Brazilian Lemonade – Light, Creamy & Delicious
Brazilian Lemonade, Limonada suíça or Swiss Lemonade is an utterly yummy and refreshing drink that’s perfect for summer entertaining. You need 4 or 5 readily available ingredients, a quick blitz in your food processor – and it’s ready to be enjoyed!
One of the things I really love about Brazilian lemonade – other than the taste – is just how unfussy it is. The traditional way to make it involves using whole limes, rather than having to peel and juice. It doesn’t get any simpler than this!
Brazilian Lemonade or Brazilian Limeade?
But Jess, why is it called lemonade, if there’s nary a lemon in sight? In Brazil, the Portuguese word for lime is limão, which is a short hop to Limonada. And somewhat confusingly, it’s also popularly known as ‘Swiss Lemonade’.
Why? Well, apparently Brazil used to import its condensed milk from Switzerland, but don’t take my word for it!
Sweetened Condensed Milk – The Lowdown
We have French confectioner, Nicholas Appert to thank for this brilliant ingredient. He was looking for a method to preserve milk for longer periods, and in the 1800s, he discovered that by removing the water from milk, it could be stored without spoiling. It didn’t take long for it to gain popularity, and today it’s a staple ingredient in many kitchens the world over.
It’s a versatile ingredient that’s used in a variety of desserts and in Southeast Asia in Vietnam and Cambodia, it’s used to sweeten hot and iced coffee. Here’s versatile for you: abucado lamaw is a Filipinio dessert made using avocado, condensed milk and crushed ice.
And, speaking of desserts, this recipe calls for ½ tin of condensed milk, so why not use the other half to whip up a half batch of Strawberries & Cream Ice Cream with Pink Peppercorns or Lemon Ice Cream ? Both are perfect for summer – and surprisingly easy to make!
And, it can last for 2 years, unopened.
Be aware though, that sweetened condensed milk contains around 60% sugar.
The Lime Light
Limes are a citrus fruit that native to Southeast Asia. They were introduced to the Americas by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century, and are a great addition to a number of sweet and savoury dishes.
Limes are also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber and they’re rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
One medium lime provides around:
- 53 milligrams of Vitamin C
- 107 mg of Potassium
- 2.4 grams Fibre
Do You Like Piña Coladas?
Who doesn’t?
This beloved classic is made with Pineapple juice, Coconut and Rum. So – in the same vein, you could add a shot of Rum to your Brazilian Lemonade.
The result?
The ultimate sweet, creamy, citrusy summer cocktail summer with a kick.
Ready?
Let’s get to it!
Rate My Brazilian Lemonade
Did you try this Brazilian Lemonade recipe? Tell us about it! How yum was it?
Please leave me a comment, give this recipe a rating, and remember to tag your photo #theculinarycartel on Instagram so we can see what you come up with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use lemons instead of limes?
I haven’t tried it myself, but I’m almost certain that you can use lemons instead of limes. If you do try it – please drop me a line in the comments and let me know how it turns out!
Can I make this vegan?
You can make it vegan by substituting the condensed milk with Sweetened Coconut Condensed Milk, a non-dairy vegan friendly alternative.
Brazilian Lemonade – Light, Creamy & Delicious
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 Jug of Brazilian Lemonade
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brazilian Lemonade, Limonada suíça or Swiss Lemonade is an utterly yummy and refreshing drink that’s perfect for summer entertaining. You need 4 or 5 readily available ingredients, a quick blitz in your food processor – and it’s ready to be enjoyed!
Ingredients
Brazilian Lemonade:
- 4 limes
- 3 cups water
- 1/3–1/2 tin of condensed milk (carnation, or vegan coconut condensed milk)
- 2 cups of ice, plus more for serving.
Make it minty:
- 5g fresh mint leaves
Make it spicy:
- 1/2 1 red chilli, seeds removed
Add a kick:
- Serve with a shot of rum
Instructions
- Rinse the limes, then cut into quarters, and place in a blender along with the water.
- Pulse the blender 5-8 times until the limes are broken up into rough chunks. Any more than this and the drink could turn bitter if the pulp is macerated too finely.
- Strain off the lime and pith, and return the strained lime juice to the blender. Add 2 cups of ice, plus the chilli OR mint, and condensed milk (start with ⅓ tin, and add more if you want it sweeter).
- Blend the mixture until light and fluffy, with the ice fully combined into the liquid.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary, or add a touch more fresh mint or chilli if you like.
- Pour into ice-filled glasses and enjoy. This drink can be made in advance, but it will lose some of its foamy fluffiness, which is a real delight. If you are making it ahead, give the drink a good stir, or quick whizz in the blender before serving.
Notes
This Brazilian Lemonade is a fantastic large-batch solution for entertaining. It’s light refreshing and delicious- perfect for summer BBQs, and picnics. Serve with rum for a spiked kick, or as is. You simply cannot go wrong.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Drinks
