Brazilian Creamy Lemonade (Limonada Suíça)
Despite the name, this creamy, refreshing lemonade contains no lemons! Instead, Brazilian lemonade combines fresh limes and condensed milk to make a frothy summer beverage served over ice.
The name ‘limonada suíça’ literally means ‘Swiss Lemonade’; the Swiss refers to the addition of condensed milk, which was canned and distributed throughout South America on the back of Swiss corporation Nestlé. Despite the name, this lemonade contains no lemons, a reflection of how some parts of Latin America don’t distinguish between lemons and limes; they’re considered the same fruit in some people’s eyes. This drink is a blender job - or a food processor - and involves blending water, condensed milk and chopped limes, skins and all. The mix is then strained to remove any bitter pieces of skin, pulp or pith, and the resulting creamy drink is poured over ice. The best way to describe it: it’s almost like a Key Lime Pie in a glass. Simple, yet erupting with citrus flavour. Just ignore the sugar content! Let’s go!
INGREDIENTS (serves 2-3x)
2x limes, chopped
150g condensed milk - or to taste
1 tablespoon of sugar
500ml cold water
To serve: ice, lime wedges
WALKTHROUGH
Place the 2x chopped limes, 150g condensed milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar and 500ml cold water into a blender.
Blend for 1-2 minutes until you have a smooth mixture with a few remaining green lumps of lime skin.
Taste the drink - the exact sweetness and sourness will vary depending on your limes. If it is too sour, add more sugar or condensed milk. If it is too sweet, add more water or more limes.
Once you’re happy with the taste, pour the drink through a sieve to remove the bitter pieces of pith, and discard. Some Brazilians will skip this straining step, as Brazilian limes have thin skin, but the particular limes available to you may be thicker and more bitter.
Pour the strained lemonade over a glass of ice, and garnish with a lime slice. The lemonade will store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, though it’s best served immediately. Sit back, sip and enjoy!
