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Turn your basic lemonade into a creamy pink drink that feels like a luxurious treat—awesome for parties or anytime you crave something a little extra. You get this chill, smoothie vibe that's all kinds of tangy and sweet at the same time.
The first time I made this was for my daughter's birthday in July and it literally disappeared. I had to whip up more, and now it's the top request for summer hangouts at our house.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Optional toppings: Spruce it up with whipped cream or fresh lemon twists if you want. Organic lemons look especially nice.
- Water: Helps thin out the mix so you can actually drink it. Go filtered for better taste.
- Ice cubes: Makes it cold and adds that awesome fizz. Fresh ice = cleaner flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Brings that thick creamy sweetness and keeps things frothy. No watering down here.
- Heavy cream: Gives it that velvety, smooth texture. Make sure it’s really cold for the best whip.
- Pink lemonade concentrate: The main flavor powerhouse and bright pink color. Look for ones that actually use lemon juice.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Serve and Deck Out:
- Pour into tall glasses while it’s still fresh and frothy. Fancy it up with a lemon slice or pile on some whipped cream.
- Blend It Well:
- Blast the blender for at least a minute—go until everything’s crazy smooth and super airy. No ice chunks allowed. The finished drink should almost be thick enough to stop a straw from sinking, but you can still pour it.
- Add Your Ice & Water:
- Toss in ice and water next—careful not to overdo it unless you want blender chaos. For little blenders, do this in smaller amounts. Ice is the magic for foam, water helps it go down smooth.
- Mix the Main Stuff:
- Start by dumping the pink lemonade concentrate, heavy cream, and the condensed milk in a blender. Blitz for about half a minute so it starts to thicken up but isn’t too stiff yet.
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The real magic here comes from the sweetened condensed milk. I only figured that out when I ran out of sugar once, and wow—it made everything super creamy and special. Now it's always part of my mix because it just takes things up a notch.
Prep Ahead Ideas
Make this lemonade up to 8 hours before you need it. Just pop it in a sealed jug in your fridge. The froth can settle a bit, but a quick whisk or blend brings it right back. Garnish just before serving so everything looks fresh.
Fun Twists
You can totally make this your own. Swap the pink lemonade concentrate with flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or blue raspberry. Toss in fresh berries for extra taste and color. Want it tropical? Switch half the water for coconut milk.
How To Serve It
This frothy drink is such a showstopper for brunch tables, especially at baby or bridal showers where the pink fits in perfectly. Use clear glasses to show off the color and set up a topping bar for guests—think fresh berries, mint, or bright straws. If it’s a kid’s bash, go for lidded plastic jars to dodge spills without losing any fun.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use regular lemonade instead of pink lemonade concentrate?
Definitely! Regular lemonade concentrate does the job. It'll taste the same, just won't have that pink vibe. Want it pink? Toss in a couple drops of red food coloring.
- → How can I make this drink less sweet?
If it's too sweet for your taste, cut back on the condensed milk or swap some out for evaporated milk instead. You could also pick a tart lemonade concentrate and splash in extra water to keep things creamy but not too sugary.
- → Can I make this drink ahead of time?
It's at its best right after you blend it since that's when it's super frothy. Still, you can stash it in the fridge up to two hours ahead. It'll settle a bit so give it a good stir or quick blend to perk it back up before serving.
- → What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream?
Try half-and-half or whole milk if you want it lighter, though it won't be as thick. Or, for a dairy-free option, coconut cream is awesome and brings a tasty twist. Keep in mind, other milks will switch up the texture and taste a bit.
- → What are some good garnish options besides lemon slices?
Top it with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for more color. Mint is always fresh and pretty, or go for sprinkles or a sugar rim to make it fun. For grown-ups, add a shot of vodka and toss in a cocktail umbrella for a playful summer sip.
- → Can I freeze this as a dessert instead of serving as a drink?
You sure can! Pour into popsicle molds for frozen treats or freeze in a dish, scraping often with a fork for a granita feel. The mix turns into an awesome icy dessert that’s perfect when you want to cool off.