Brazilian Lemonade is a creamy, smooth, refreshing lime drink native to Brazil. This version is just like the one Tucanos Brazilian Grill makes!
In honor of my 33rd birthday tomorrow I’m sharing one of my favorite drink recipes! Consider it my birthday gift to each and every one of you.
I know that sounds a bit backwards but I always thought it would be lovely to be able to give gifts on your birthday instead of receiving them!
Brazilian Lemonade is Made With LIMES
Brazilian Lemonade sounds backwards too. It is called “lemonade” but there are no lemons in it – just limes. Don’t as me why – I haven’t the foggiest!
What I do know is it is ridiculously good and that one drink will have you hooked for life. Sorry, but at least I warned you?
How To Make The BEST Brazilian Lemonade (Like Tucanos)
Some versions of this recipe call for blending limes together with the water etc. I find that makes the drink bitter most of the time. My version is simpler and is dependably amazing.
Have a great week guys, enjoy my birthday tomorrow and don’t wait to whip up a batch of this lovely lemonade to enjoy with friends!
The Tools Needed to Make Brazilian Lemonade
These awesome gadgets from Microplane are a good price and mine have held up for years! They make grabbing a bit of zest for cooking projects easy.
I’m always juicing lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits. Having a cheep and easy juicer like this one makes that job fast and easy. If you juice citrus fruit frequently get one of these! Heck, it is worth it just for the treat of fresh squeezed orange juice a few times a year.
How to Make Dairy Free Brazilian Lemonade
I’ve had some requests for a dairy free or lactose free version of Brazilian lemonade. There are several options depending on what you need and how much time you have.
Lactose Free Options
- You can use a lactose free milk to make sweetened condensed milk with a recipe like this one
- Nestle brand makes a product called La Lechera Lactose-Free Sweet Condensed Milk
Dairy Free Options
- Substitute 1/2 cup of canned coconut milk for the sweetened condensed milk. Taste the finished product and add a little bit more sugar if the drink is still too tart.
- Make your own dairy-free sweetened condensed milk with a recipe like this one
- Make dairy-free sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk like this
We are nuts about cool, refreshing summer drinks. Another favorite of ours is my Anne of Green Gables Raspberry Cordial.
Brazilian Lemonade
Ingredients
- 6 cups cold water divide
- 1 cup bakers sugar can sub granulated sugar
- zest of 2 limes
- 1 cup + 1 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Measure 3 cups cold water and pour into a blender. Pour the other 3 cups of cold water into the pitcher you plan to serve in.
- Add the sugar, lime zest, lime juice and sweetened condensed milk to the blender.
- Holding the lid down firmly, blend the mixture until everything is combined and frothy. Pour contents of blender into the pitcher of water and stir to combine.
- Serve the drink in glasses of ice and garnish with lime wedges.
- Lime Juicing Tip: Use your hand to slightly flatten a lime against the counter or cutting board and roll it several times. This will help to release the juice.
Nutrition
Angie
The ingredients sound like this makes a good drink. I’m confused about the instructions. Step #3 is a repeat of Step #2 and I didn’t see what to do with the 3 cups you put in the pitcher from Step #1.
Can you clarify?
Mirlandra
I’m so sorry, Angie – those directions were terrible! It looks like I grabbed my in process draft of the recipe instead of the final and put it in the post by mistake. Thank you so much for bringing that to my attention. I have fixed the directions. They should make a lot more sense now! If you have any more questions please let me know! Again I’m sorry about that.
Angie
Thanks so much, Mirlandra!! Clearly, I’m interested in making this or I might not have read the instructions so carefully!! I’m sure I’m going to love this and thanks so much for posting it!
Bruce
I’m lactose intolerant. Any suggestions to be able to make a version of this drink ?
Bruce
I’m lactose intolerant. Any suggestions that would enable me to make this drink ?
Mirlandra
Hi Bruce that is a great question! I’ve got a few suggestions that might work depending on what you to try. I’ve created a new section in the post for lactose free and dairy free options. I hope that helps! Let me know what you try – I would love to hear what your favorite is 🙂
Lisa Mathews
What is on the rim of your glasses? Sugar? Salt? They look yummy!
Mirlandra
Thanks, Lisa! I used some lime zest mixed with decorating sugar like the kind you would buy for decorating cookies or cupcakes. It is a sparkly sugar that makes the rims beautiful! I have instructions for how to do that in my post for Watermelon Margaritas if you want more information. Enjoy!
Dianna Champlain
Sounds wonderful going to try this in may for our annual spring fling party, thinking of adding rum to it any thoughts?
Mirlandra
YUM! I think it could be great. My first thought is to use a lighter white rum – or even a coconut rum if you like that sort of thing. I would add it to one glass and see how you like the flavor before doing the pitcher. Depending on the type of party I would add 1-2 shots per 8oz of Brazilian Lemonade.
Linguistics 101
This is the reason why is called lemonade (“limonada” in Spanish and Portuguese):
Canada/USA ———– Latin America
Lemon (yellow one) is Limón (green one), hence the term “limonada”
Lime (green one) is Lima (yellow one)
In other words, what is known as lemon in Canada/USA is known as lime (“lima”, not to be confused with Lima the capital of Perú) in Latin America. And what is known as lime in Canada/USA is known as lemon (“limón”) in Latin America. So, they are right to call it “limonada”.
Mirlandra
Thank you! What a great explanation! I’m glad to know the details.
Linguistics 101
You are very welcome and I’m glad it helped. The recipe sounds delicious and I hope to try it once summer makes a bit of a permanent status in my city. Cheers!
alice. B
Your very funny. I ♥️ your sense of humour.
Mirlandra
😉 Thank you!
Lisa Marie
I MADE THIS AND IT WAS ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS !!!…… THE ONLY THING I CHANGED WAS INSTEAD OF THE GRANULATED SUGAR, I USED ORGANIC HONEY, OTHER THEN THAT I DID THE RECIPE JUST LIKE YOU PRINTED! IT WAS SO REFRESHING AND WONDERFUL!!! THANK YOU FOR THE RECIPE!
Mirlandra
Lisa! I’m so thrilled you loved it 🙂 This is such a favorite in our home. I haven’t made it in a bit – I need to do so. I’ve not tried it with honey but I be that was delicious! I saw I had an email from you too – I will get back to you on that soon! Whenever you love a recipe please feel free to leave it 5 starts. Google uses this rating system to help people know what is worth trying!
Marta
This was so good and so easy! I made it with my girls for a fun Friday night treat. Delicious and I can’t wait till summer so I can try it with rum! 💕💋🙌🏻
Mirlandra
Oh Marta thanks so much for telling me! Sounds like a perfect Friday night – I have not made this in a bit. Maybe I need to plan on making some next weekend. We are going do smoke some chicken and this would be amazing to go with! And yes – with rum for SURE! Mmmmmm