This Brazilian lemonade is refreshingly sweet, perfectly creamy, and so satisfying! With just 3 simple ingredients, including limes and condensed oat milk, this dairy-free twist on a classic comes together in no time. It’s perfect for cookouts and other backyard get-togethers!
Trust me when I say this Brazilian lemonade recipe is as simple as it gets—you’ll be making it on repeat! And if you love easy, homemade drinks, you have to try my lemonade concentrate.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Brazilian lemonade is like a little vacation in a glass—no plane ticket necessary! It’s essentially homemade limeade with a creamy, dreamy touch of condensed milk (trust me, this combination just works!).
Unfortunately, Brazilian lemonades are traditionally made with regular condensed milk, which is a no-go if you’re avoiding dairy! So, I’ve taken this classic treat and given it a vegan twist by using condensed oat milk instead.
It still gives you that luscious, velvety texture, but you’ll feel much better afterward! It’s perfect for hot summer days, backyard barbecues, or any time you need some sunshine in your day.
Ingredient Notes
You only need 3 ingredients for this vegan Brazilian lemonade recipe! Here’s a breakdown:
- Limes: Provide a fresh, citrusy punch. You’ll need the whole limes, including the peels, so make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any wax or residue.
- Condensed Oat Milk: Adds creaminess and sweetens the lemonade, giving it that signature velvety texture. You can use store-bought condensed oat milk or make your own by simmering oat milk on the stovetop until it reduces by half.
- Sugar: You can use cane or granulated sugar and adjust the amount based on your taste preference. Be mindful that too much sugar can overpower the lemonade.
Substitutions
- Limes: For a slightly sweeter, less tangy flavor, opt for lemons! Use the same quantity as limes.
- Condensed Milk: If you can’t find condensed oat milk, condensed coconut milk is usually more readily available. It will add a hint of coconut flavor and a richer texture, making the lemonade slightly thicker. Use the same amount.
- Sugar: For natural sweetness, try agave, coconut nectar, or maple syrup. Use about 2-3 tablespoons instead of ¼ cup sugar.
How to Make
This vegan Brazilian lemonade is a breeze to make! Just follow my tips for the best results.
Preparation
In a bowl, mix 2 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda (or vinegar). Submerge the limes for 2 minutes, then rinse them under running water (this really helps remove any wax or pesticides from the lime peel!). Slice the limes into quarters to make them easier to blend.
Assembly
Step 1
Add the quartered limes and 2 cups of water to a high-speed blender. Blend until the limes are fully broken down. I recommend using a high-speed blender to break down the limes quickly.
Step 2
Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or pitcher.
Step 3
Mix the remaining 2 cups of water, oat condensed milk, and sugar into the strained lime juice. Stir until everything is well combined, adjusting the sweetness at this stage if needed. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved to prevent a gritty texture.
Step 4
Chill your Brazilian lemonade in the fridge for at least a few hours before serving over ice!
Expert Tip
A key aspect of making Brazilian lemonade is blending the limes with their peels. The peels add such a unique bitterness that helps balance the sweetness of the condensed milk and sugar. However, don’t over-blend them!
This can release too many bitter compounds, making the lemonade overly bitter. Use short bursts instead of a continuous blend. Also, remember to strain the mixture thoroughly to ensure you get all the essential oil flavor without the harsh bitterness from the peel and pulp.
Variations
- Minty Twist: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the blender for a cool mint flavor that complements the lime.
- Coconut Infusion: For a refreshing tropical flavor, substitute half of the water with coconut water and swap condensed oat milk for condensed coconut milk.
- Use Simple Syrup: To help prevent a gritty texture, make your own simple syrup ahead of time. You can even try a flavored version, like blackberry simple syrup.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the Ingredients: Chill the water and condensed milk before blending. This reduces the need for too much ice, which dilutes the flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness Gradually: Add the sugar in small amounts, tasting as you go. This allows you to fine-tune the sweetness to your personal preference.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Try different garnishes for a fun presentation! Some of my favorites are lime slices, sprigs of fresh mint, and edible flowers.
- Reduce the Peel: If you prefer a less bitter drink, reduce the amount of peel blended with the lime. You can remove some or all of it to control the bitterness level.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can still make the recipe with a regular blender, but the texture may be less smooth. Just blend the limes longer and strain the mixture well to remove any larger pieces of peel.
Separation can occur if the lemonade mixture is left in the fridge for too long. To recombine the ingredients, simply stir or shake it before serving!
To reduce the tartness, add more sugar or decrease the amount of lime used. Another option is to blend in a small piece of fruit, like a banana or pineapple, for natural sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
This Brazilian lemonade should be stored in the fridge after blending and mixing it. Keep it in an airtight glass container, like a mason jar or pitcher with a lid, for up to 2 days.
More Summery Drinks
Brazilian Lemonde
DESCRIPTION
INGREDIENTS
- 4 whole limes washed with baking soda or vinegar water
- 11.25 ounces oat condensed milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- 6 cups water
- ice as needed
METHOD
- Prep: Mix 2 cups of water and a tablespoon of baking soda (or vinegar) in a bowl or pitcher. Submerge limes for 2 minutes, then remove from the water. Rinse the limes under running water before slicing into quarter pieces.
- Blend the quartered limes into a high speed blender along with 2 cups of water. Note: Use short bursts instead of a continuous blend to avoid releasing too many bitter compounds, and making the lemonade overly bitter.
- Strain the lime juice through a mesh sieve into a bowl or pitcher.
- Add the remaining water to the strained lime juice, and then mix in the oat condensed milk and sugar.
- Chill the limonade in the refrigerator for at least a couple hours before serving over ice.
- Note - Brazilian lemonade contains a slightly bitter taste that comes from blending the entire lime (including the pith). To avoid bitterness - Simply skip the blending and grate the zest of your limes without going too deep into the pith. Then squeeze out the the juice from the limes using a citrus squeezer. Combine the zest, lime juice, water, sugar and oat condensed milk together in jug. Finally serve over ice, and enjoy!
NOTES
- Chill the Ingredients: Chill the water and condensed milk before blending. This reduces the need for too much ice, which dilutes the flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness Gradually: Add the sugar in small amounts, tasting as you go. This allows you to fine-tune the sweetness to your personal preference.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Try different garnishes for a fun presentation! Some of my favorites are lime slices, sprigs of fresh mint, and edible flowers.
- Reduce the Peel: If you prefer a less bitter drink, reduce the amount of peel blended with the lime. You can remove some or all of it to control the bitterness level.
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