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This rich, tangy lemonade is my answer to scorching afternoons. Zippy fresh lemon juice teams up with velvety condensed milk and a touch of mint. It's the drink friends always polish off way too quickly at my place!
One hot day at a picnic, I'd run out of regular sugar and pulled this together out of nowhere. It was gone in minutes—everybody wanted to know how I made it.
Luscious Ingredients
- Ice cubes: Toss in big cubes so your drink gets cold in no time but doesn't get watery
- Cold water: Helps soften those tart and sweet flavors—grab filtered if you can
- Sweetened condensed milk: Picks up every drop of lemon and coats your tongue with creamy sweetness—choose thick and pale for best flavor
- Lemon slices and extra mint: Looks so pretty in a glass and brings tons of color—use bright yellow lemons for nice rounds
- Fresh mint leaves: Just a few leaves pep the whole thing up and add an awesome aroma—skip anything browned or tired
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Kicks up the flavor with bright tang you can't fake
Simple Steps for Success
- Serve Over Ice and Garnish:
- Grab a glass, load it with ice, pour lemonade on top then finish it off with extra mint or lemon wheels
- Chill:
- Pop everything in the fridge for about half an hour so the lemon and mint can become friends and the drink gets extra cold
- Test and Adjust Sweetness:
- Give it a taste! Add more condensed milk if you like it sweeter and mix it all in
- Infuse with Mint:
- Press the mint leaves with a spoon or muddler in your pitcher to get those oils out
- Add Cold Water:
- Slowly mix cold water into the milky lemon, whisking gently to make sure it all stays smooth and doesn't break
- Combine Lemon Juice and Condensed Milk:
- Pour lemon juice and condensed milk into a big pitcher and whisk them up until there are no streaks
- Juice the Lemons:
- Get 240 ml from squeezing fresh lemons, then strain away any bits for a nice clear drink
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I’d already loved condensed milk—my grandma swirled it in her coffee all the time. Here with lemon, it’s everything I want in a summer drink.
Smart Storage
Put any leftovers in a pitcher with a lid and chill in your fridge. It stays fresh two days. Flavors sometimes settle, so just give your lemonade a quick stir before second servings.
Easy Swaps
Want it without dairy? Coconut condensed milk works great. Craving more zip? Dash in a little lime juice or use basil instead of mint for a cool twist.
Fun Ways to Serve
Pour into big glasses packed with ice and add some bright straws for a summer vibe. It's awesome with grilled food or perfect solo in the sunshine.
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Global Inspiration
This drink is a shout-out to Brazilian coolers where citrus and condensed milk are a classic combo. It brings back fun, party vibes every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What's a good trick for making it even silkier?
Mix that condensed milk into the lemon juice really well. Don’t rush. Let it get super smooth and creamy so every sip feels fancy.
- → Is there a swap for condensed milk if I can't do dairy?
Definitely. Go for coconut condensed milk instead—you’ll get the same creamy vibe but no dairy troubles.
- → If the drink is super sour, how can I fix it?
Give it a taste test as you mix. If it bites back, add a bit more condensed milk till it calms down and hits your sweet spot.
- → How do I bring out the mint flavor without overdoing it?
Just press the mint leaves gently against the pitcher to bring out their oils. Don’t mash them too hard or things get bitter.
- → Any tips for keeping it chilly but not watered down?
Pop the finished drink in the fridge first. When you serve, use just a little ice or go for big cubes to keep things cold longer.
- → Can I throw this together ahead of time?
No problem. Mix it up a few hours before you need it and stash in the fridge. Save the mint and lemon slices for right before you pour it up so everything’s bright and fresh.