If you’re craving a drink that’s both refreshingly tangy and luxuriously smooth, the Creamy Lemonade Recipe is your new go-to. This delightful beverage combines the bright zing of fresh lemons with the indulgent sweetness of condensed milk, creating a perfectly balanced sip that feels like summer in a glass. Whether you’re hosting a sunny brunch or just want a pick-me-up on a warm afternoon, this drink is incredibly easy to make and will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Lemonade Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, giving you a luscious, refreshing beverage without any fuss. From tart lemons to velvety condensed milk, these components come together beautifully.
- Lemon, sliced: Adds fresh citrus aroma and a pretty garnish that brightens the presentation.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 1/4 cups): Provides the sharp, natural tang that forms the base of the drink.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): Offers a creamy sweetness that mellows lemon’s acidity perfectly.
- Ice (4 cups): Keeps the drink chilled and refreshingly cool as you sip.
- Water (5 cups): Dilutes the mixture to just the right consistency, making it light and drinkable.
How to Make Creamy Lemonade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pitcher with Ice and Lemon Slices
Start by filling a 1/2 gallon pitcher with plenty of ice cubes, then add those beautifully sliced lemons right on top. The ice chills your lemonade right from the start, while the lemon slices infuse subtle citrus essence as it sits.
Step 2: Whisk Lemon Juice and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a separate bowl or pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice with the sweetened condensed milk. Whisk them together until they are completely blended, creating a creamy base that’s both tart and sweet. This step is key to achieving that signature creamy texture.
Step 3: Combine and Stir with Cold Water
Pour the lemon and condensed milk mixture over the ice in your pitcher. Then add the cold water and stir everything gently but thoroughly so all the flavors marry beautifully. Now your creamy lemonade is perfectly mixed and ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Lemonade Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your creamy lemonade by adding extra lemon slices or even a sprig of fresh mint. The visual appeal and fresh aroma these garnishes add really make the drink feel special at any gathering.
Side Dishes
This creamy lemonade pairs wonderfully with light, summery snacks like fresh fruit platters, crunchy cucumber sandwiches, or even a handful of spiced nuts. The refreshing drink balances salty or savory bites beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve in mason jars with colorful striped straws or rim the glasses with sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also freeze lemon wheels inside ice cubes to keep drinks cold without diluting the rich flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any creamy lemonade left, simply cover the pitcher or transfer the drink to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, so you can enjoy it again later.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for this creamy concoction because the texture may change, you can freeze lemon juice ahead to speed up future preparations. For the lemonade itself, it’s best kept chilled in the fridge.
Reheating
This is a chilled beverage you’ll want to enjoy cold, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, stir gently before serving if it separates after sitting for a while.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
Regular milk won’t provide the same creamy sweetness the condensed milk does, and the consistency will be thinner. For the best authentic taste and texture, stick with sweetened condensed milk.
How many lemons do I need to make 1 1/4 cups of lemon juice?
Typically, 5 to 8 lemons will yield the required 1 1/4 cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice, depending on their size and juiciness.
Is this recipe very sweet?
The sweetened condensed milk adds a noticeable sweetness, but it’s balanced perfectly by fresh lemon juice. If you prefer it less sweet, you can slightly reduce the condensed milk and add more water.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Since sweetened condensed milk is dairy-based, this recipe isn’t vegan as is. However, you could try using a sweetened condensed coconut milk alternative to achieve a similar creamy effect.
Why does the lemonade sometimes separate after sitting?
Because this drink includes condensed milk and fresh juice, separation can naturally occur when sitting. Just give it a gentle stir or shake before serving to bring it back to that creamy harmony.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about making and sharing the Creamy Lemonade Recipe. It’s a vibrant, luscious drink that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Next time you want to impress your friends or enjoy a special treat yourself, whipped up this creamy lemonade and watch it become an instant favorite.
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Creamy Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Lemonade recipe combines the tangy freshness of lemon juice with the rich sweetness of condensed milk for a smooth, refreshing summer drink. Perfectly chilled with ice and a touch of sliced lemon, this homemade lemonade offers a unique twist on a classic beverage that’s simple to prepare and delightful to enjoy.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 1/4 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 5–8 lemons)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups ice
- 5 cups cold water
Instructions
- Add Ice and Lemon Slices: Fill a 1/2 gallon pitcher about halfway with 4 cups of ice and add the sliced lemon to infuse a subtle citrus aroma while keeping the drink chilled.
- Mix Lemon Juice and Condensed Milk: In a separate pitcher or large bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the entire 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk until smooth and evenly combined.
- Combine and Stir: Pour the lemon and condensed milk mixture over the ice and lemon slices in the pitcher. Then add 5 cups of cold water and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Pour the creamy lemonade into glasses, optionally garnishing with additional lemon slices or mint leaves, and enjoy immediately for the best refreshing flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same freshness.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less condensed milk according to taste.
- For an adult variation, a splash of vodka or gin can be added.
- This recipe serves 8; scale ingredients accordingly for larger or smaller batches.
- Keep the lemonade refrigerated if not serving immediately to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
