Brazilian Limeade (Creamy Lime Drink)

Creamy, sharp and ice-cold, Brazilian limeade sits somewhere between a citrus cooler and a simple blended mocktail. Whole lime wedges are briefly blitzed with very cold water, then strained to capture the fragrant peel oils without letting the white pith dominate. Sweetened condensed milk gives the drink its recognisable pale, frothy body and soft dairy sweetness, rounding out the lime’s tang while leaving a pleasant, grown-up edge of bitterness. It is best poured over plenty of ice and served immediately, when the texture is smooth, chilled and lively.
Recipe by JustRecipes Editorial Team
Content validated: August 2026 How we create recipes
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Cuisine style Brazilian-style refreshment
Cooking style No-cook preparation • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 15 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Ready in minutes: A short blend, quick strain and simple stir-in make this a fast chilled drink with very little prep.
  • Bright but balanced: Fresh lime gives sharp citrus flavour, while condensed milk softens the acidity and adds sweetness.
  • Creamy, frothy finish: Blending aerates the lime mixture, and the condensed milk gives the drink a smooth, rounded texture.

Get the most out of this recipe

Timing notes

  • Serve straight away: The flavour is brightest and the texture most frothy immediately after blending and straining.
  • Best made fresh: It can be chilled briefly, but the drink may separate and lose some of its fresh lime aroma.

Common mistakes

  • Do not over-blend: Blending the lime wedges for too long pulls more bitterness from the peel and pith.
  • Avoid forcing the solids: Press the strained lime mixture gently; pushing too hard can send pith and peel fragments into the drink.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose firm, glossy limes: Fresh, firm limes give the cleanest citrus flavour and are less likely to taste dull or overly bitter.
  • Scrub the peel well: Because the whole lime is briefly blended, washing the skin properly is important for a cleaner-tasting drink.

Ingredient swaps

  • Make it sparkling: Use sparkling water after straining for a lighter, fizzy version; stir it in gently to keep the bubbles.
  • Dairy-free option: Coconut milk can replace the condensed milk for a tangier, less sweet drink with a softer tropical note.

Equipment you'll need

Blender Sieve / strainer
Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Scrub the limes well, then cut each into 8 wedges, removing any obvious seeds. Add the lime wedges to a blender with the cold water.
  2. Blend for 10 to 15 seconds, just until the limes are broken up and the liquid looks pale and frothy. Do not over-blend or it will turn more bitter.
  3. Pour the mixture through a sieve into a jug, pressing gently to extract the liquid without forcing too much pith through. Discard the solids.
  4. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined and creamy. Taste and, if you prefer it lighter, add a splash more water and stir again.
  5. Divide the ice cubes between 4 glasses and pour the limeade over the top. Serve straight away while it is cold and frothy.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Keep the blending brief: 10 to 15 seconds is usually enough to capture the lime peel aroma without pulling out too much bitterness.
  • For the smoothest texture, strain twice through the sieve, especially if your blender leaves larger bits of peel.
  • If serving to children or anyone sensitive to bitterness, remove the white pithy core from the lime wedges before blending.

Substitutions

  • Replace Water with sparkling water for a lightly fizzy version; add it after straining and stirring in the Sweetened condensed milk.
  • Replace Sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free style; it will be less sweet, so serve it as a more tangy drink.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 1 days
  • Best served immediately. If needed, refrigerate in a sealed jug for up to 1 day and stir well before serving, as it can separate; add fresh ice cubes when serving.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 glasses
  • Total time: 10min (10min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Latin American
  • Allergens:
    Milk
Beginner friendly Kid friendly
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Equipment you'll need

Blender Sieve / strainer

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Sweetened condensed milk

1 cup ≈ 306 g
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Water

1 cup ≈ 240 ml
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