Dreamy Condensed Milk Lemonade

When I'm after a cool, creamy, and tangy sip with barely any work, condensed milk lemonade is always my go-to. Just mix up sweet, thick condensed milk with zesty, fresh lemon juice and you've got a summer drink that feels way fancier than it is. This is the one I whip up for last-minute backyard hangs or anytime kids tag along—it's like sipping lemonade mixed with lemon pie.

Honestly, the first time I threw this together it was a mad dash before a picnic. My kiddos and their pals enjoyed it so much it basically became our family's summer must-have, no matter what we're up to outside.

Dreamy Ingredients

• Cold water: Use two cups to chill everything down so the flavors mellow out and blend well
• Sweetened condensed milk: This is the rich, creamy magic. Make sure your can has no crystallized sugar at the edge and is thick when poured
• Ice cubes: Pop these in to keep things chilly and to mellow out the flavors the longer your cup sits
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish: Go for the brightest green ones—they'll give your drink the best pop of fresh flavor
• Lemon slices for garnish: Toss in some slices for a cheery look and a dash of extra zing
• Fresh lemon juice: You'll need about a cup, which comes from four to six lemons. Choose ones that smell citrusy and feel a bit heavy
• Simple syrup: Not required, but super helpful if you want to up the sweetness or if your lemons are really puckery

Easy-to-Follow Steps

Enjoy:

Pop in a straw, give your drink a gentle swish, and sip that creamy, lemony goodness slow—it’s worth it

Serve:

Pour your chilled lemonade into tall glasses packed with ice, then add a lemon wheel and some mint on top right before you pass it around

Chill:

Let it hang out in the fridge for half an hour to cool all the way. Or just pour over plenty of ice if you can't wait

Add Water and Sweeten:

Pour in cold water a little at a time, stirring as you go. Taste and, if it’s a bit tangy, stir in up to a quarter cup of syrup to sweeten things up

Mix the Base:

Dump the lemon juice in a big pitcher and follow with the condensed milk. Stir or whisk until it’s super creamy with no streaky bits

Prep the Lemons:

Give the lemons a good roll on your counter to loosen them up, then slice and squeeze until you hit a full cup of juice. Go ahead and strain if you want everything smooth

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My favorite part here? Watching lemon juice and condensed milk whisk together and change right in front of you. Every time we make this for a family get-together, the whole thing’s gone in minutes—the grown-ups love it, too!

Keeping it fresh

Toss any leftovers in a covered jar or pitcher, then keep it in the fridge. If you let it sit for a few hours or overnight, the flavors get even better. Just give it a quick stir since things like to separate out a bit while chilling

Swaps and tweaks

No fresh lemons? Bottled lemon juice will fill in, though it’s not quite as zingy. To make it dairy-free, swap in coconut condensed milk, but know you’ll pick up a dash of coconut flavor. For a different sweetener, honey or agave does the trick instead of simple syrup

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More ways to share

This drink shines with extra lemon rounds or a streak of smashed berries in the cup. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of gin or vodka. Perfect for hot afternoons with barbecue or salty chips

Where it comes from and why it’s loved

In Brazil, folks call it limonada suíça and whip it up with whole limes, sweet milk, and ice in the blender. In the US, it’s a twist on the old-school lemonade stand favorite. I think it’s pretty awesome how mixing tart citrus and sweet milk pops up in lots of places around the world

Common Questions

→ Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemons really kick the flavor up a notch, but if you’re out, bottled lemon juice works alright. Just taste and maybe add a bit more or less as you go.

→ Is the simple syrup necessary?

You don’t have to use it—skip if you like your drink on the tart side. Simple syrup just makes it sweeter if that’s your thing.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Toss anything left in a pitcher, cover it up, and pop it in the fridge. Give it a stir before you pour—the creamy mix can split a bit after a while.

→ Can I add other fruits or herbs?

Go for it! Try berries, even basil, or anything that sounds good with lemon. It’s a fun way to mix things up.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative to condensed milk?

Yeah! Use coconut condensed milk if you want a non-dairy drink—it’s creamy and gives a little coconut flavor, too.

→ How do I prevent curdling when mixing ingredients?

Add the water in slowly as you stir so everything gets smooth, not chunky. That way, the lemon and milk come together just right.