This Brazilian Lemon Limeade goes beyond the ordinary. It starts with the signature method of using whole lemons and limes, blended with water and sweetened condensed milk, to create a uniquely creamy and tangy base. This delightful foundation is then elevated with the addition of fresh, ripe strawberries, adding a juicy sweetness and beautiful color. Fresh basil leaves are incorporated, lending an unexpected, herbaceous, and incredibly aromatic layer that perfectly complements the citrus and berry notes. The resulting drink is a sweet, tangy, creamy, and herbaceous symphony – a truly one-of-a-kind refreshment perfect for any occasion.

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Straw-Berry Much in Love Limeade

A vibrant and creamy lemonade twist featuring the refreshing blend of lemons and limes, infused with sweet strawberries and aromatic basil, creating a uniquely invigorating beverage.

Course Drinks

Cuisine Brazilian, Fusion

Keyword Basil, Drink, Lemon, Lime, Strawberry

Prep Time 13 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Author Chef Cameron

Ingredients

• 3 medium lemons washed thoroughly, ends trimmed
• 2 medium limes washed thoroughly, ends trimmed
• 6 cups cold water divided
• 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries hulled
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves packed
• Ice for serving
• Optional garnishes: extra strawberry slices fresh basil sprigs, lemon/lime slices

Instructions

Prepare the Citrus:

• Roughly quarter the lemons and limes.
• Place the citrus quarters in a blender.

Blend the Primary Lemon Limeade Base:

• Add 4 cups of the cold water to the blender with the citrus.
• Blend on high for about 30-60 seconds, or until the citrus peels are mostly pulverized. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the drink bitter.
• Immediately pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve (or a nut milk bag/cheesecloth-lined colander) into a large pitcher or bowl. Use the back of a spoon to press out as much liquid as possible, discarding the pulp and seeds. This step is crucial for removing bitterness.

Blend the Strawberry-Basil Infusion:

• Rinse the blender.
• Add the hulled strawberries, fresh basil leaves, and the remaining 2 cups of cold water to the blender.
• Blend until the strawberries and basil are completely pureed and the mixture is smooth.

Combine and Sweeten:

• Pour the strawberry-basil puree into the pitcher with the strained lemon-lime base.
• Add the entire can of sweetened condensed milk to the pitcher.
• Stir vigorously until everything is thoroughly combined and the condensed milk is fully dissolved.

Chill and Serve:

• Taste the lemon limeade and adjust sweetness or tartness if desired (you can add a bit more condensed milk for sweetness, or a squeeze more fresh lemon/lime juice for tartness).
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill completely.
• Serve over plenty of ice, garnished with extra strawberry slices, fresh basil sprigs, or citrus slices.

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