This Brazilian Limeade Recipe is a creamy, zesty, and ultra-refreshing drink that blends whole limes with sweetened condensed milk for a bold citrus kick. It comes together in minutes and is just what your summer menu needs.
What is Brazilian Limeade?
Known as limonada suíça in Brazil, Brazilian Limeade blends whole limes—peel and all—with sweetened condensed milk and ice for a frothy, citrusy treat. It’s especially popular during the Brazilian summer, loved for its bold citrus flavor and rich, creamy twist.
Bonus: Sweetened condensed milk adds a dose of calcium—so it’s sweet and secretly good for your bones!
This delicious creamy drink will pair perfectly with our Crispy Coconut Shrimp and Tilapia Fish Tacos.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & Easy: Blend, strain, pour. Ready in under 5 minutes!
- Creamy + Tart: The sweetened condensed milk creates that signature creamy twist.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it at BBQs, picnics, brunch, or beach days. Always a hit!
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Fresh Limes: Choose smooth, thin-skinned limes—they’re juicier and less bitter than thick, bumpy ones.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness—this is what makes Brazilian Limeade different from classic limeade.
- Ice + Cold Water: Keeps it frosty and thins the drink to a sippable consistency.
- Peppery Zest (Optional): I like to sprinkle lime zest on top for a little extra citrus aroma—totally optional but fun!
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut condensed milk or oat-based sweetened milk.
- Mint-Lime Twist: Add fresh mint to the blender for a mojito vibe.
- Sparkling Limeade: Replace 1 cup of water with sparkling water for fizzy flair.
- Frozen Limeade Cubes: Freeze extra limeade into ice cubes and blend later for a quick slushy.
🍃 Flavor Pairings I Love
Back when I worked behind the bar at Valentine’s Restaurant, I loved experimenting with flavors—and citrus drinks were always my playground. Here are a few combos I still love to this day:
| Flavor Pair | Vibe |
|---|---|
| Lime + Coconut | Tropical & creamy |
| Lime + Mint | Mojito-style refreshment |
| Lime + Ginger | Zesty & bold |
| Lime + Strawberry | Sweet-tart & fruity |
| Lime + Basil | Herbal & garden-fresh |
Try swapping in one of these combos when you’re feeling creative or want a fun twist on the classic.
If you like this tropical drink, try my Citrus Lemon Lime Lemonade or Grapefruit Rosemary Mocktail next!
🔪How To Make Brazilian Limeade
- Step 1: Wash the limes thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Chop each lime into quarters.
- Step 2: In a blender, combine the chopped limes, cold water, and sweetened condensed milk. Blend until the mixture is as smooth as possible.
- Step 3: Strain the blended mixture using a fine mesh sieve to remove the pulp and any remaining lime pieces.
- Step 4: Fill glasses with ice and pour the strained limeade over the ice. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, refreshing drink!
💡 Hint: Pour extra limeade into silicone molds to freeze. Later, blend the cubes with a splash of water for a frozen slushie—perfect for kids or make-ahead summer parties!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Blend Briefly: 20 seconds max! Over-blending = bitter lime oil.
- Strain Twice: If you want it super smooth, go for a double strain.
- Chill the Ingredients: Use cold water, chilled limes, and cold condensed milk for max refreshment.
- Meal Prep Tip: Blend and strain everything but the ice, then refrigerate in jars. Shake and serve over ice when ready!
💭 FAQs
Blending the limes too long releases oils from the peel. Stick to a short blend time and strain thoroughly.
Yes! Use a plant-based sweetened condensed milk (like coconut or oat).
Yes! Add more or less sweetened condensed milk to suit your taste. You can also mix in a little sugar or honey if needed.
Totally! Pour leftovers into ice cube trays. Blend frozen cubes with a splash of water for an icy treat.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Here are some sides to serve with Brazilian Limeade:
- BBQ-Ready: Serve alongside Air Fryer Cod, fish tacos, or smoky veggie skewers.
- Sweet & Savory Snacks: Pair with Cheesy Stuffed Peppers , Mango and Pineapple Salsa, or crunchy veggie sticks.
- Light Meals: Sip with Quinoa Salad, Avocado Toast, or this Arugula Mango Salad for a summery plate.
- Fun Garnish Ideas: Lime sugar rims, freeze-dried lime powder, or edible flowers for a party twist!
Want more lime infused recipes? Try this Creamy Jalapeno Coleslaw with Lime or my favorite Chilean Seabass With Lime And Chili.
🍽 More Refreshing Summer Recipes
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Brazilian Limeade
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Ice
- 6 Fresh Limes
- 3 Cups Cold Water
- 1 Cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
Instructions
- Rinse the limes well and cut them into quarters.
- In a blender, combine the chopped limes, cold water, and sweetened condensed milk. Blend until smooth.
- Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the mixture, removing any pulp or lime pieces.
- Pour the strained limeade over glasses filled with ice. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Sweet, tangy, and creamy—this limeade is like a tropical vacation in a glass! Absolutely delightful!