Your potential signature summer drink for the year is here with this recipe for a Brazilian lemonade cocktail. Brazilian lemonade, also known as “limonada suíça” (Swiss lemonade) in Brazil, is a popular and refreshing drink with a really unique combination of flavors. The drink is actually made with whole limes and not lemons, contrary to the name, and with the special ingredient of sweetened condensed milk. The mixture of tart limes and the sweetened condensed milk gives it a unique flavor that’s distinct from just any lemonade. Adding alcohol to this traditionally non-alcoholic drink is a way to further enhance it. The result is a creamy, tangy and sweet beverage that is perfect for hot weather. Here is how to make a Brazilian lemonade cocktail.

Why Is It Called Brazilian Lemonade?

The name “Brazilian lemonade” cocktail is pretty misleading in English but makes more sense in Portuguese where the name was derived from. In many Latin American countries, including Brazil, the word “limão” can refer to both limes and lemons. In Portuguese, “limão” typically means lime, while “limão siciliano” specifically refers to what English speakers know as lemons. This drink is typically referred to as limonada suíça or Swiss Lemonade in Brazil.

Brazilian Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 fresh limes
• 4 cups cold water
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup coconut rum or cachaça (Brazilian spirit)
• Ice cubes
• Sugar (optional, to taste)
• Lime slices and mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Limes

• Wash the limes thoroughly.
• Cut the limes into quarters. You can remove the seeds to avoid bitterness.

Blend the Limes

• Place the quartered limes into a blender along with 4 cups of cold water.
• Pulse the limes or only blend for a few seconds just until the limes are broken down. Avoid over-blending to prevent bitterness from the lime peels. 
  • You can use lime juice instead of blending limes to avoid any bitterness when making a Brazilian lemonade cocktail, but it won’t be as flavorful. 

Strain the Mixture

• Strain the lime mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the pulp and rinds. Discard the solids.

Blend with Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Pour the strained lime mixture back into the blender.
• Add 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk.
• Blend until well combined and frothy.

Add Alcohol

• Add 1/2 cup of coconut rum or cachaça to the blender.
• Blend again briefly to mix.

Taste and Adjust

• Taste the mixture and add sugar if desired, blending again to mix well. The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference.

Serve

• Fill glasses with ice cubes.
• Pour the Brazilian lemonade cocktail into the glasses.
• Garnish with lime slices and mint leaves.

Enjoy

• Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Brazilian lemonade cocktail!