I’m no stranger to a delicious homemade lemonade. Just last week, I shared a recipe for pineapple lemonade, and previously for ginger lemonade, cucumber lemonade, pink lemonade, and even a magical color-changing lemonade. However, this time I’m sharing a version that’s a little bit different – a Brazilian lemonade, aka “creamy” lemonade or limonada. Brazilian lemonade pairs fresh lemonade (though traditionally limeade; though it’s not called that in Brazil) with sweetened condensed milk for a sweet and creamy summer drink. Several versions of the Brazilian lemonade recipe, though, yield a drink that uses copious amounts of condensed milk and must be enjoyed immediately, or else you’re left with something that is overwhelmingly bitter. Luckily, with a bit of tweaking, this Brazilian-inspired (non-authentic) recipe omits the chance of bitterness (which makes it a great crowd-pleaser and child-friendly option), reduces the sugars, and can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Using homemade simple syrup and condensed milk also allows you to use unrefined sugars and even create a dairy-free version! Usually, I say there are two types of people – those that prefer fruity, refreshing drinks (like blackberry Earl Grey iced tea and fresh juices like orange carrot juice), and those that prefer creamy (like Vietnamese avocado milk, blueberry ube Frappuccino, and banana milkshakes). However, this Brazilian lemonade recipe perfectly combines the two for the ultimate crowd-pleaser! I recommend serving this creamy lemonade as part of a summer cookout, BBQ, or party spread alongside strawberry limeade, a watermelon keg, and/or Mexican horchata! For another Brazilian treat, serve this creamy lemonade alongside Brazilian cheese bread.
The ingredients
Citrus: you can use lemon or lime (in fact, limes are the traditional option for Brazilian lemonade). I recommend Meyer lemons (if using lemon), which are naturally sweeter. When using limes, choose ones with thin, smooth rinds (which tend to have less pith – particularly important if blending them). I prefer using organic, unwaxed citrus and avoid bottled citrus juice. Water: you can use still water, sparkling water, or soda when making this lemonade with condensed milk. Syrup: I use a homemade simple syrup, which takes just two ingredients and minutes to prepare. Plus, you can even use unrefined sugars to prepare it! Alternatively, you can naturally sweeten the Brazilian lemonade with honey (not vegan) or agave, etc. Condensed milk: I used homemade sweetened condensed milk. For a dairy-free version, you could use sweetened condensed coconut milk.
Optional add-ins
Coconut water: you can substitute some (or all) of the water for coconut water instead for extra flavor. Alcohol: there are several ways to add booze to this creamy lemonade. I recommend vodka, tequila, or rum (or even a flavored version like coconut rum). Mint: while it’s not traditional, fresh mint is a favorite addition of mine to any fresh lemonade or limeade. Chia seeds: you can add ¼ cup chia seeds to the creamy lemonade and leave it to chill for several hours added texture, protein, and nutrients.
How to make Brazilian lemonade
Step 1: Prepare the citrus
First, juice the lemons/limes using your preferred method (electric juicer, handheld, etc.). For the version that blends the citrus whole, read the recipe notes below! Feel free to zest the citrus first and then store the zest in a Ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Step 2: Combine the ingredients
In a large pitcher, combine the water, lemon/lime juice, condensed milk, and syrup and mix to combine. Since traditional Brazilian lemonade recipes blend the mixture, it can become light and foamy. You can replicate this by blending the mixture first or using a handheld frother in the jug. However, it tastes delicious without, too! Optionally add a few sprigs of fresh mint and lemon/lime slices. If you plan on serving it immediately, you could also add ice cubes to the jug. However, to avoid watering down the drink, it might be better to add ice to the individual glasses rather than to the entire pitcher.
How to store
Store any leftover Brazilian lemonade in the fridge (continuously), covered, for between 4-5 days. Try to keep it in the refrigerator as much as possible to store it for the longest time. You can also freeze the creamy lemonade into popsicle molds and enjoy it as a summer treat! Note that the flavor will strengthen and develop over time, too, so you may need to adjust the amount of sweetener added to the creamy lemonade. Make sure to stir the Brazilian lemonade to make sure it’s properly combined each time before serving.
Recipe notes
To extract the most citrus juice: I recommend microwaving your lemons/limes for 15-20 seconds and then rolling against your kitchen counter before cutting and juicing. Using the whole citrus: there are Brazilian lemonade recipe versions (for Limonada suiça, aka Swiss lemonade) that require you to place the chopped limes (skin and all) and water into a blender and blend for 10-15 seconds. After that, the mixture is strained before the condensed milk and syrup are added. However, when using the whole citrus, the drink becomes increasingly bitter as it sits. Feel free to do it this way only if you plan on drinking the creamy lemonade immediately. Alternatively, you can remove the white pith from the citrus before blending for slightly longer shelf life. These versions require more condensed milk, too, as the pith and zest cause extra bitterness. For a lemonade slush: use a high-speed blender or ice-crusher to crush ice into a fine slushy consistency and combine with the Brazilian lemonade for a creamy, tangy, sweet summer slushy! Adjust the sweetness: feel free to add extra syrup or condensed milk to personal taste. Add extra condensed milk if you’d prefer it creamier, too. Add some zest: for an extra zesty lemonade, add a little lemon/lime zest to the mixture and save the rest in the freezer for another time.
Other refreshing summer drink recipes
Bloody Mary (Classic or Virgin) Coconut vanilla bean creme Frappuccino Creamy mango lassi Ayran/Doogh (Salty yogurt drink) Tropical guava smoothie Lebanese Mint Lemonade (Limonana Mint) How to Make Peach Iced Tea How to Make Peach Lemonade Easy Strawberry Milk Recipe (Chunky OR Blended) Or check out this collection with 40+ summer drink recipes!
If you try this Brazilian lemonade recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
