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Whenever I want something extra special for a warm weather hangout, I whip up this condensed milk lemonade. It’s over-the-top creamy, super tangy, and a breeze to throw together. I shared it the first time on a sizzling afternoon in July. Everyone finished their glasses in no time and wanted another round before I could even sit down.
My family was a little unsure until they had a sip—they immediately loved the creamy texture. Now my kids think it’s a fancy lemonade and ask for it as soon as the sun comes out.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Ice cubes: make every pour super cold—clear cubes look especially nice in a glass
- Lemon slices: slice up unwaxed lemons for that extra pop in each cup
- Mint leaves: bright green unbruised leaves add a pop of fresh flavor
- Cold water: brings the tartness down a notch, making it easy to drink—use filtered or spring water for clean taste
- Sweetened condensed milk: goes in for a sweet, rich boost—pick up a can that's thick and glossy
- Fresh lemon juice: gives that sharp citrus flavor—grab lemons that are hefty and full of juice
Simple How-To Steps
- Serve and Garnish
- Grab some glasses, pile in ice, pour your lemonade, and finish each with a lemon slice and some mint leaves. Looks extra fancy.
- Chill the Lemonade
- Pop your pitcher in the fridge and let it get good and cold for about 30 minutes. This really brings the flavors together.
- Balance the Sweetness
- Sneak a taste. If it’s too tart, add a touch more condensed milk til it’s just right. Stir it up well.
- Muddle the Mint
- Add the mint right to your lemonade, then use a spoon or muddler to gently mash and twist the leaves. This lets all that fresh minty flavor shine through.
- Add the Water
- Slowly pour in cold water, stirring every so often so everything combines smoothly—no lumps here.
- Blend Lemon Juice and Condensed Milk
- Pour lemon juice and condensed milk into a pitcher and whisk until the whole thing is totally smooth and blended.
- Juice the Lemons
- Soften lemons by rolling them, slice, then squeeze every last bit using a hand juicer. Don’t forget to strain out the seeds and pulp for a silky finish.
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I’m a big fan of fresh homegrown mint—my kids love picking it while I get to work on the lemons. The laughter in the kitchen really makes it official: summer’s on.
Keeping It Fresh
Stick this lemonade in the fridge and it’ll be good for up to three days. Don’t forget to give it a shake or stir first, since things might settle. Skip adding the ice until serving so it stays strong and tasty, not watered down.
Swaps and Substitutions
Want to skip dairy? Coconut condensed milk fits perfectly and adds a laid-back tropical flavor. You can trade mint for basil or thyme if you want to shake things up. And if you’re short on fresh lemon juice, thawed frozen works—just taste and maybe tweak with a bit more to hit your preferred brightness.
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Fun Ways to Serve
Try it over crushed ice for a cool slushie vibe or pour into popsicle molds for a frosty snack. Goes great with fresh fruit salad or grilled chicken, too. Grown-ups can add a little vodka or gin for a fun twist.
Sweet Story Behind It
Condensed milk lemonade started out in South America where folks called it Brazilian lemonade or limonada suíça. The mix of sweet milk and tart citrus helped people cool down in hot spots and it soon became a favorite all over the world when the sun’s out.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Are there ways to make this less sugary?
Taste it after adding the first bit of condensed milk, then you can pour in extra lemon juice or water if it tastes a bit too sweet for you.
- → Is it okay to use store-bought lemon juice here?
Fresh lemons taste the brightest, but if you're in a rush, bottled juice will work. Just check and tweak the flavor until it pops.
- → Best trick for getting mint flavor in the drink?
Set the mint in your glass or pitcher and gently press it down using a big spoon or muddler. You want the oils, not shredded leaves.
- → How long does it stay fresh in the fridge?
It'll be fine for 2 days or so. If the layers start to separate, just give it a quick stir and you're good to go.
- → Fun spins to try with this drink?
Pour in some sparkling water for bubbles, toss in a handful of berries, or use basil leaves for a surprise twist.