Virgin Mango Colada

After many dinners of nothing but Brazilian lemonade, we decided we should try something different. although my mother didn't like the change from Brazilian lemonade, we looked around and found Mango Colada. We tried it out and rated it.

Wade's critique: The drink was actually quite tasty if you are to add enough mangos, but their was a problem in my opinion. The after taste of the rum extract (which is optional) was too strong leaving a strange taste in the mouth for quite a while giving this recipe a: C+

Mom's critique: I disagree with Wade. I think the canned pineapple (vs. fresh) gave it a somewhat metallic taste, and left me with not wanting a second helping. Next time: fresh pineapple, and double the mango (what exactly is a MEDIUM size mango?? I think ours were too small) Grade: C+

Virgin Mango Colada

1 C chopped mango (about 1 medium mango)
1/3 C cream of coconut (NOT coconut milk)
1/2 C pineapple chunks, including some of the juice or syrup
juice from one lime
1-2 tsp. rum extract (optional)
crushed ice

Combine chopped mango, pineapple chunks and juice, lime juice, and cream of coconut in blender. While blender is running, add crushed ice until desired consistency is reached.

Pour drink into glasses (2 generous servings, 3-4 smaller servings).

Brazilian Lemonade

We had several attempts at making this, the first failed miserably (apparently you aren't supposed to blend up the ENTIRE lime... peels and all).

We tried the recipe from here.

Moms critique:  If you are a fan of Tucanos, and like their Brazilian Lemonade, you will love this.  This is an almost SPOT ON replica of the great drink, and the sweetened condensed milk is what makes this recipe great.  A+

Wade's critique: I thought that this recipe had a very nice taste. If you have ever been to Tucanos, they serve these (although theirs may taste better than this recipe, most likely they have a secret recipe.) This recipe quickly became our families favorite. As a drink it goes along with almost any dinner.  A


Brazilian Lemonade:

4 juicy limes (try and find ones with thin, smooth skins; they're the juiciest and the thin skin cuts down on the chance of your drink being bitter)
1 c. sugar
6 c. cold water
6 Tbsp. sweetened condensed milk




Mix cold water and sugar very well and chill until ready to use. This step can be done ahead of time.

Wash limes thoroughly with soap (I just use hand-dishwashing soap or regular hand soap); you need the soap to get the wax and pesticides off of the limes because you're using the WHOLE lime, baby. Cut the ends off the limes and then cut each lime into 8ths.

Place 1/2 of the limes in your blender.

Add 1/2 of the sugar water, place the lid on your blender, and pulse 5 times. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a pitcher (the one you'll serve the lemonade in) and pour the blended mixture through the strainer and into the pitcher. Use a spoon to press the rest of the liquid into the pitcher. Dump the pulp and stuff in the strainer into the trash. Repeat with remaining limes and sugar water. Add sweetened condensed milk; DO NOT leave this step out unless you will die of a horrible sweetened condensed milk allergy because this is the secret ingredient! You may want to taste test it at this point; I used giant, thick-skinned limes tonight and didn't test it and it came out a little bitter. If it's bitter, just add some more sugar and maybe a little more milk.
Serve immediately over lots of ice. This does not keep well, so don't make this in advance (although you can cut the limes, mix the sugar water, and measure the sweetened condensed milk in advance). Serves 4, although I can pretty much guarantee you that people will want more; I usually plan on 1 1/2 servings at LEAST per person.