Recipe courtesy of Denise Browning
Recipe courtesy of Denise Browning
Watch how to make this recipe.
Brazilian Lemonade
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- Level: Easy
- Total: 10 min
- Active: 10 min
- Yield: 5 1/2 to 6 cups
Brazilian lemonade is a quick, refreshing summer drink made by blending limes with ice water and sweeteners, usually sweetened condensed milk or a combination of sugar and sweetened condensed milk. In my home country of Brazil, it’s called limonada suíça (Swiss lemonade in Portuguese), although it’s actually very Brazilian. Adding to the confusion, it would technically be considered a limeade in the United States since it’s made with limes, not lemons. Why the disconnect? In Brazil, both lemons and limes are called limão, with the distinction between them based loosely on geography: Yellow lemons are called “Sicilian lemons” (limão siciliano), while green limes are called “Tahitian lemons” (limão taiti). Both are considered to yield lemonade (limonada). As for the term “Swiss,” it’s probably because most versions use sweetened condensed milk, a product associated with the Swiss company Nestlé. But while the name may be complicated, making this delicious warm-weather drink is super-easy, no simple syrup required.
- Level: Easy
- Total: 10 min
- Active: 10 min
- Yield: 5 1/2 to 6 cups
Ingredients
Directions
- Start by slicing off the ends of the limes, then slice each lime in half lengthwise. Using a knife, remove the line of white pith in the center and discard any seeds. Quarter each lime and place them in a high-speed blender.
- Add the ice water, sugar and condensed milk if using. Pulse the blender about 7 times, or blend the mixture for about 8 to 10 seconds. Do not blend the limes any longer than this or the lemonade will turn bitter!
- Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer set over a pitcher. Shake the strainer to release any remaining juice. Discard the pulp. Pour the lemonade into glasses with lots of ice. The drink is best served immediately since it can become bitter as it sits, but if you have leftovers you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Enjoy!
Cook’s Note
This lemonade is best made with pale-green limes with thin skins; these limes are juicier and less tart than their dark-green counterparts, making them ideal for this drink. The sweetened condensed milk not only makes the lemonade creamy, but it also makes it sweeter. You can always adjust the sweetness of your drink according to your taste.
