Limonada Suíça (Brazilian Creamy Limeade)

Method

1. 1
   • lime2
   • water5 dl

   Cut the limes into wedges — Scrub the limes under cold running water, trim a thin slice off each end and cut them into eight wedges. Leave the skin on — the perfume of the drink lives in the zest.

2. 2
   • water5 dl
   • white sugar2 tbsp
   • ice cube8
   • lime1

   Blitz briefly with sugar — Put the lime wedges, the ice-cold water and the sugar in a blender and blitz on high for no more than ten seconds. Any longer and the pith releases its bitterness into the drink.

3. 3

   Strain out the skins — Strain straight away through a fine sieve into a jug, pressing the pulp only lightly with the back of a spoon. Discard the skins.

4. 4
   • lime2
   • sweetened condensed milk3 tbsp
   • white sugar2 tbsp
   • salt1 pinch
   • lime1

   Whisk in the condensed milk — Whisk in the condensed milk and the pinch of salt until the limeade turns opaque and pale green with a foamy collar. The salt is what makes the lime taste bright rather than merely sour; taste and add a little more sugar if the limes were sharp.

5. 5
   • ice cube8
   • lime1
   • fresh mint2 tbsp

   Chill and pour over ice — Chill the jug for 10 minutes so the drink is properly cold, then fill two tall glasses with ice cubes and pour it over. Slip a wheel of lime and a few mint leaves into each glass and serve immediately, before the froth falls.

   ⏱10 min