Quick and Easy

Brazilian Limeade (Limonada Suiça)

June 17, 2024
4.7
7 Ratings
Photo by Elvin Abril
  • Prep time 5 minutes
  • Cook time 5 minutes
  • makes 12 servings
Author Notes

Brazilian Limeade, or Limonada Suiça, which translates to "Swiss Lemonade" in Portuguese, is a blended limeade popular throughout Brazil and increasingly enjoyed in the rest of Latin America and the United States. The drink's origins are debated: some attribute its name to the popular "Swiss" brand of condensed milk used in early recipes, while others credit its creation to Brazil's Swiss immigrant community.

To make this refreshing beverage, whole limes are pulsed in a blender with water and sugar, then strained. Sweetened condensed milk is traditionally added. For a floral twist, I added coconut water. Serve over ice, as is or with a splash of cachaça or white rum. For the freshest flavor, enjoy this limeade immediately, as it can become bitter over time.
César Pérez

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 8 limes, washed and cut into eighths, divided
  • 8 cups cold coconut water, divided
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Ice for serving
Directions
  1. Wash limes thoroughly with dish soap and cold water. Slightly trim either end of the lime (which is usually mostly pith), and cut each lime into eighths.
  2. In a high speed blender, working in two batches at a time, blend half of the limes, half of the coconut water, and half of the granulated sugar.
  3. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher, and repeat with the second half of the ingredients.
  4. Whisk in sweetened condensed milk along with salt.
  5. Serve immediately over ice and garnish with more lime wedges if desired. This is best consumed within the first hour.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Justin Miller
    Justin Miller
  • FrugalCat
    FrugalCat
  • Leslie VB
    Leslie VB
César Pérez

Recipe by: César Pérez

Recipe Developer & Food52 Test Kitchen Content Creator

3 Reviews

Leslie V. December 3, 2024
My husband does not like LIME...silly man. Could I sub Meyer Lemons?
 
Justin M. July 5, 2024
Bigtime winner! Use cold pressed coconut water, add some Bacardi and you're ready party.
 
FrugalCat June 25, 2024
Also good with vodka or cachaca.