Brazilian lemonade, often referred to as “Swiss Lemonade” in Brazil, is a refreshing and creamy drink that’s actually made with limes, not lemons. It’s a unique blend of sweet and tart flavours, often enriched with condensed milk, making it distinct from traditional lemonade.
The exact origins of Brazilian lemonade are not well-documented, but it is believed to have become popular in Brazil due to the abundant lime crop in the country. Limes are more readily available and cheaper than lemons in Brazil, which likely led to their use in this iconic drink.
What you will need:
| Ingredient | Measure |
| Fresh lime | 2 |
| Cold water | 3 Cups |
| Sugar | 1/2 Cup |
| Condensed milk | 3 tbsp |
| Salt (Optional) | 1/4 – 1/2 tsp |
| Ice cubes | As needed |
Time Required
Preparation time – 10 minutes
Estimated Calories and Yield
Calories / 100ml – Approx. 71 kcal
Total yield – 700 – 750 ml
Equipments:
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Blender
- Fine mesh strainer
- Pitcher
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Thoroughly clean the limes and cut each into quarters, keeping the peel on.
- In a blender, combine the lime quarters, sugar, and 3 cups of the water. Pulse 5 times to gently crush the limes, but not to pulverize them into bits.
- Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing gently to extract the juice without pushing through the bitter peel bits.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk to the strained liquid and stir to combine. Add the remaining 3 cups of water and stir.
Lime peels are bitter,
Primarily due to the presence of certain natural compounds called flavonoids, particularly one known as naringin. Flavonoids are widespread in citrus fruits and play a crucial role in defending the plant against pests and diseases. Naringin, which is more concentrated in the peel and the white pith of the fruit rather than in the pulp, imparts a bitter taste.
In culinary uses, despite their bitterness, lime peels are often used to add a strong, bright flavour to various dishes and drinks, with the bitterness sometimes adding a complex undertone to the overall flavour profile.
Serve Brazilian Lemonade in chilled glasses with ice cubes. Garnish with a slice of lime for a decorative touch. Perfect as a refreshing drink for hot summer days or as a unique offering at parties.
This drink is a staple at various social gatherings, ranging from family barbecues to large festivals. It represents a simple, yet ingenious, approach to using local ingredients to create a beverage that is both delicious and refreshing.
My Tips:
- Ensure the limes are soft and ripe for maximum juice yield.
- Use cold water to keep the lemonade refreshing and to avoid bitterness from the lime peel.
- Don’t over-blend as the rinds can make the drink bitter.
The recipe is scalable by maintaining the ratio of limes, sugar, water, and sweetened condensed milk. For larger or smaller quantities, multiply or divide the ingredients proportionally based on the desired volume.
Troubleshooting Guide:
Drink is bitter
If the drink is too bitter, it may be due to over-blending the limes. Blend briefly and avoid crushing the peel.
Drink is too sweet
Adjust the amount of sugar or condensed milk according to your taste preference.
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