Why You’ll Love Brazilian Limeade Recipe
This Brazilian Limeade drink is a tropical delight with a perfect balance of tart lime and rich creaminess from the condensed milk. It’s incredibly easy to prepare with just a few ingredients and doesn’t require cooking. The fizzy soda water adds a light, refreshing sparkle, making it a great alternative to traditional limeades or lemonades. Ideal for summer parties, casual gatherings, or simply whenever you need a revitalizing beverage.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Fresh limes, quartered (with peel)
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Sweetened condensed milk
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Cold water or soda water (carbonated water)
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Ice cubes
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Sugar (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
Directions
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Place the quartered limes (including the peel) into a blender.
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Add sweetened condensed milk and cold water or soda water.
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Blend the mixture briefly, about 10-15 seconds, just enough to release the lime juice and oils from the peel without making it bitter.
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Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove pulp and seeds.
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Pour over a glass filled with ice cubes.
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Adjust sweetness by stirring in sugar if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
No cooking required.
Variations
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Use sparkling water instead of regular water for extra fizz.
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Add a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
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Substitute limes with lemons for a milder citrus flavor.
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Blend in a small piece of ginger for a spicy kick.
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Make it dairy-free by substituting sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk.
Storage/Reheating
Brazilian Limeade is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store it, keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours in a covered container. Stir well before serving as separation may occur. This drink is served cold and is not suitable for reheating.
FAQs
Can I use lime juice instead of fresh limes?
Fresh limes with peel give the drink its characteristic flavor and slight bitterness; bottled lime juice won’t provide the same taste.
Why do I blend the limes with peel?
The peel adds essential oils that give the drink its distinctive, bright flavor.
Can I make this drink less sweet?
Yes, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or add more water/soda water.
What type of soda water should I use?
Plain carbonated water or club soda works best.
Can I make this drink vegan?
Use a plant-based sweetened condensed milk alternative such as coconut condensed milk.
Is it necessary to strain the mixture?
Straining removes pulp and seeds, resulting in a smoother drink, but you can skip this step if you prefer a pulpier texture.
How long does Brazilian Limeade keep?
Up to 24 hours refrigerated; best consumed fresh.
Can I prepare this drink in advance?
It’s best made fresh, but you can prepare the blended mixture and strain it just before serving.
Can I add alcohol to make a cocktail?
Yes, vodka or cachaça pairs well with Brazilian Limeade for a tropical cocktail.
What is the difference between Brazilian Limeade and traditional limeade?
Brazilian Limeade includes lime peel and sweetened condensed milk, creating a creamy, slightly bitter, and fizzy drink, unlike the typically clear and purely sweetened traditional limeade.
Conclusion
Brazilian Limeade is a uniquely delicious and refreshing beverage that blends tart lime flavor with creamy sweetness and a bubbly finish. Easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying, it’s perfect for hot days, social occasions, or whenever you want a tropical escape in a glass.
Brazilian Limeade
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Brazilian Limeade is a refreshing, creamy, and tangy beverage made with fresh limes, sweetened condensed milk, and sparkling water. Perfect for hot days, this traditional Brazilian drink offers a sweet and tart flavor that’s easy to make in minutes. Ideal for summer gatherings or a cool treat anytime!
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Drink
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 fresh limes, quartered (with peel)
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sparkling water (optional for fizz)
- Sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Place the quartered limes and cold water in a blender. Pulse 3-4 times to release the lime flavor but avoid over-blending to prevent bitterness from the peel.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove pulp and seeds.
- Add ice cubes and sweetened condensed milk to the pitcher. Stir well until combined.
- If desired, add sparkling water for a fizzy twist. Adjust sweetness with sugar if needed.
- Serve immediately chilled.
Notes
- Do not over-blend the limes to avoid bitterness from the white pith.
- You can substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk and sugar for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste preference.