Brazilian Lemonade Recipe (Without Bitterness!)
I’ve got a special treat for you— a Brazilian lemonade recipe that’s easy, refreshing, and not bitter. I’ll show you how to make Brazilian lemonade using fresh limes with a unique twist: no bitterness!
Many versions of Brazilian lemonade tend to be bitter because of the lime’s pith. But don’t worry—I’ll show you how to remove the pith from limes so your drink turns out right every time!
What’s So Special About This Easy Brazilian Lemonade?
Making cold and hot beverages for years, like Mango lassi, Virgin Pina Colada, and Strawberry Banana Coconut Smoothie, and adding twists to them made me realize what should be done with this recipe to make it the best. This Brazilian limeade recipe stays tangy and fresh without bitterness by removing the pith before blending. Plus, we’re using sweetened condensed milk to add a creamy sweetness that balances out the tang of the limes. The result? A refreshing lime drink that’s perfect for any hot day!
Ingredients for the Best Brazilian Lemonade
- Limes: We will use regular limes, not keylimes. Regular limes are bigger and have more juice than keylimes. Choose the one that is not hard and has a fruity smell.
- Cold water: It’s best to use cold water. It won’t allow the ice cubes to melt quickly.
- Sweetened condensed milk: makes this drink authentic and adds creaminess and sweetness. Do not use evaporated milk as a substitute; it will not work.
- Sugar: Although in some recipes, people only use sweetened condensed milk, I find that adding sugar improves the drink’s consistency with a balanced sweetness.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Brazilian Lemonade
I have tested this recipe to ensure it’s perfect for you to enjoy with your loved ones. My family loved it, and the feedback was great! Don’t just take my word for it—give it a try and let me know how yours turned out in the comments. The steps are super simple and easy to follow. No bitterness, only a refreshing and cooling drink!
- Pick Your Limes Wisely
Look for firm, fresh limes. Ripe limes make all the difference in this lemonade made with limes!
- Wash the limes and zest them using a grater.
- **Remove the Pith for a Non-Bitter Lemonade.
Wash the limes and cut from the top and bottom, just enough to see the flesh. Cut away the pith, ensuring not to take much from the flesh. Slice the lime in quarters and try to remove as much as possible from the membrane. This is the key to a Brazilian lemonade without bitterness!
- Blend and Sweeten
Blend the limes, lime zest, cold water, and sugar for about 30 seconds. Don’t over-blend—this keeps your lemonade from becoming overly bitter.
- Strain and blend again
Strain the mixture in a pitcher. Then, pour the mixture in the blender again with sweetened condensed milk and blend for 15 seconds. Pour over ice and enjoy the most refreshing summer drink ever!
Why This Brazilian Lemonade Recipe Works
Here’s the insider tip: the bitterness comes from the pith. By removing it, you get a non-bitter lemonade with all the lime’s zest flavor. Combine that with the creaminess of sweetened condensed milk, and you have the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use cold water for extra refreshment.
- Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to taste for more or less sweetness.
- Wash the limes properly since we are going to use the zest. To remove the wax that’s usually on fruits and vegetables, place the limes in a bowl and pour hot water over it. Leave it for a minute, then rinse the limes and dry them.
Trust Me, This is the Best Brazilian Lemonade You’ll Make
As someone who has tested many summer drink recipes, I believe this one is hands down a winner. The trick to avoiding bitterness while still getting the tangy lime flavor is all in removing the pith. Try it out and see for yourself—you’ll never go back to regular limeade recipes again!
⭐PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW
If you have tried this Brazilian lemonade recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and comment below about your experience!
Brazilian Lemonade Recipe (Without Bitterness!)
Ingredients
- 3 limes
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 ½ cups cold water
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
- Ice cubes for extra chill
Instructions
- Start by washing and drying the limes. Then, use a grater to remove the lime zest and set it aside.
- Next, remove the pith from the limes, slice them into quarters, and remove the membrane.
- Now, in a blender, mix together water, sugar, lime slices, and lime zest. Blend for 20 to 30 seconds.
- After blending, strain the mixture using a sieve. Then, pour the blended lime juice back into the blender and add the sweetened condensed milk.
- Give it all another quick blend, just for a few seconds.
- Finally, fill some glasses with ice, pour in the Brazilian lemonade, and enjoy this delightful drink!
Video
Notes
- Be sure to remove the pith: The white pith under the lime’s peel is the main source of bitterness. Take your time to carefully remove it before blending to ensure your limeade stays tangy but not bitter.
- Choose fresh, juicy limes: The quality of the limes makes a big difference. Look for fresh, firm limes with a smooth, green peel. They will give your limeade a stronger, brighter flavor.
- Avoid over-blending: Blend the limes for 20-30 seconds maximum. Over-blending can release too much of the lime’s oils, reintroducing bitterness even after removing the pith.
- Strain the pulp: After blending, strain the mixture to remove any pulp or small bits of lime. This ensures a smooth, refreshing drink without any chewy bits.
- Enjoy the chill: For maximum refreshment, use cold water and serve the Brazilian lemonade over plenty of ice. You can also chill the mixture for an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Give it a stir: After some time, the mixture will separate. Stir it before serving, and it will blend nicely again.