Limonada (Brazilian Lemonade)
Updated Oct. 12, 2023
- Total Time
- 10 minutes
- Prep Time
- 5 minutes
- Cook Time
- 5 minutes
- Rating
- Notes
- Read community notes
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Ingredients
Yield:6 servings
- 4limes, scrubbed and washed, plus wedges or wheels for serving
- ⅓cup granulated sugar
- 7ounces sweetened condensed milk (or, for a dairy-free version, use 7 ounces sweetened condensed coconut milk)
- 4cups cold water
- 4cups ice, plus more for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)
163 calories; 3 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 1 gram monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 34 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 30 grams sugars; 3 grams protein; 56 milligrams sodium
Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Powered byPreparation
- Step 1
Cut off and discard the tips of the limes, then cut the limes in quarters.
- Step 2
Working in batches if your blender is smaller, pulse limes, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, water and ice in a blender 5 to 8 times until the ingredients are just combined. You’re looking to extract flavor from the limes, but not to pulverize them, which can make the drink too bitter. Pieces of lime rind may still be visible.
- Step 3
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher or bowl with a spout. Use the back of a spoon to push out as much liquid as possible; discard the solids.
- Step 4
Divide among tall, ice-filled glasses, garnish with lime wedges and serve immediately.
Private Notes
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Cooking Notes
Jennie
I know we are all thinking this…what alcohol would pair best to make this an adult beverage?
Anne
I am thinking of using cream of coconut rather than condensed milk and adding RUM for an adult indulgence.
Siri C
I have lived in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil for 40 years and have never heard of adding sweetened condensed milk (aka “Leite Moça”) to Limonada Suíça. We blend the cut up line with sugar or sweetener, water and ice and serve in a tall glass with a straw. Very refreshing on a hot day!
Big Talulah
Ok we made this and it was delicious albeit quite messy… my brother in law then proceeded to just mix storebought limeaid with condensed milk and zested a lime over top, poured it over crushed ice and it was, dare I say better??
Kriss
Or cachaca, Brazilian rum.
Mayanne
I have never heard of this luscious offering and the idea of whirring whole limes seemed crazy. And, I'm not a fan of sweetened condensed milk, which to me seems fake and cloying. BUT, this was wonderful. Tart, sweet, light, refreshing. Thank you for sharing!
Jake Romero
This would be a fantastic party punch with silver rum, vodka, or tequila!!!!
Aloisio
If you want to pair it with alcohol, ditch the condensed milk and add cachaça from Brazil and you have a caipirinha like drink
Emo
I peel half the limes, and the white stuff on the wedges, as you would for a caipirinha, otherwise its too bitter--Amy, try with half-peeled limes and see. As for it keeping for 3 days, well, I guess technically it does, but it might be undrinkable by then: the longer it sits, the bitterer it gets. In Brazil, we make it and serve it, since no one likes "limonada azeda"!
Gage
Made exactly as recipe states. The first glass fresh out of the blender was great, but as it set in the refrigerator it seemed to become much more bitter. Next time I might peel some of the limes to avoid extra bitterness. Also an extra lime or two would be great if you like it more sour.
Tara
Coconut milk or cream and honey?
Frank
But the song says you put the lime in the coconut, not the other way around! Seriously though I will try this since I'm not a fan of too much sweetness. I have been buying Outshine Lime and Coconut popsicles lately and this will scratch both itches.
Emo
Yes, and it was a disaster; limes bounced around and water spilled out the sides. When it was all done I was left with a mess and no limonada. BTW, condensed milk is certainly optional--plenty of limonodas suíças are made with sugar, and it's more refreshing that way on a hot day. And yes, it is delicious mixed with cachaça.
ekelly
Gin and lime, that’s a great combo.
Morgan
I am using Nature's Charm Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk, but regular sugar. Monk Fruit, agave syrup, or honey may be a good sub.
6.25.24
I very loosely interpreted this concept. I made NYT’s basic lemonade recipe then added agave syrup and pistachio milk with a splash of sparkling water. It tastes like a liquid key lime pie. I’d love to try with cachaça next time.
FlyAsh
This is super refreshing! I read some of the comments before starting and so I zested each lime and removed the pith before I put them in the blender. I just ran the blender until I felt it was well-blended. I tried to strain everything with a metal mesh strainer, but it just didn’t work and because I took the time to zest the limes and remove the pith, it really didn’t need to be strained. Would totally make this again to beat the summer heat!
made 2.21.23
I loosely interpreted this and made homemade lemonade from NYT’s other recipe, added agave and pistachio milk with a splash of sparkling water. It tastes like a liquid key lime pie!
anna frances!
delicious recipe, creamy but tart - & extremely refreshing.
Lauren P
Made this exactly as written and it's wonderful! I was expecting a thick texture due to the sweetened condensed milk, but its not noticeable at all. Very refreshing drink.
sadie
PERFECT. i halted the recipe and didn’t add any sugar, and it’s still 4 delicious servings. 12/10 would recommend!
Clare
Everyone in the house loved it and will make again!
Drew
I think a few people who might end up with a bitter drink could be using unripe limes in the recipe. You want to try and find limes that are lighter and yellowy-green in colour rather than dark and bold green. They should also be firm but squeezable, rather than hard rocks. This will make sure you end up with sweet and ample juice along with thin rinds. I learned this from Chef Susan Feniger and it hasn't steered me wrong over 10 years of lime purchasing.
AJ Unreliable
The eight year old boys didn't like this, but I thought it was delicious.
Mister L
Tastier than I thought. Add some tequila, rum, or bourbon for a kick.
Coco
Anne, if you're swapping cream of coconut for condensed milk, you'll need to add more sugar. Condensed milk has it; coconut cream doesn't.
Isabella Dean
Followed the recipe exactly and came out SO REFRESHING! Minimal cleanup and came together in less than 15 minutes. Perfect way to use up my many limes!
Sarah
Has anyone tried this with orange, lemon, or grapefruit?
Rai
Drop some high grade cacaça in this and make yourself a mixed drink. Unfortunately I have yet to find real good cacaça at most liquor stores in the US, most could strip paint.
Cris S
I didn’t have a blender, but chopping the limes really small and crushing the ice before hand made it easy to blend in a bowl with an emulsion blender. Pulse blend and it minimizes the mess.
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