Description
Brazilian Limeade is a refreshingly creamy, tangy drink made with fresh limes, ice water, and sweetened condensed milk. This vibrant beverage combines the bright citrus flavor of thin-skinned limes with a smooth, frothy texture, perfect for serving immediately chilled. Traditionally enjoyed cold and fresh, it highlights the unique combination of tartness and sweetness, creating a deliciously balanced tropical treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients for Traditional Brazilian Limeade
- 5 limes, with thin, smooth rinds, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups ice water
- scant 2/3 cup (about 10 tablespoons) sweetened condensed milk
- extra sliced limes, to garnish
- more ice, for serving
Ingredients for Make Ahead Brazilian Limeade
- 5 limes, zested and juiced (approx. 2/3 cup juice)
- 2 cups ice water
- scant 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Choose and prepare limes: Select 5 limes that have thin, smooth rinds as they are easier to squeeze and less bitter. Chop the limes into small 1-inch chunks.
- Blend lime chunks and water: Add 2 cups of ice water and the chopped limes to a blender. Pulse blend for no more than 15 seconds to avoid bitterness from the pith.
- Strain the mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine strainer into a large measuring cup or bowl, pressing the pulp with a rubber spatula or your hands to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Add sweetened condensed milk: Pour the strained lime juice back into the blender, add the scant 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk, and blend again until the mixture is frothy.
- Serve immediately: Pour the limeade over a glass filled with ice and garnish with lime slices. Serve right away as the drink becomes bitter if left to sit.
- Optional Make Ahead Method: For less bitterness over time, zest and juice 5 limes separately. Add the lime zest, juice, 2 cups ice water, and scant 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk to the blender. Blend until frothy. Refrigerate and blend again just before serving. Serve over ice.
Notes
- Serving the limeade immediately is essential to prevent bitterness caused by lime pith.
- Straining and then blending with condensed milk creates a signature frothy texture; skipping this step sacrifices texture.
- The make ahead version omits blending the pith, allowing the drink to hold for up to 24 hours in the fridge but requires re-blending before serving for best frothiness.
- Using thin-skinned limes reduces bitterness and improves juice yield.
- Adjust the amount of lime zest in the make ahead recipe to control tartness and avoid grainy texture.
- Do not save or freeze leftovers as flavor and texture degrade quickly.
