Do Share Recipe

Creamy Condensed Milk Lemonade Recipe: The Sweet Summer Drink You’ll Crave

I discovered this incredible condensed milk lemonade recipe last summer, and let me tell you, it changed everything! After trying countless drink recipes this creamy lemonade became my go-to refresher.

I’ve made this delicious drink dozens of times, and each sip delivers the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. The rich, velvety texture from the condensed milk creates a drink that feels like a dessert but refreshes like classic lemonade.

Trust me, once you try this recipe, regular lemonade will never taste the same again. You can pair it with the Flank Steak Tacos Recipe for a hearty meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Condensed Milk Lemonade

Here’s everything you need to create this amazing drink:

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 large lemons) – Fresh juice makes all the difference in flavor
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – This creates the creamy, rich base that makes this recipe special
2-3 cups cold water – Start with 2 cups and adjust to your taste preference
Zest of 1 lemon – Adds extra citrus punch and beautiful color
Ice cubes – Plenty for chilling and serving
Fresh mint leaves – For garnish and aromatic appeal
Lemon slices – Perfect for decoration and extra flavor

Note: This recipe serves 4-6 people generously, making it perfect for family gatherings or small parties.

Delicious Variations to Try

Transform your lemonade with these exciting alternatives:

Dairy-Free Version – Replace condensed milk with coconut condensed milk for a tropical twist
Sugar-Free Option – Use sugar-free condensed milk to reduce calories without losing creaminess
Strawberry Lemonade – Add 1 cup fresh strawberry puree for a fruity variation
Mint Lemonade – Blend fresh mint leaves directly into the mixture for intense freshness
Lavender Lemonade – Add 1 teaspoon dried lavender for a floral touch
Ginger Kick – Include 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger for a spicy twist

These variations work wonderfully alongside other dinner recipes when you want to offer guests something special and refreshing.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Total Time: 10 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl – For combining lemon juice and condensed milk smoothly
Wire whisk – Essential for blending ingredients without lumps
Sharp knife – For cutting lemons and garnishes
Citrus juicer or reamer – Makes extracting lemon juice much easier
Large pitcher – For serving and storing your finished lemonade
Measuring cups – For accurate ingredient proportions

How to Make Condensed Milk Lemonade?

Creating this delicious drink is easier than you might think. The key lies in proper mixing and getting the ratios just right for your taste.

Step 1: Prepare Your Fresh Lemon Juice

Start by rolling your lemons on the counter while pressing down firmly. This breaks down the internal membranes and releases more juice. Cut each lemon in half and squeeze out every drop of that precious liquid. You’ll need about 4-6 lemons to get one full cup of juice, depending on their size and juiciness.

Step 2: Combine the Creamy Base

In your large mixing bowl, pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the entire can of sweetened condensed milk. Using your wire whisk, blend these ingredients together until completely smooth and well combined. The mixture should have a beautiful pale yellow color and creamy consistency without any lumps or streaks.

Step 3: Add Water and Adjust Flavor

Gradually add cold water to your lemon-condensed milk mixture, starting with 2 cups. Stir well after each addition and taste as you go. If the flavor is too strong or sweet, add more water until you reach your perfect balance. Remember, you can always add more water, but you can’t take it away!

Step 4: Enhance with Lemon Zest

Grate the zest from one lemon directly into your mixture. This step adds incredible fresh citrus aroma and tiny bursts of intense lemon flavor. Mix gently to distribute the zest evenly throughout your lemonade.

Step 5: Chill and Serve Perfectly

Fill your large pitcher with plenty of ice cubes, then pour your lemonade mixture over the ice. Stir gently to combine and chill. Pour into individual glasses filled with fresh ice, and garnish each glass with a sprig of mint and a lemon slice.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I’ve learned these valuable tricks through countless batches of this lemonade:

I always juice my lemons at room temperature because they release more liquid than cold ones
I strain the lemon juice through a fine mesh to remove seeds and pulp for smoother texture
I chill my glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving for extra refreshment
I make simple syrup separately when I want to adjust sweetness without changing consistency
I freeze lemon slices in ice cube trays to prevent dilution while keeping drinks cold
I always taste and adjust before serving because lemon acidity can vary significantly

How to Serve Condensed Milk Lemonade?

Make your lemonade presentation as delightful as the taste:

Use clear glasses to showcase the beautiful creamy yellow color
Add colorful garnishes like mint sprigs, lemon wheels, and even berries
Serve with fun straws to make the experience more enjoyable for kids
Create a lemonade bar with different garnish options for guests to customize
Pair with light appetizers or serve alongside recipes like Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice Recipe for contrast
Use mason jars for a rustic, homemade feel at outdoor gatherings
Freeze extra lemonade in ice cube trays to add to future batches without dilution

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you’re getting in each serving of this delicious drink:

This creamy lemonade provides a good balance of nutrients while satisfying your sweet tooth:

Calories: 180-220 per 8-ounce serving
Protein: 4-6 grams from the condensed milk
Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams including natural and added sugars
Fat: 3-4 grams of mostly saturated fat from the condensed milk

How to Store Condensed Milk Lemonade

Refrigerating: Store your lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in a covered pitcher. The flavors actually improve after a few hours as they meld together. Always stir well before serving since separation is natural.
Freezing: You can freeze this lemonade for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Leave some room for expansion and freeze in individual serving portions for easy thawing. The texture may change slightly but the flavor remains delicious.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this cold beverage, but if frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir or shake, and add fresh ice when serving. You might need to adjust the flavor with a bit more water or lemon juice after thawing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This condensed milk lemonade has so many amazing qualities that make it special:

This drink combines the best of both worlds – refreshment and indulgence:

Incredibly Easy to Make – No cooking required and ready in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients you probably have at home
Perfect Balance of Flavors – The creamy sweetness of condensed milk perfectly balances the tartness of fresh lemons
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal – Kids love the creamy sweetness while adults appreciate the sophisticated flavor profile
Versatile for Any Occasion – Works perfectly for casual family dinners, summer parties, or elegant gatherings
Customizable to Taste – Easy to adjust sweetness, tartness, and consistency to match everyone’s preferences

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Learn from my experience to make perfect lemonade every time:

Using Bottled Lemon Juice – Fresh squeezed lemons provide superior flavor and aroma that bottled juice simply cannot match. The difference is dramatic and worth the extra effort.
Not Whisking Thoroughly – Inadequate mixing leaves lumps of condensed milk that create an unpleasant texture. Take time to whisk until completely smooth and creamy.
Adding All Water at Once – This makes it impossible to adjust flavor properly. Add water gradually while tasting to achieve your perfect balance.
Skipping the Lemon Zest – The zest adds incredible fresh citrus aroma and flavor bursts that elevate the entire drink. Don’t skip this important step.
Serving in Warm Glasses – Room temperature glasses quickly warm your cold lemonade. Chill glasses beforehand for the best refreshing experience.

This condensed milk lemonade recipe has become my absolute favorite summer drink, and I’m confident it will become yours too. The creamy texture and perfect sweet-tart balance create something truly special that everyone will remember!

Ben Carraoli