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This chilled and super creamy lemonade with condensed milk is a total lifesaver when it’s hot out or whenever the gang comes over. That yummy sweet and tart hit gets mellowed out with the thick milk, so it turns silky and richer than anything you’d buy. Whip this up in minutes for a crowd-pleasing treat that perks up any afternoon or makes a pitcher everyone’s talking about.
Honestly, the first time I mixed condensed milk into lemonade, my kids gave me the side-eye. But all it took was one sip and now it’s what they beg for at every summer picnic. Friends always remind me to make an extra big batch when they’re over.
Delicious Ingredients
- Fresh mint leaves: pop in some for a herby kick Grab bright green unbruised leaves for the best look
- Lemon slices: jazz up your glass and add a bit of zesty oil Firm lemons slice easier and stay sharp looking
- Ice cubes: pile them in so every pour stays frosty If you care about looks, use clear ice
- Simple syrup: sweeten to taste Make it yourself with equal parts water and sugar, then let it cool
- Cold water: mix it in to mellow everything out Clean, filtered water keeps flavors clear not bitter
- Sweetened condensed milk: the not-so-secret smoothness Make sure it's glossy and thick, nothing separated
- Fresh lemon juice: brings the zing and tart Pick lemons that are plump and feel heavy for the juiciest result
Easy How-To Steps
- Mix and Enjoy:
- Give each drink a few gentle swirls with a straw or stir stick so all the flavors get along
- Serve Over Ice:
- Fill your tall glasses to the brim with ice. Pour in that extra cold, creamy lemonade. Spruce it up with mint and lemon rounds so it looks and tastes awesome
- Chill Thoroughly:
- Let the whole pitcher hang out in the fridge for a good 30 minutes so it’s perfectly cold. In a hurry? Just pour right over tons of ice and dive in
- Dilute and Sweeten:
- Slowly whisk in the cold water and keep it smooth. Taste as you go and splash in more simple syrup if you want the drink sweeter
- Make Lemon-Milk Base:
- Add condensed milk and fresh lemon juice to your big pitcher. Whisk it really well until it’s all creamy with zero lumps
- Roll and Juice Lemons:
- Push the lemons around the counter using your palm—they’ll give up more juice this way. Halve and squeeze until you’ve measured out a full cup. Strain so nothing chunky sneaks into your glass
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Trust me, condensed milk is my go-to for lemonade that brings all the cozy feelings without weighing you down. My youngest always stirs in more mint for extra sparkle—she says it’s not summer until we’re all sipping this on the porch.
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into a glass container, seal it tight, and slide it into the fridge. It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors hang out together. Don’t forget to mix it up before you pour more since things can settle a bit
Ingredient Swaps
No fresh lemons laying around? Really good bottled lemon juice will get the job done. Just make sure it’s the kind that isn’t from concentrate for better flavor. If you want a dairy-free version, spoon in thick coconut cream instead of condensed milk and sweeten it up how you like
How to Serve
This tastes amazing with sweet berries or salty snacks—think popcorn for contrast. It goes with laid-back barbecue food or give your brunch a fun twist
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Fun Backstory
This tasty drink takes a cue from Brazilian and South American lemonades, where they love mixing in condensed milk for extra creaminess. Brazilian "Limonada" proves just one switch-up turns classic drinks into unforgettable sips
Recipe FAQs
- → What stops the drink from getting lumpy?
Mix the condensed milk and lemon juice really well before you pour in the water. This helps everything blend smooth, so you won't get any clumps.
- → Is it easy to make this more or less sweet?
Absolutely! After you’ve added the water, just mix in simple syrup a little bit at a time. Taste it and keep going till it’s just how you want it.
- → How should I chill and serve this drink?
Pop it into tall glasses filled with ice, then decorate with lemon rounds and some mint for an extra fresh look.
- → Want to mix up the flavors?
Squash some berries right into the drink or try using basil leaves alongside the mint for new twists on the classic taste.
- → Can I prep this drink ahead?
You sure can! Keep it in the fridge for at least half an hour before pouring, and it’ll stay tasty for about a day if you make it a bit early.