Ingredients
- Limes: 4 medium-sized, juicy limes (preferably thin-skinned varieties like Persian or Tahiti limes)
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1/4 cup (60ml), or to taste (this is the key to its creaminess!)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g), or to taste (adjust based on your limes’ tartness and personal preference)
- Cold Water: 4 cups (approximately 1 liter)
- Ice Cubes: Plenty for blending and serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Limes:
- Wash the limes thoroughly under running water.
- Cut off the very ends (the top and bottom nubs) of each lime, as these parts can be a bit tough or dry.
- Cut each lime into eighths (quarters, then halve each quarter). Some people prefer to remove the central white pith/core at this stage if their limes are particularly pithy, as this can contribute to bitterness. However, for many common lime varieties, this step isn’t strictly necessary if you blend briefly.
- First Blend (Extracting Lime Flavor):
- Place the lime pieces and 2 cups of the cold water into a blender.
- Pulse the blender 5-7 times for just a few seconds each time. You want to break up the limes and release their juice and oils, but do not over-blend. Over-blending, especially the peel and pith, can make the lemonade bitter. The water should look cloudy and fragrant.
- Strain the Lime Mixture:
- Pour the blended lime mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or strainer into a pitcher or large bowl.
- Press down gently on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp and peel left in the strainer. This step is crucial for a smooth lemonade without bits of peel.
- Second Blend (Adding Creaminess & Sweetness):
- Rinse the blender container to remove any lingering solids (optional, but helps ensure smoothness).
- Pour the strained lime liquid back into the clean blender.
- Add the granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and the remaining 2 cups of cold water.
- Add about 1 cup of ice cubes to the blender. This will help make the drink extra frothy and chilled.
- Blend again for about 20-30 seconds, or until everything is well combined, the sugar is dissolved, and the lemonade is frothy and creamy.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Give your Brazilian Lemonade a taste. If it’s too tart, you can blend in a little more sugar or condensed milk. If it’s too sweet for your liking (unlikely with these proportions, but possible), you can add a tiny splash more water or a squeeze of extra lime juice (from a separate lime, strained).
- Serve Immediately:
- Fill glasses with plenty of fresh ice cubes.
- Pour the Brazilian Lemonade over the ice.
- Garnish with a lime slice or wheel, or a sprig of mint, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 150-200