Refreshing Brazilian Lemonade Recipe – Perfect for Summers
Hello, my fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Brazilian Lemonade. This sweet and creamy beverage is popularly known as “limonada suíça” in Brazil and often served in Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chao as a refreshing drink to complement the delicious meats.
As soon as you see the green photos of this lemonade, you’ll probably already have noticed that it’s not your regular lemonade. The photos may look like limeade made from fresh limes, but it’s much more than that. This sweet and creamy lemonade is made with condensed milk, ice, mixed in a blender, resulting in a refreshing cold drink that’s perfect for any occasion.
But first things first- let’s clarify some confusion surrounding the name. You may wonder why it’s called “lemonade” when there are limes involved in the recipe. Well, in Brazil, lemons are called “limões,” while limes are “limas.” Hence the confusion may stem from discrepancies in translations; however, you can rest assured that this recipe indeed calls for limes.
So, if you’re looking for something new to quench your thirst during those hot summer days or want to impress friends and family at your next gathering, then look no further than this Brazilian Lemonade recipe. It’s easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of refreshing and sweet citrus drinks, then this Brazilian Lemonade recipe is for you! This drink has been a personal favorite of mine for so many years, and once you try it, it will quickly become a staple in your drink repertoire too.
Brazilian Lemonade, also known as limonada or limonada suíça, is an amazingly refreshing cold drink made with fresh limes, sugar, and condensed milk. The combination of fresh lime juice and sweetened condensed milk creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is both sweet and tangy.
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s made entirely from scratch, which means you get to control the sweetness and tartness of the drink. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! All you need are five simple ingredients: limes, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, water, and ice.
The best part about this drink is its versatility. You can tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the sweetness or tartness levels. If you want a sweeter drink, simply add more sugar or sweetened condensed milk. If you prefer a more sour flavor profile, add more fresh lime juice. You can even add variations like coconut or mint to create a unique twist on this classic Brazilian drink.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue with friends or just want to cool off on a hot day, this Brazilian Lemonade recipe is sure to impress. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and creamy that makes it an excellent accompaniment to any meal or snack. Trust me; your tastebuds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Before diving into making the Brazilian lemonade, let’s gather our ingredients first. You don’t need to go to a fancy supermarket to get all the ingredients for this easy Brazilian lemonade. In fact, you probably already have most of them in your kitchen! Here is what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 5 limes, cut into quarters
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 cups water
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- Ice
The combination of fresh lime juice and sweetened condensed milk gives this lemonade a unique, sweet and creamy flavor that will make you go for seconds (or thirds!). Trust me, it tastes nothing like the classic American lemonade! Don’t skimp on the fresh limes; it makes a difference. Also, be sure to use sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk as they are not interchangeable.
Now that we have everything ready, let’s start with the recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Blending the Ingredients
Now that we have all our ingredients in place, it’s time to blend them together. Start by washing 5 limes with cold water and then cut them into eighths. Remove any seeds you find and put them into the blender. Add 1 cup of sugar, 3 cups of water, ¾ cup of condensed milk, and 4-5 cups of ice to your blender. By the way, if you want to make this drink dairy-free, you can substitute the condensed milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Blend everything together on high speed for about 30 seconds or until all contents are thoroughly mixed – this will give you a smooth and creamy drink. If needed, add more water and/or sugar according to your preference.
Straining
Optionally, strain your lemonade over fresh ice – this is a great way to ensure that no lime pulp gets stuck in your straw or teeth.
Garnishing
For an even more refreshing drink, try adding some mint leaves or even fancy it up with a slice of lime on the rim of the glass – this provides freshness and makes for a picturesque presentation.
Enjoy!
After straining (or not), serve chilled and savor the flavors! This lemonade is perfect for a hot summer day or paired with spicy food at dinner – it’s sweet with just enough tanginess to balance everything out. Make sure to take a picture before drinking it all, share with your friends using the hashtag #BrazilianLemonade and don’t forget to thank us later!
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to switch things up with this Brazilian Lemonade recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try. Here are some ideas to make this sweet and creamy lemonade a bit different:
– Coconut Limeade: Add some coconut water or coconut cream instead of regular water to the blender to create a tropical twist. A splash of coconut rum can add an extra boozy kick for an adult-only beverage.
– Minty Lemonade: Swap the limes for lemons to create Lemonade (aka Limonada). Blend in a few sprigs of fresh mint leaves for a refreshing flavor. This variation is also known as “Limonada Suíça.”
– Fruity Lemonade: Add in other fruits such as pineapple, mango, or passionfruit to enhance the flavor profile. Be sure to adjust the sweetness level accordingly if using very ripe or sweet fruits.
– Dairy-Free Lemonade: If you’re avoiding dairy, simply omit the condensed milk altogether and blend together lime juice, sugar, and water for a more traditional version. You can also substitute almond milk, soy milk or oat milk instead of condensed milk for a vegan version of this recipe.
– Sparkling Lemonade: Turn this lemonade into a bubbly drink by mixing in some sparkling water instead of regular water. This is a great option when hosting brunches or summer parties.
No matter which variation you choose, one thing is for sure – you’ll still end up with a refreshing and creamy drink that’s perfect on hot summer days. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients until you find your perfect variation!
Serving and Pairing
Alright, let’s talk about serving and pairing our delicious Brazilian Lemonade. This refreshing cold drink is perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a pick-me-up. Its sweet creamy taste and tart lime flavor are so satisfying, it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite foods.
When it comes to serving the lemonade, make sure to give it a good stir before pouring into glasses filled with ice. The ice will help keep the drink cold and bring out the tanginess of the lime. For an extra refreshing touch, you can add some finely chopped mint leaves or a slice of coconut to each glass.
Now, let’s talk about pairing. Given its citrusy flavor and creamy texture, Brazilian Lemonade goes well with seafood dishes like ceviche, fried calamari or grilled shrimp. It also pairs well with spicy or savory foods such as BBQ chicken wings, tacos al pastor or grilled vegetables. And why not pair it with a classic Brazilian dish like feijoada or churrasco at your next home-cooked meal?
If you’re planning to serve this Brazilian Lemonade at your next party or gathering, consider serving it alongside snacks like fresh fruit skewers or mini quiches. Or offer your guests some coconut macaroons or brigadeiros – Brazilian chocolate truffles – for a sweet treat that will complement the lemonade’s flavors.
No matter how you decide to serve and pair it, this Brazilian Lemonade is sure to be a hit among everyone at the table. So go ahead and make a big batch of this sweet and tangy drink, sit back, relax and enjoy the tropical flavors of Brazil in every sip!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve enjoyed this refreshing Brazilian Lemonade, you might be wondering what to do with the leftovers. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This lemonade can easily be made ahead of time and stored for later.
To make-ahead, prepare the lemonade according to the recipe instructions, letting it cool down before storing it in the refrigerator. The prepared Brazilian Lemonade will last for up to 2 days in the fridge.
When it’s time to serve your leftover lemonade, give it a good stir since some separation may occur while in storage. If you prefer a stronger lime flavor, consider adding an extra freshly squeezed lime or two which will help keep that zesty flavor alive.
Reheating is not recommended as it is best served cold. However, if you find the texture has changed over time you can add additional water and blend again to refresh its taste and creaminess.
Finally, here’s a tip to help preserve your leftover Brazilian Lemonade: store it in a tightly sealed container or bottle and place it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. This way, your delicious homemade lemonade can stay fresh for longer, so that you can enjoy its sweet and refreshing taste whenever you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
So, you’ve decided to make Brazilian lemonade and want to make sure it turns out perfectly? Well, you’ve come to the right place. As a chef with years of experience with this recipe, I’ve gathered some tips and recommendations to help you achieve sweet creamy lemonade that will make your taste buds dance.
Here are my tips for perfect results:
1. Use fresh limes: The key ingredient in this recipe is fresh lime juice. Make sure you use limes that are juicy and ripe. Avoid using bottled lime juice or those that have gone bad.
2. Blend everything well: For a smooth texture, make sure you mix all the ingredients well in the blender. Allow the blender to run for at least a minute or until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is creamy.
3. Adjust sweetness: The recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. However, sweetness preference varies. Adjust accordingly by adding more sugar or condensed milk, depending on your taste buds.
4. Chill before serving: Brazilian lemonade is best served chilled, but not frozen. Allow the drink to cool in the fridge before serving or serve over ice.
5. Pair it well: This refreshing drink goes well with savory dishes like grilled meat, roasted chicken, and spicy food. Serve it alongside your meal to balance out the flavors.
6. Experiment with variations: While this traditional recipe is divine on its own, you can add a twist using coconut milk instead of regular milk or adding mint leaves to give it an additional taste dimension.
By following these tips, you’re guaranteed a perfect and delicious brazilian lemonade every time! Now go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you later!
FAQ
Now that you’re familiar with the ingredient list and the recipe how-to of this sweet, creamy, and refreshing Brazilian Lemonade recipe, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions to ensure that you get perfect results every time! Let’s explore answers to some of the most common queries regarding this recipe, including serving tips and possible ingredient substitutions.
What is Brazilian lemonade made of?
In need of a refreshing and sweet drink to keep cool in the upcoming scorching summer days? Look no further than Brazilian lemonade, also known as Limonada suíça. This chilled beverage is crafted from a blend of fresh limes, sugar, condensed milk, water and ice that is then mixed together in a blender. The result is a frothy, creamy and delightfully sweet lemonade that is sure to beat the heat.
Why is it called Brazilian lemonade?
The drink known as Brazilian lemonade may strike you as green in photos, but it’s actually made from fresh limes, not lemons. This is due to the fact that the Portuguese word for lime is limão, which is translated as lemon in English, leading to a term usage of ‘lemonade’.
Why is my Brazilian lemonade bitter?
When zesting citrus fruit for your juice, be mindful not to over blend it. The white layer underneath the bright outer layer has a bitter taste that you don’t want to release into your juice. To avoid this, pulse the blender a few times or blend on high for no more than 10 seconds.
Bottom Line
And there you have it, folks – a delicious and easy Brazilian Lemonade recipe that will refresh your taste buds on a hot summer day! The combination of fresh limes, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk creates a sweet and creamy lemonade that is sure to quench your thirst.
What I love about this recipe is that it’s versatile – you can switch up the ingredients to create variations that suit your taste. Experiment with different types of fruit, swap out the sugar for honey or agave, or even add in coconut or mint for a tropical twist!
So next time you’re looking for a refreshing drink to cool down, give this Brazilian Lemonade recipe a try. Whether you’re sipping it by the pool or pairing it with your favorite meal at Fogo de Chao, this beverage is sure to satisfy.
Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media using the hashtag #brazilianlemonade – I can’t wait to see all the delicious versions of this classic drink!
Until next time, keep cooking and keep experimenting!
Brazilian Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 limes
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk, sweetened condensed
- 3 cups water
- ice
Instructions
- Wash limes thoroughly. Cut off the ends and slice into eight wedges. Place limes in a blender with the sugar, sweetened condensed milk, water, and ice.
- Blend in an electric blender, pulsing 5 times. Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove rinds. Serve over ice.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.