Brazilian Limeade

Okay, let me introduce you to one of the most underrated drinks on the planet. In Brazil it is called limonada suica, which translates to Swiss lemonade, even though there is nothing Swiss about it and it is actually made with limes. Brazilian naming, I love it. Whatever you call it, this creamy, frothy, lime green dream is the drink I crave the second it gets hot out.

The first time I tell people you blend the whole lime, peel and all, they look at me like I have lost it. But trust me, that is the magic. You get this incredible bright, almost floral lime flavor, and then the splash of sweetened condensed milk rounds it all out into something silky and just sweet enough. It is unlike any limeade you have had before.

A little heritage note

Growing up half Brazilian here in Kansas City, this drink was always a little taste of home. My family would make a big blender of it whenever relatives came over, and there was something so festive about that frothy green pour. It shows up at pretty much every Brazilian gathering, churrasco, birthday party, you name it. Making it now always makes me feel connected to that side of my family, even from across the world.

The one thing you cannot skip

Do not over blend. I mean it. A quick pulse is all you need. If you blend the limes too long, the white pith releases its bitterness and your beautiful drink turns sour in a bad way. A few short pulses, then strain right away, and you are golden. Or, well, green.

Brazilian Limeade

Known as limonada suica in Brazil, this creamy, frothy limeade is made by blending whole limes with sweetened condensed milk. It is unbelievably refreshing.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 glasses

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Brazilian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 limes washed well, ends trimmed
• 4 cups cold water
• 4 tbsp sweetened condensed milk or to taste
• 2 cups ice

Method

 

1. Cut each lime into quarters. Leave the peel on, this is the traditional way and what gives it that signature flavor.
2. Add the limes and cold water to a blender. Pulse just a few times, about 5 seconds, so you break up the limes without over blending the bitter pith.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing gently to get all the juice.
4. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, tasting and adding more if you like it sweeter and creamier.
5. Serve immediately over ice while it is still frothy.

Notes

Blend quickly and do not over blend or the lime pith can turn bitter. Strain right after blending for the smoothest, frothiest drink.

How I serve it

Ice cold, in a tall glass, ideally on a porch with no agenda for the afternoon. It is naturally a family friendly drink, which I love, so everyone from my littlest to my grandma can enjoy a glass together. Give it a try and let it transport you somewhere sunny.

So glad you are here.
xo, Pam