Brazilian Limeade a refreshingly creamy and zesty lime drink from Brazil, blending fresh lime juice with sweetened condensed milk and a hint of fizzy soda for a tropical treat. I love how this drink balances tartness with sweetness, making it a perfect pick-me-up on a hot day.
Ingredients
4 fresh limes
1 cup cold water
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ cup ice cubes
1 cup sparkling water or club soda
2-3 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
I start by washing the limes thoroughly, then cutting each into 8 wedges, keeping the peel on to add a slightly bitter and aromatic note.
I place the lime wedges in my blender along with the cold water, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar if I want it sweeter.
I blend everything on high for about 30 seconds, being careful not to over-blend. This way, the lime pieces break down without releasing too much bitterness from the pith.
I strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing gently to extract as much juice as possible while leaving the pulp and seeds behind.
Finally, I add ice cubes and sparkling water or club soda to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
I serve the limeade immediately over ice, sometimes garnishing with lime slices for a nice touch.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. The prep takes roughly 10 minutes, and there’s no cooking involved, so it’s perfect when I want something quick and refreshing.
Variations
I sometimes swap sparkling water for flavored soda like lemon-lime for a sweeter, fruitier twist.
To make it dairy-free, I replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream or a sweetened coconut milk alternative, which adds a tropical depth.
For a spicier version, I add a pinch of ground ginger or muddle in some fresh mint leaves before blending.
When I want it less sweet, I reduce or skip the sugar entirely since the condensed milk adds plenty of sweetness.
To make a frozen treat, I blend the ingredients with extra ice and serve it as a slushy.
Storage/reheating
I recommend drinking Brazilian limeade fresh for the best fizz and flavor. If I need to store it, I keep it refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Before serving, I add fresh sparkling water since the carbonation fades over time. This drink isn’t meant to be reheated.
FAQs
Can I use regular lime juice instead of fresh limes?
I find fresh limes essential because their zest and peel add bitterness and aroma that bottled juice can’t replicate. But in a pinch, bottled lime juice can work—just skip the blending step and mix with condensed milk and soda.
Is sweetened condensed milk necessary?
Yes, it’s key to the creamy texture and sweetness. Without it, the limeade would be too tart and watery.
How can I reduce bitterness from the lime peel?
I make sure to blend just until the limes break down, not pulverize. Over-blending releases too much bitterness from the white pith under the peel.
Can this be made vegan?
Absolutely. I substitute sweetened condensed milk with a coconut milk-based condensed milk alternative or coconut cream mixed with a little sugar.
What’s the best sparkling water to use?
I prefer plain club soda or sparkling water with no added flavors or sweeteners to keep the limeade bright and fresh.
Conclusion
Brazilian limeade is one of my favorite drinks to make when I want something quick, refreshing, and deliciously creamy. It’s a simple blend of fresh limes, condensed milk, and fizzy soda that always feels like a little tropical escape. Whether for a summer party or a casual afternoon treat, this limeade never disappoints. I hope I’ve inspired you to try making it yourself—it’s truly a refreshing way to enjoy the zest of fresh lime in a creamy, bubbly beverage.
Recipe:
Brazilian Limeade
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshingly creamy and zesty Brazilian lime drink blending fresh lime juice with sweetened condensed milk and sparkling soda for a tropical treat.
Ingredients
4 fresh limes
1 cup cold water
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ cup ice cubes
1 cup sparkling water or club soda
2-3 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Wash the limes thoroughly and cut each into 8 wedges, keeping the peel on.
- Place the lime wedges, cold water, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar (if using) in a blender.
- Blend on high for about 30 seconds, being careful not to over-blend to avoid excessive bitterness.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing gently to extract juice but leaving pulp and seeds behind.
- Add ice cubes and sparkling water or club soda to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
- Serve immediately over ice, optionally garnished with lime slices.
Notes
For a sweeter, fruitier twist, use flavored soda instead of sparkling water.
To make dairy-free, substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream or sweetened coconut milk alternative.
Add a pinch of ground ginger or fresh mint leaves for a spicy or herbal variation.
Reduce or skip sugar if you prefer less sweetness.
To make a frozen version, blend with extra ice for a slushy texture.
Best consumed fresh; if storing, keep refrigerated up to 24 hours and add fresh sparkling water before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending and Straining
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
