Save This Recipe
To this day, just the smell of freshly sliced limes sends me right back to my first big adventure in Brazil. Picture it: sweaty Rio days, flip-flops slapping down cobblestone streets, and—oh! That first icy sip of Brazilian lemonade. Brazilian Lemonade, with its zingy citrus punch and creamy finish, was unlike any lemonade I’d tasted back home. And here’s the funny part—it’s not made with lemons at all! It’s all about the limes. (I know, I know. I was confused too at first!) One glass, and I was hooked. Now, every summer when the days feel impossibly hot, I whip up this drink and bring those Brazilian vibes right to my backyard—chaos, laughter, and all.
Why You’ll Love This Brazilian Lemonade
- Cool, creamy, and ultra-refreshing—perfect for steamy summer afternoons!
- The tartness of lime juice meets a hint of sweetness (thanks, condensed milk!)
- Quick and easy to blend up with just a couple pantry staples
- A fun twist on classic lemonade—your guests will ask for the recipe!
- Delicious with or without a splash of rum… just saying
- Basically, it tastes like vacation in a glass—and who doesn’t need that?
Ingredients Notes + Tips
Limes: You’ll need fresh, juicy limes—those bright green, shiny ones. In the U.S., “Persian” limes work great. Some folks leave the peels on for a bolder, zesty flavor. If you prefer a milder taste (and less bitterness), peel them or just zest the outside before you start. Whichever way, you must use fresh-squeezed lime juice for flavor you just can’t bottle.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the magic! It gives the drink that signature creamy texture and a dreamy sweetness. Don’t sub evaporated milk—it’s not sweet and won’t give the right results. (I learned that the hard way once.)
Ice: Brazilian lemonade is meant to be COLD. Like, shovel-it-in-the-blender cold. Don’t skip this part, okay?
Sugar: Limes vary in tartness. Some folks add a little extra sugar to taste, especially if you like your drinks on the sweeter side. Start small—you can always add more.
Water: Just regular, cold water. You don’t want to use hot water or you’ll zap the flavor out of those lovely limes.
Tiny tip: Feel free to double the recipe if you’ve got a crowd or thirsty teenagers. This homemade Brazilian beverage disappears fast!
Step-by-Step Directions
- Wash and Chop: Scrub your limes well (especially if you’re leaving some peel on for extra citrus kick). Cut them into quarters. If the peels seem tough or the white pith is thick, go ahead and trim that off to avoid bitterness.
- Blitz with Water: Place the lime quarters (peels and all, or just the fruit if you like it milder), cold water, and half of the sugar in your blender. Pulse for just 5-10 seconds! Over-blending brings out bitterness, so resist the urge to go longer. (Don’t walk away… trust me.)
- Strain: Now pour that limey brew through a fine-mesh strainer into a big pitcher, catching every bit of juice. Toss the leftover lime pulp. You want all that bold lime flavor, but not the gritty bits.
- Add the Good Stuff: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and the rest of the sugar (if using). Watch as your citrus beverage gets all creamy and magical-looking! Give it a little taste—add a smidge more sugar or a squirt more lime if needed.
- Blend Again with Ice: For the ultimate frosty treat, add handfuls of ice and blend again just until slushy. Prefer it on the rocks? Stir in ice cubes and serve right away.
Pour yourself a tall glass, maybe sneak out to the porch, and enjoy while the ice is still clinking. (Bonus points if you share with a friend!)
Brazilian Lemonade Variations & Fun Twists
You know I love a good recipe “hack.” Try one of these for a twist on the traditional Brazilian Lemonade:
- Swap the fruit: Mix in fresh mint, a few basil leaves, or a handful of strawberries for a little fruity kick.
- Coconut Dream: Add a splash of coconut milk or coconut water for tropical vibes—so creamy, so refreshing!
- Make it a grown-up drink: Add 1-2 ounces of white rum or vodka to each glass. (It’s especially good for BBQs or grown-ups-only pool parties!)
- Less creamy? No problem: Some folks use half the condensed milk, or thin it a bit with extra water, for a lighter take. Still delicious.
- Sugar-free swap: Use your favorite sugar substitute and unsweetened condensed “milk” for a (slightly) lighter treat.
How to Store & Reheat (If You Even Have Leftovers!)
Honestly, this drink is at its very best freshly made, with all that fizz and zing from the just-blended limes. Brazilian Lemonade can lose a bit of its pop after a few hours, but it’ll keep in the fridge for about a day. Store in a pitcher with a tight lid to keep it tasting fresh.
A quick word of advice: if you’re prepping ahead, wait to blend in the ice until just before serving so your drink doesn’t get watery. Give it a good stir or shake before pouring, as some settling is natural (it’s got real citrus, after all—no weird stabilizers here).
It doesn’t “reheat” (ha!) but if you want those creamy, bold flavors again tomorrow, just give leftovers a big stir, pour over fresh ice, and sip away!
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
Whenever I make this Brazilian lemonade for friends—or even just my family—I always get a chorus of “Wait, what’s IN this?!” It’s one of those recipes that brings people together, gets them talking, and feels just a little bit special, even if you’re sipping it in faded patio chairs. If you try this recipe, I’d truly love to hear how it turns out for you. Have you had it in Brazil? Did you put your own twist on it? Drop a comment or question below—let’s chat citrus beverages, summer cravings, or whatever’s making your kitchen feel bright lately!
And if you make a double batch (I always do!), save me a glass, will ya?

Brazilian Limeade
Ingredients
- Limes fresh and juicy, preferably Persian limes
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Ice
- Sugar
- Water cold water
Instructions
- Scrub limes well and cut into quarters. Remove peels for milder taste if desired.
- Blend lime quarters, cold water, and sugar for 5-10 seconds. Do not over-blend.
- Pour the lime mixture through a strainer into a pitcher to remove pulp.
- Stir in sweetened condensed milk and sugar to the lime juice.
- Add ice to the mixture and blend for a slushy consistency.