Refreshing limeade is easy to make at home thanks to avocado! With only a handful of simple and healthy ingredients, you can quickly whip up this avocado limeade in the blender.
why you need this limeade
No matter what social media channel you're on, you’ve probably heard of Brazilian limeade. It’s a delightful combination of coconut milk, limes, and condensed milk with a hint of mint. And it’s what inspired my own avocado limeade!
I recognize that avocado limeade isn't your average drink so here are three reasons why you need to try it and will love it!
- Creamy Avocado: Avocados are known for their creaminess so why not use that to our advantage? In this limeade, they add to the smooth creaminess of the coconut while also adding healthy fat and fiber.
- Simple Ingredients and Big Flavor: This recipe requires 7 ingredients - one of which is water. So while coconut milk and avocado might be a little unique for your average limeade, I’m gonna guess you have at least avocado already in your kitchen if you're on Avocado Foodie.
- Versatile: This avocado limeade is delicious to enjoy poolside, after a day of gardening or spiked with a little vodka (or any other spirit you like). With so many ways to enjoy, it’s only logical that I call this recipe versatile.
ingredients and substitution options
- Avocados: The richness of the avocado makes the perfect creamy base of our limeade! Just make sure to use a ripe avocado (ripe avocados should have a little give when squeezed).
- Limes: We use whole limes for the zesty flavor but you could use lime juice, just review our notes section for how much lime juice to use. If you don't have a strainer, I recommend using lime juice so you're not eating chunks of lime.
- Mint: Always use fresh mint leaves! Plus, if you have an ever-growing mint plant, this limeade is a great way to use up some of that mint!
- Agave: Agave is my favorite sweetener because of its slight tropical flavor but honey, monk fruit syrup, or simple syrup would also work well here.
- Water: A cup of ice water helps to thin out the limeade for a better texture.
- Tonic water: This adds pizzazz and sweetness!
- Coconut milk: Be sure to use full-fat coconut in a can. Thai Kitchen is my favorite brand (don’t use Trader Joe's brand!).
How to pick good canned coconut milk: My expert tip for picking coconut milk is to take the can and shake it. When you shake it, You should hear the liquid start to mix after 2-3 shakes, at which point it will feel like you're shaking a container of glue. If you feel something more liquidy and water-like along with something that seems hard and won’t mix, then this coconut milk is likely curdled and won’t be good.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
recipe testing notes
Throughout my testing of this avocado limeade, I learned what worked and didn't work to make this the best avocado limeade. Here are the key takeaways!
- Balance is Key: Initially, I added too many limes so be mindful of the amount of limes you add. It can get really sour real quick.
- Enjoy quickly: Because coconut milk and water are not fully soluble, I learned that this drink begins to separate after 15 - 20 minutes. It can easily be remixed with a quick stir but for aesthetic purposes, this limeade is best enjoyed right after making it.
how to make this - step by step
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full avocado limeade recipe!
Step one: prep
Start by cutting open the ripe avocado, removing the pit, and scooping out the flesh. Quarter the limes and shake up the coconut milk.
Step two: blend
Add everything but the ice and soda water to a blender and blend until mostly smooth a creamy. You could also use a food processor if you don't have a blender.
Step three: strain
Strain the limeade through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any mint and lime pieces.
If you don’t have a strainer, I recommend using lime juice rather than raw limes. This helps to keep that smooth and creamy texture (even though there will be some small bits of mint left).
Step four: serve and enjoy
Pour over ice so the glass is ⅔rds full. Top with tonic water, give it a stir, and enjoy!
Want to make this drink really shine when serving? Try dipping the rim of the glasses in agave and then shredded coconut mixed with lime zest. This adds that “wow” factor we're all after!
watch how to make this - step by step
common questions
If you don’t have a strainer, I recommend using lime juice instead of whole limes. There will be some small pieces of mint but nothing too bothersome.
It depends. Often times limeade has a lot of added sugar to balance the tartness of the lime juice. But, this avocado limeade has coconut milk and avocado to help mellow out the punch of lime juice. This also means less sugar and additional vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats from the coconut milk and avocado.
While fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can definitely use store-bought!
recipe variations
If you want to take this limeade a step further, try one of these fun variations!
Cucumber Limeade Cooler
Swap the avocados for cucumbers to create a lighter, cucumber-infused limeade.
Avocado Cilantro Limeade
Try swapping the mint for three-quarters of the cilantro bunch for a fun and slightly savory twist on this creamy avocado limeade. You could also use cilantro syrup in place of the agave and mint.
Avocado Cucumber Lime Smoothie
To make this variation, use lime juice instead of fresh limes, add ⅓ of a standard cucumber, and 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream (or just ice) to the blender for a creamy, dessert-like treat.
storage tips
Fridge: Store any leftover Avocado Limeade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Try to remove any ice before storing. Give it a good stir before enjoying it.
Freezer: This limeade is best enjoyed fresh and doesn't freeze well due to the avocado's texture.
fun fact
Brazilian limeade is believed to have been invented by a street vendor who sold a drink of limes, sugar, and water. Over the years, coconut milk was added and condensed milk replaced the sugar to create a creamy and unique limeade. It was then named “limonada suica” or Swiss lemonade allegedly because it resembles a creamy Swiss milk-based beverage known as “leche condensada”. (source)
more avocado recipes
Did you try this and love it? Leave us a ⭐️ rating, we would love to hear from you!
Recipe
Creamy Avocado Limeade Recipe with Sweet Coconut
Equipment
- 1 blender
- 1 fine-mesh strainer see notes if you don't have one
Ingredients
- 1 avocado (ripe)
- ¼ cup mint
- ½ can coconut milk (about 6-7 oz)
- ¼ cup agave
- 3 limes
- 1 cup water
- ice and tonic water (for serving)
Before you begin!
If you make this recipe, please take a minute to leave a review. I love to hear how it went!
Instructions
- Remove the flesh from the avocado and add it the blender. Quarter the limes. Add everything except the ice and tonic water to the blender.
- Blend until creamy. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. I like to strain it into a large quart measuring cup with a pour spout.
- Pour over ice and top with tonic water (about ¼ of a cup per glass). Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
Additional notes and substitution information can be found in the post above.
Drop a note!