Creamy Lemonade Recipe
Try this smooth and creamy lemonade recipe this summer–sweet, tart, crisp, and refreshing. So easy, just a few ingredients, and perfect for home and entertaining.
When I think of favorite summertime recipes, grilling and salads come to my mind (you have to try my Summer Corn and Orzo Salad!). But when it comes to drinks, lemonade is at the top of our list. It’s a staple every time we BBQ, and quite often when we have guests. I’ve made several different variations, but Creamy Lemonade is a definite favorite. It’s still very easy to make, but a fun version of the traditional favorite.
The trick? Adding sweetened condensed milk! It sweetens the lemonade and gives it that milky white color, and smooth taste. And since tastes vary on sweetness and tartness, ingredients can easily be altered to personal preference. You’ll love how quick and easy it is. No need to make a simple syrup, which cuts down on the prep time. It’s unique and delicious, and perfect for summer!
Table of contents
Ingredients
- Lemons
- Water
- Ice (I LOVE our pebble ice maker!)
- Sweetened condensed milk
Equipment
- Pitcher
- Wooden spoon
- Drinking glasses (my favorite nesting jars are pictured)
- Striped yellow straws
How to make
Squeeze the lemon juice into the pitcher, then use a whisk to incorporate the sweetened condensed milk. Slowly add the water, stirring to combine well. You could also combine the lemon juice and condensed milk in a small bowl first, then add it to the water in the pitcher. Either way works!
Taste the lemonade before adding ice. If you aren’t sure about the sweetness, you can always start with a little less condensed milk. It’s easy to add more, and whisk it in. I prefer it on the sweeter side, so I use the whole can. You may prefer it to be more tart, or more lemon-y, and this is the perfect time to adjust to your liking.
Once you have it the way you like it, add the ice. Slice a few lemons and float them on top. You’re ready to serve!
How to serve
These are my FAVORITE drinking glasses to use–Ball Nesting Pint Jars. They stack easily in the cabinet, which I love. Any kind of mason jar or glass drinking glass will show off the lemonade when serving–add a lemon to each one! You an add a sprig of mint if desired.
You can store any leftovers in the fridge, for 2-3 days. The condensed milk may separate from the lemon juice/water, but that’s okay! Just whisk again to combine before serving again. Taste to see if you need to add any more lemon juice and/or condensed milk. Once the ice melts from the first serving, it may not be strong enough.
FAQ
It’s similar, but Brazilian Lemonade uses limes instead of lemons. You could easily switch limes for lemons in this recipe, if desired.
You can certainly add sugar if you don’t feel like it’s sweet enough. I’d start with a very small amount, and add as necessary. Whisk briskly to until the sugar dissolves, so it’s not grainy.
More summer recipes
Thanks so much for stopping by! Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for even more ideas and recipes. I’d love to see you there! 🖤
Creamy Lemonade
Ingredients
- water, 3-4 cups
- ice
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 6-7 lemons
- 1-2 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Squeeze the lemon juice into the pitcher, then use a whisk to incorporate the sweetened condensed milk. I like to start with 5 lemons, and then add more if needed.
- Slowly add the water, stirring to combine well. You could also combine the lemon juice and condensed milk in a small bowl first, then add it to the water in the pitcher. Either way works!
- Taste the lemonade before adding ice. If you aren't sure about the sweetness, you can always start with a little less condensed milk. It's easy to add more, and whisk it in. You also may prefer it to be more tart, or more lemon-y, and this is the perfect time to adjust to your liking.
- Once you have it the way you like it, add the ice. Slice a few lemons and float them on top. You're ready to serve!