sure to blend the limes just enough to break them down without overdoing it to avoid bitterness from the rinds.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference and the sweetness of the limes.
- The sweetened condensed milk not only adds sweetness but also gives the lemonade its signature creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Brazilian Lemonade in tall glasses with plenty of ice to keep it cold and refreshing.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of lime and a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.
- This lemonade pairs wonderfully with Brazilian dishes such as pão de queijo (cheese bread), feijoada (black bean stew), or grilled meats.
Tips:
- Freshness: Use fresh limes for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice won't provide the same fresh, zesty taste.
- Blending: Don't over-blend the limes, as this can release too much bitterness from the peel.
- Chill Time: If you have time, chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 30mg
Conclusion
Brazilian Lemonade is a wonderfully creamy and refreshing drink that brings a unique twist to traditional lemonade. With its combination of fresh limes, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, this beverage offers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, Brazilian Lemonade is perfect for cooling off on a hot day or impressing guests at a gathering. Try this recipe and enjoy a taste of Brazil in every sip!
Print
Brazilian Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Brazilian lemonade recipe is a creamy and tangy beverage made with fresh limes and sweetened condensed milk. It's a refreshing drink that's perfect for summer parties, barbecues, or a cool treat on a hot day.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh limes
- 4 cups cold water
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Wash the limes thoroughly and cut them into quarters.
- Place the lime quarters, cold water, and sugar (if using) in a blender.
- Blend on high for about 15-20 seconds, just enough to break down the limes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
- Serve immediately over ice.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the lime mixture longer before straining.
- Adjust the sweetness to taste by adding more or less sugar or sweetened condensed milk.
- Best served fresh to prevent bitterness from the lime peels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Leave a Reply