Summer is heating up and I'm still looking for ways to keep my cool out here in Georgia. And what better way than with this tropical sounding Brazilian Lemonade.
Funny thing is, its called a lemonade, but there aren't any lemons in it. Nope, no lemons. Instead it's made with whole limes. Why they don't just call it Brazilian Limonade is beyond me.
But I think it's because when you use the entire lime, peeling and all, you end up with a tart, citrusy drink that resembles a lemonade. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, and it reminds me a lot of a margarita mix, in texture and all limey tasting, just like a margarita.
If it's too tart for you, add in more water, sweetened condensed milk, or lime juice. But I prefer mine a little tart like my lemonade. That's the beauty with this drink, you can add to it and still have a refreshing drink made to your tastes to help you cool off during this heat wave.
Or if you want to booze it up, you can always add in some tequila, vodka, or gin. After all, it's still summer and the living is easy.
Bottoms up!
Brazilian Lemonade
A refreshing alternative to classic lemonade.
Prep time: 10 minutesCook time: 0
Total time: 10 minutes + chilling time
Yield: 60 fluid ounces
Ingredients
- 4 limes, washed, rinsed, and quartered
- 8 cups water
- 1 and 1/2 cups Stevia in the Raw (or your choice of sweetener)
- 6-8 Tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 to 2 limes, cut into wedges for serving
- Combine water and Stevia together in a large pitcher, mix well. Place into the refrigerator to chill.
- Meanwhile, wash limes with soap and water and rinse under clean running water. Make sure you don't skip this step because you will be using the whole lime (skin and all) to make this drink.
- Cut both ends off each lime. Important not to miss this step either because if you do, your drink will be more bitter.
- Cut limes into halves, then quarters. Place half of the limes into blender with half of the sugar water. Pulse on High until limes are pureed.
- Using a fine mesh strainer and the pitcher you will be serving the drink in, place strainer over opening of pitcher. Pour a little at a time of the pureed lime mix into the strainer until all liquid is in the pitcher. Discard the lime pulp left in the strainer or save it for another use as it will not be used in this drink.
- Repeat above steps with remaining half of limes and sugar water (puree and strain).
- Add sweetened condensed milk into serving pitcher.
- Place in refrigerator to chill (overnight is best).
- Squeeze remaining lime quarters into individual glasses before serving and/or use as a garnish.
- Best served chilled or poured over ice.
- *Optional - can add in tequila, vodka, or gin to booze it up.
Inspired by ~ Taylor at My Mom Taught Me to Play with my Food @playzwithfood
Shared with: Savoring Saturdays
