This Brazilian Lemonade is like a mini vacation in a glass—bright, bold, and just the right amount of sweet. We’re talking about whole limes blitzed with creamy condensed milk, then strained into the most refreshing drink you’ll want all summer. It’s like your favorite lemonade, but with that Brazilian flair that makes your taste buds do a little samba. The first time I made this, I questioned the whole-lime thing. Peel and all? Really? But I was wrong to doubt it. Trust the process. The limes lend just enough bitterness to balance the sugar and milk without turning things sour. Perfect for hot afternoons, lazy porch lounging, or when you just need a little something different, this drink falls into that sweet spot of smoothie recipes that double as happy hour heroes. Whether you’re new to Brazilian food recipes or just collecting smoothie recipes to impress the family, this is a keeper from the world of recipes and drinks. A true standout in the realm of recipes family will ask you to make again and again.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Brazilian Lemonade Recipe
3) Ingredients for Brazilian Lemonade
4) How to Make Brazilian Lemonade
5) Tips for Making Brazilian Lemonade
6) Making Brazilian Lemonade Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Brazilian Lemonade
8) Try these drinks next!
9) Brazilian Lemonade
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe uses whole limes for a more intense citrus flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk creates that creamy, smooth texture Brazilians love.
Blend gently and briefly to avoid bitterness from the pith.
Perfect for summer, brunch, or anytime you need to feel like you’re on vacation.

2) Easy Brazilian Lemonade Recipe

If you’ve never tried Brazilian Lemonade, prepare yourself for a sweet surprise. This drink, despite the name, isn’t made with lemons at all. It’s all about limes and sweetened condensed milk, and it belongs at the top of every list for drinks and smoothie recipes. I first tasted this creamy citrus delight at a friend’s backyard cookout, and I haven’t stopped making it since. It tastes like summer in a glass, but without the hassle of squeezing fifty limes.

Unlike traditional lemonade, Brazilian Lemonade has a creamy twist that sets it apart. The richness from the condensed milk plays off the zippy tang of fresh limes. It’s got that perfect sweet-tart balance that keeps your lips puckered and your glass empty before you know it. Even my kids, who usually side-eye anything green, ask for seconds.

From a practical point of view, this drink is a win. It takes ten minutes, max. And you don’t need to be a mixologist or haul out every gadget in the kitchen. Just a blender, a mesh strainer, and the patience not to drink it straight from the pitcher. Among all my Brazilian food recipes, this one is the crowd-pleaser that gets folks asking, “Wait, what’s in this?”

3) Ingredients for Brazilian Lemonade

Limes: Use four fresh, juicy limes. Wash them well and quarter them—yes, peel and all. That peel holds oils that bring big flavor. Just don’t over-blend, or you’ll get too much bitterness from the white pith.

Sugar: One cup of granulated sugar gives the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the lime flavor. You can adjust to taste, but I find one cup hits the mark every time.

Cold Water: You’ll need six cups in total, divided. Three go into the blender, three get added later. Cold water helps everything stay crisp and refreshing.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is where the magic happens. A half cup adds creamy body and that signature taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with coconut condensed milk for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with smoothie recipes in your collection.

Ice: Serve it over ice, and don’t be shy. A mountain of cubes makes it feel even more indulgent and keeps it cool for a good while.

4) How to Make Brazilian Lemonade

Step 1: Put your quartered limes, sugar, and three cups of cold water into a blender. This is where the lime’s oils meet the sugar and start to form that punchy base.

Step 2: Pulse the blender 5 to 6 times. You’re not trying to pulverize. A few quick pulses pull out the flavor without releasing too much pith bitterness. Trust me—less is more here.

Step 3: Pour the blended mix through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Press gently with a spoon to get all the juice out but leave behind the pulp and peel. It’ll look murky but smell fantastic.

Step 4: Now add the remaining three cups of cold water and your half cup of sweetened condensed milk. Stir until everything blends into a pale, creamy drink. It’ll look like a smoothie, and honestly, it could sneak onto your favorite recipes smoothie board.

Step 5: Pour over a glass full of ice, maybe add a lime slice or two for looks, and sip. Or slurp. I won’t judge.

5) Tips for Making Brazilian Lemonade

Use the freshest limes you can find. They should feel heavy for their size and have smooth, glossy skin. Dry, shriveled limes don’t bring much juice to the party.

Only blend the limes briefly. The bitterness hides in the white pith and the longer you blend, the more of that bitterness sneaks into your drink. Just a few pulses are enough to get that citrusy zing that defines many Brazilian recipes.

Strain it well. Don’t skip this part, even if it feels like an extra step. That pulp’s not doing anyone any favors, and a good straining leaves you with a silky drink that’s all flavor, no grit.

6) Making Brazilian Lemonade Ahead of Time

You can absolutely make this ahead—just leave the ice out until serving time. Nobody likes watered-down lime milk. Pour the finished drink into a pitcher, cover, and chill for up to 24 hours. It keeps its flavor well and honestly, I think it tastes even better once it’s had a chance to sit and mingle a bit.

Shake or stir it before serving. That condensed milk tends to settle at the bottom, so give it a quick swirl to bring it all back together. If it looks a little cloudy after chilling, don’t worry—that’s normal.

This one’s a go-to for family events and backyard hangouts, so I usually double the recipe. Folks go back for seconds and thirds without hesitation, especially when they realize this drink checks both boxes in their recipes family and recipes and drinks list.

7) Storing Leftover Brazilian Lemonade

Store leftover Brazilian Lemonade in the fridge for up to two days in an airtight container. Anything longer and the lime starts to fade, which dulls the sparkle of the drink.

Shake well before each pour. It separates a bit when chilled, but a quick shake or stir makes it look fresh again. Pour over fresh ice and you’re back in business.

Want to stretch it into your smoothie routine? Blend it with frozen pineapple chunks for a citrusy slush that slides right into your smoothie recipes or recipes smoothie list like it was always meant to be there.

8) Try these drinks next!

9) Brazilian Lemonade