Condensed Milk Lemonade Recipe
If you’re searching for a drink that instantly brightens your day, look no further than Condensed Milk Lemonade. This Brazilian-inspired treat is impossibly creamy, sweet-tart, and bursting with refreshing citrus flavor. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a glass of pure joy that’s perfect for hot afternoons, family gatherings, or whenever you need a pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try Condensed Milk Lemonade, you’ll want to keep a pitcher in your fridge all summer long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Lemonade
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- Ice, as needed
For Garnish
- Lemon slices
How to Make Condensed Milk Lemonade
Step 1: Whisk the Citrus Base
Start by grabbing a large pitcher and pouring in your freshly squeezed lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, and granulated sugar. Take a whisk and combine everything until the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar has dissolved. This step is where that classic tart-sweet flavor starts to take shape, and the condensed milk gives it a gorgeous creamy color right from the start.
Step 2: Add Cold Water
Slowly pour in the cold water while whisking gently. This not only helps everything blend together seamlessly, but it also chills the lemonade as you go. You’ll notice the drink turning silky and pale—exactly what you want for Condensed Milk Lemonade!
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give your lemonade a taste. If you prefer it a bit sweeter or tangier, now’s the time to add a touch more sugar or lemon juice. The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own.
Step 4: Chill or Serve Over Ice
If you have the patience, pop the pitcher in the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. If not, simply fill glasses with plenty of ice and pour the Condensed Milk Lemonade right over. Both ways are delicious, so do what works best for your thirst!
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish by slipping a lemon slice onto the rim of each glass for a pretty, zesty accent. Now all that’s left is to sip and savor!
How to Serve Condensed Milk Lemonade
Garnishes
Go the extra mile with your Condensed Milk Lemonade by adding a few simple garnishes. Lemon slices are a classic choice, but a sprig of fresh mint or even a twist of lime can make each glass feel special. For parties, try rimming the glasses with sugar for a sparkling touch that hints at the sweetness inside.
Side Dishes
This lemonade pairs beautifully with all sorts of summery fare. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fresh salads, or your favorite picnic sandwiches. It’s especially wonderful with spicy dishes, as the creamy sweetness soothes the palate and makes every bite taste even fresher.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, blend your Condensed Milk Lemonade with ice to make a frothy, Brazilian-style treat—almost like a lemonade milkshake! Or pour it into mason jars, add a striped straw, and watch your guests’ faces light up. You can even float thin slices of lemon or edible flowers in a punch bowl for a party-ready centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Condensed Milk Lemonade left over (which is rare in my house!), just cover the pitcher and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors may intensify slightly, making it taste even richer the next day.
Freezing
Want to enjoy this treat later? Pour any extra lemonade into ice pop molds or ice cube trays and freeze. The frozen cubes make a fantastic addition to sparkling water or can be blended for a slushy treat. Just note that freezing might slightly alter the texture, but the flavor will still be delightful.
Reheating
Since Condensed Milk Lemonade is meant to be enjoyed cold and refreshing, reheating isn’t necessary. If your lemonade has separated a bit in the fridge, just give it a good stir before serving and add fresh ice to bring back that just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings the brightest, most vibrant flavor to Condensed Milk Lemonade, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled juice can work. Just be aware the taste may be less zesty and a bit more muted.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk (like coconut or oat-based) for a vegan version. The texture will still be creamy and delicious, with a slight coconut or oat undertone.
How do I make it less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of granulated sugar or use less sweetened condensed milk. Taste as you go until you find the level of sweetness that’s perfect for you.
What’s the difference between this and traditional lemonade?
Condensed Milk Lemonade is much creamier and richer than typical lemonade. The sweetened condensed milk gives it a silky, almost dessert-like quality that sets it apart from classic versions.
Can I add alcohol for a grown-up version?
Definitely! A splash of vodka, rum, or even tequila turns this into a fabulous summer cocktail. Just remember to drink responsibly and keep the kids’ glasses separate!
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up a pitcher of Condensed Milk Lemonade and share it with your favorite people. It’s the kind of simple, joy-filled recipe that makes any day brighter. Give it a try, and let it become your new go-to for creamy, citrusy refreshment!
Print
Condensed Milk Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Condensed Milk Lemonade is a creamy and refreshing Brazilian-inspired beverage that combines the tartness of fresh lemon juice with the rich sweetness of sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for hot summer days, this no-cook recipe is quick to prepare and can be served chilled or over ice, making it a delightful and unique twist on traditional lemonade.
Ingredients
For the Lemonade
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- Ice, as needed
For Garnish
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Mix Lemon Juice, Condensed Milk, and Sugar: In a large pitcher, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, and granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Cold Water: Slowly stir in the cold water, blending all the ingredients until the lemonade is creamy and well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the lemonade and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if desired, stirring well to incorporate.
- Chill or Serve Immediately: Refrigerate the lemonade until chilled, or pour it over ice cubes to serve right away.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each glass with lemon slices to enhance the presentation and add a fresh citrus aroma.
Notes
- For a frothy Brazilian-style lemonade, blend all the ingredients with ice cubes instead of stirring.
- Add fresh mint leaves for a refreshing herbal twist.
- Incorporate a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy variation.
- Adjust sugar quantity according to your preferred sweetness level.
- Use ripe, juicy lemons for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Brazilian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
