I have to tell you, trying this creamy lemonade recipe was such a treat! It’s a delightful twist on classic lemonade that’s smooth, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet.
When I made it, I couldn’t believe how easy it came together with just a few ingredients I already had in my kitchen. The condensed milk gives it a velvety texture that makes every sip feel indulgent.
Whether you’re hosting friends, experimenting with other refreshing drinks like blue lemonade, or just want something refreshing to sip on, this drink is a must-try. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be your new summer favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup lemon juice (about 5-6 lemons)
- 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk (7 oz or 200g)
- 3 cups cold water
- 2 cups ice
Note: This recipe serves about 6 people.
Time Required
This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare and yields 6 servings.
Equipment You Need
- Juicer – To easily extract fresh lemon juice.
- Measuring cups – To get the perfect balance of ingredients.
- Pitcher – For mixing and serving the lemonade.
- Whisk – To blend the condensed milk with the lemon juice smoothly.
- Stirring spoon – For combining all the ingredients once mixed.
How to Make Creamy Lemonade?
Making creamy lemonade is super easy and fun. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a deliciously sweet and tart drink perfect for any occasion.
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Juice
Start by juicing your lemons. I like to use about 5 or 6 medium-sized lemons to get a cup of fresh juice. It’s essential to strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp, ensuring a smooth final result. Fresh lemon juice is key here because its vibrant, tangy flavor makes all the difference compared to store-bought.
Step 2: Combine the Lemon Juice and Condensed Milk
Pour your freshly squeezed lemon juice into a pitcher. Slowly drizzle in the condensed milk while whisking the mixture. Using a whisk really helps the milk blend smoothly with the juice, creating a creamy base. It might look slightly separated at first, but keep whisking, and you’ll see it all come together like magic.
Step 3: Add Water and Mix
Next, pour in 3 cups of cold water to dilute the lemon-milk mixture to the perfect consistency. Stir everything well with a long spoon to ensure the flavors combine. You can adjust the amount of water depending on how concentrated or mild you want the lemonade to taste.
Step 4: Cool Down with Ice
Toss in the ice cubes to chill your lemonade to an ideal refreshing temperature. I like to add plenty of ice directly to the pitcher for that satisfying coldness in every glass. At this point, you can also taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness if needed by adding a little extra condensed milk.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Pour your creamy lemonade into glasses, garnish with thin lemon slices or mint leaves if desired, and serve immediately. It’s an incredible treat, especially on a hot day. The creamy texture paired with zesty lemon makes each sip utterly satisfying.
Brazilian Lemonade Comparison
Some might wonder if creamy lemonade is similar to the famous Brazilian lemonade, which uses limes instead of lemons. Although the two share a similar concept of mixing citrus flavors with condensed milk, the lime-based drink has its own unique tanginess that sets it apart. Trying both is a great way to appreciate the distinctive nuances of each recipe!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of creamy lemonade (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 116
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 2g
Tips for Making the Recipe
I learned a few handy tips while making this recipe that can help you make it even better. Here are some of my personal suggestions to perfect your creamy lemonade experience:
- Use a whisk for blending: Mixing the condensed milk with lemon juice can be tricky, but using a whisk creates a smooth and creamy texture effortlessly.
- Pre-juice the lemons: I like to squeeze all the lemons ahead of time to ensure no seeds sneak into the pitcher. This way, I can save time during preparation.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add a little sugar or more condensed milk. I kept mine tangy, but it’s entirely up to you.
- Chill everything beforehand: To make your drink extra refreshing, ensure your water, lemon juice, and even the pitcher are cold before mixing.
- Experiment with garnishes: Adding a sprig of mint, a lemon wedge, or even lime slices can elevate the presentation and flavor.
This creamy lemonade is a unique twist on a classic drink that’s sure to impress. It’s perfect for casual afternoons, barbecues, or even as part of a collection of fun drink recipes. The best part? It’s so easy and versatile that you can whip it up anytime the craving strikes. Give it a try, and I promise, you won’t regret it!
Creamy Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup lemon juice about 5-6 lemons
- 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk 7 oz or 200g
- 3 cups cold water
- 2 cups ice
Instructions
- Start by juicing your lemons. I like to use about 5 or 6 medium-sized lemons to get a cup of fresh juice. It’s essential to strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp, ensuring a smooth final result. Fresh lemon juice is key here because its vibrant, tangy flavor makes all the difference compared to store-bought.
- Pour your freshly squeezed lemon juice into a pitcher. Slowly drizzle in the condensed milk while whisking the mixture. Using a whisk really helps the milk blend smoothly with the juice, creating a creamy base. It might look slightly separated at first, but keep whisking, and you’ll see it all come together like magic.
- Next, pour in 3 cups of cold water to dilute the lemon-milk mixture to the perfect consistency. Stir everything well with a long spoon to ensure the flavors combine. You can adjust the amount of water depending on how concentrated or mild you want the lemonade to taste.
- Toss in the ice cubes to chill your lemonade to an ideal refreshing temperature. I like to add plenty of ice directly to the pitcher for that satisfying coldness in every glass. At this point, you can also taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness if needed by adding a little extra condensed milk.
- Pour your creamy lemonade into glasses, garnish with thin lemon slices or mint leaves if desired, and serve immediately. It’s an incredible treat, especially on a hot day. The creamy texture paired with zesty lemon makes each sip utterly satisfying.
Notes
- Use a whisk for blending: Mixing the condensed milk with lemon juice can be tricky, but using a whisk creates a smooth and creamy texture effortlessly.
- Pre-juice the lemons: I like to squeeze all the lemons ahead of time to ensure no seeds sneak into the pitcher. This way, I can save time during preparation.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add a little sugar or more condensed milk. I kept mine tangy, but it’s entirely up to you.
- Chill everything beforehand: To make your drink extra refreshing, ensure your water, lemon juice, and even the pitcher are cold before mixing.
