Brazilian Lemonade, despite its name, is a unique and refreshing drink that doesn’t actually include lemons. This delightful beverage, a favorite in Brazil, especially during the hot summer months, is made with limes, sugar, water, and sweetened condensed milk. The inclusion of condensed milk might seem unusual at first, but it’s this ingredient that gives Brazilian Lemonade its distinctive creamy texture and slightly sweet taste, setting it apart from other citrus-based refreshments. Here’s how you can make this delicious treat at home.
Ingredients
4 large limes
1 cup (200 grams) of sugar
6 cups (1.4 liters) of cold water
½ cup (120 ml) of sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
Prepare the Limes: Wash the limes thoroughly. Cut off the ends of the limes and slice them into eight pieces each. The entire lime is used in this recipe, which gives the lemonade its unique flavor and slight bitterness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Blend the Limes: Place the lime pieces in a blender. Add the sugar and 2 cups of water. Blend until the limes are coarsely chopped, not too fine to prevent the drink from becoming too bitter.
Strain the Mixture: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Use a spoon to press down on the lime pieces to extract all the juice. Discard the lime remnants.
Add the Remaining Ingredients: To the pitcher with the lime juice, add the remaining 4 cups of cold water and the sweetened condensed milk. Stir well until everything is fully combined and the sugar has dissolved.
Serve: Serve the Brazilian Lemonade over ice immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for an hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
Optional Garnishes: For an extra touch, garnish with lime slices or mint leaves. If you prefer a bit more sweetness or creaminess, feel free to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to your taste.
Tips
Choosing Limes: Use fresh, ripe limes for the best flavor. The limes should be firm but slightly soft to the touch.
Adjusting Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar and sweetened condensed milk based on your preference for sweetness.
Serving Size: This recipe serves about 4-6 people. You can easily double the ingredients for larger gatherings.
Brazilian Lemonade is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a uniquely delicious beverage. Its creamy texture, combined with the tartness of the limes and the sweetness of the condensed milk, makes for a refreshing drink that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a festive drink to serve at a party, or just want to enjoy a refreshing beverage, Brazilian Lemonade is a delightful choice that will impress your guests and satisfy your thirst.
Variations to Try
Brazilian Lemonade is wonderfully versatile, allowing for various tweaks and variations to suit individual tastes or to add an interesting twist to the classic recipe. Here are a few suggestions:
Sparkling Brazilian Lemonade: For a fizzy variation, replace one cup of water with sparkling water. Add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain its effervescence.
Flavored Brazilian Lemonade: Infuse additional flavors by blending in fresh fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or mango. This not only adds a beautiful color but also introduces a delightful new flavor profile.
Herbal Twist: For a refreshing herbal note, add a handful of fresh mint or basil leaves to the blender with the limes. The herbs complement the citrusy flavors beautifully.
Alcoholic Version: Transform this lemonade into a delightful cocktail by adding a shot of your favorite spirit. Cachaça, vodka, or rum are excellent choices that blend well with the creamy citrus flavor.
Health Benefits
While Brazilian Lemonade is a treat, it also offers some health benefits, thanks to the key ingredients:
Limes: Rich in vitamin C, limes are antioxidants that support the immune system and help in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods. They also contain compounds that have been shown to reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: While it’s a source of added sugars, sweetened condensed milk also provides calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health.
Serving and Storage
Brazilian Lemonade is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you find the flavors have intensified or the drink has become slightly bitter over time, adjust by adding a little more water or sweetened condensed milk before serving. Always stir well before serving, as the condensed milk may settle at the bottom.
Brazilian Lemonade is more than just a beverage; it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor. It demonstrates how a few basic ingredients can be transformed into something utterly refreshing and unexpectedly delicious. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment alone or entertaining guests, this lemonade offers a taste of Brazilian hospitality and the joy of shared experiences. So, next time you’re in the mood for a drink that’s out of the ordinary, give this recipe a try – it might just become your new favorite way to beat the heat.
