Brazilian Lemonade (Limonada Suíça)

Enjoy Brazilian Lemonade, a refreshing drink made with whole limes, sugar, and condensed milk. Despite the name, it's limeade with a unique twist!

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Drinks

Cuisine Brazilian

Servings 10 Cups

Equipment

Blender
Fine Mesh Strainer
Normal Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients

7-9 Limes 9 for more tang/bitterness, 7 for less. Really try to get the round, plump, smooth limes. The Juicier limes will have thinner skin and less pith.
1 14 oz. Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
8 C Cold Water
More Sweetened Condensed Milk, Or White Sugar, To Taste
Ice for Serving

Instructions

Wash your limes. Set one aside for garnish.
7-9 Limes
Cut the ends off of the remaining limes and cut each one into quarters.
Add the quarters to the blender along with the condensed milk and water.
1 14 oz. Can Sweetened Condensed Milk, 8 C Cold Water
Blend this lime mixture for 10-15 seconds, but no longer.
After 15 seconds, the lime pith begins to break up and make the drink too bitter.
Pass the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the lime pith and pulp.
Taste the strained limonada for sweetness, adding sugar or additional condensed milk to taste.
More Sweetened Condensed Milk, Or White Sugar, To Taste
Slice the garnish lime into thin rounds, and make a cut into each round, from the center out to one edge.
Pour the lemonade into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a lime round. Enjoy right away!
If you end up with leftovers, stir them before serving.
Ice for Serving

Notes

If you don’t like the bitterness of the limes, even with 7 limes, try zesting them and them cutting the pith (the white part) off of the limes before adding them to the blender. Add the zest to the blender as well.

Another option is to simply juice the limes into a large container with the rest of the ingredients and stir everything together. You won’t get the flavor from the lime zest, but the prep will be a little easier. I personally like this option because I like less bitterness.

***Adults Only***

Try it with some rum or cachaça 😉

Keyword Brazilian, Condensed, Cool, Creamy, Lemonade, Lime, Milk, Refreshing, Sweet, Tart

Discovering the Magic of Brazilian Lemonade

Congratulations on making Brazilian Lemonade! This delightful drink, despite its name, uses limes instead of lemons. It’s a fun twist that adds to its unique and refreshing taste. In Brazil, people call it “limonada suíça,” or Swiss lemonade, which adds to the naming confusion. But trust us, the limes are what make this beverage special.

A Citrus Surprise: The Lime Secret

You might have found it odd to blend whole limes, including their skins. This technique, though unusual, gives the drink its distinctive flavor. The zest adds a hint of bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness. This blend of flavors is what sets Brazilian Lemonade apart from other citrus drinks.

Origins and Fun Facts

Brazilian Lemonade is a staple in Brazilian households, especially during hot summer days. Its popularity has spread beyond Brazil’s borders, and many people around the world now enjoy it. The drink likely originated in Brazil due to the abundance of limes in the region. Brazil is one of the top producers of limes, making them a natural choice for this refreshing drink.

The “Swiss” part of its name is a bit of a mystery. Some believe it refers to the creamy texture achieved by adding condensed milk, similar to certain Swiss drinks. Others think it might just be a quirky, endearing name that stuck over time.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Brazilian Lemonade

Use Fresh Limes: Fresh limes make a huge difference. Look for ones that are firm, round and plump and have a bright green color. The limes with round, smooth skin are more likely to have thinner skin and less pith.
Blend Quickly: Don’t over-blend the limes. A quick blend extracts the flavors without making the drink too bitter.
Strain Well: Straining the mixture ensures a smooth drink without bits of lime skin or seeds.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste as you go. You can always add more sugar or condensed milk to suit your preference.

Enjoying Your Creation

Now that you’ve made your Brazilian Lemonade, take a moment to savor its unique flavor. Share it with friends and family, and enjoy the surprised looks when they learn it’s made with whole limes. This drink is not just refreshing; it’s a conversation starter, a little piece of Brazilian culture in a glass. Cheers to your new favorite summer beverage!

_{Some content generated with the help of ChatGPT | OpenAI: https://www.openai.com/}

Brazilian Lemonade (Limonada Suíça; Brazil)