Ah, summer—the season when the sun shines a tad too bright, and we find ourselves yearning for something cool and zesty to sip on. This Brazilian Limeade, with its frothy, creamy twist, is like a tropical song that dances on your tongue. It’s the kind of drink that reminds me of lazy afternoons on sandy beaches, where time seems to stand still and the world feels just a little bit simpler—or maybe that’s just the magic of lime and sugar talking.
Steps
- Clean the limes thoroughly by scrubbing them with a bit of soap to remove any wax or pesticides. Cut off the ends of each lime and slice them into eighths.
- Add half of the limes, half the water, and half the sugar into a blender. Pulse the mixture 5 to 7 times, ensuring not to over-blend to avoid bitterness.
- Strain the blended mixture into a pitcher using a fine-mesh sieve, pressing the pulp with the back of a spoon to extract additional juice. Discard the remaining pulp and repeat the process with the rest of the limes, water, and sugar.
- Mix in the sweetened condensed milk to the strained limeade and add plenty of ice. Taste and adjust sweetness with more condensed milk or sugar if necessary.
- Serve the Brazilian lemonade immediately with lime slices for garnish. Note that it is best enjoyed fresh as it doesn’t store well.
Ingredients
- 4 juicy limes, washed and scrubbed clean
- 6 cups of water
- 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
Nutritional Values
Calories: 816kcal | Carbohydrates: 192g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 140mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 176g
FAQ
- Why is it called Brazilian Lemonade if it’s made with limes?
- Despite the absence of actual lemons, the drink is called Brazilian Lemonade because in Portuguese, the word “limão” refers to both lemons and limes. Some people also refer to it as Swiss Lemonade, although this might be a regional variation or a lesser-known name.
- What type of limes are best for making Brazilian Lemonade?
- For the best results, use juicy limes with thin, smooth skins. These types of limes have less white pith, which can contribute to bitterness if too much is used in the drink.
- Can I make Brazilian Lemonade without a blender?
- Yes, you can make it without a blender by using 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice. Mix this with the water, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Although the zest adds extra flavor when blended, this method still works well if you don’t have a blender.
- How do I reduce bitterness in Brazilian Lemonade?
- If the lemonade tastes bitter, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more sweetened condensed milk or sugar to balance out the flavors.
- Can Brazilian Lemonade be stored for later use?
- Brazilian Lemonade doesn’t keep well, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, it can be made quickly in about five minutes, and leftovers are usually not a problem. Alternatively, you can freeze it in popsicle molds for a refreshing summer treat.
Tips
- Choose limes with smooth and thin skins, as they tend to be juicier and less likely to impart bitterness to the drink.
- Be careful not to over-blend the limes; pulse them just 5 to 7 times to avoid a bitter taste from the pith.
- Thoroughly wash the limes with soap to remove any wax or pesticides before cutting them into eighths.
- If you find the drink too bitter, adjust by adding a little more sweetened condensed milk or sugar to balance the flavors.
Equipment
- Blender (e.g., Vitamix or Blendtec)
- Fine-mesh strainer
