Imagine the classic tang of homemade lemonade, but with a dreamy, creamy twist — that’s the magic of Condensed Milk Lemonade! This unique beverage brings together the sunny brightness of fresh lemon juice and the silky sweetness of condensed milk for a drink that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new. As soon as you take that first frosty sip, you’ll understand why this is a beloved treat for summer picnics, lazy afternoons, and any day that begs for a little indulgence. Whether you grew up with it or you’re tasting it for the first time, Condensed Milk Lemonade is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Condensed Milk Lemonade Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bringing this Condensed Milk Lemonade to life is all about a handful of simple, no-nonsense ingredients that each add something special to the mix. Every component serves a delicious purpose, balancing brightness, creamy sweetness, and a refreshing finish.

Fresh Lemon Juice: Nothing beats the zing of freshly-squeezed lemons for that delectable tartness and aroma.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Thick, luscious, and sweet, this ingredient is the secret to that velvety texture and distinctive flavor.
Cold Water: Helps mellow the sharpness of lemons and makes the drink super thirst-quenching.

Simple Syrup (optional): For those who love it extra sweet, this lets you fine-tune the sweetness level.
Ice Cubes: Essential for serving; keeps each glass icy-cold and super refreshing.

Lemon Slices for Garnish: A classic finishing touch that adds visual appeal and a pop of extra citrus scent.
Fresh Mint Leaves for Garnish: The herbal freshness of mint pairs beautifully with lemon and really stands out in each glass.

How to Make Condensed Milk Lemonade

Step 1: Prep Your Lemons

Start by rolling your lemons on the countertop — this simple trick makes juicing so much easier by softening up the fruit. Slice them in half and juice until you collect a full cup. Strain out any seeds, but leave a bit of pulp if you enjoy a more rustic, homemade vibe in your Condensed Milk Lemonade.

Step 2: Mix the Lemon Base

In your favorite large pitcher, add the fresh lemon juice and pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Grab a whisk or a sturdy spoon and stir vigorously until the mixture looks creamy and uniform. Any little lumps of condensed milk will melt away with some stirring.

Step 3: Add Water and Sweeten

Slowly introduce the cold water to your lemon-condensed milk mix, stirring steadily. Taste it — if you crave a bit more sweetness, stir in simple syrup gradually until it’s just right for you. The water not only balances the flavors but ensures that the Condensed Milk Lemonade doesn’t turn out too tart or too thick.

Step 4: Chill Your Lemonade

For maximum refreshment, pop the pitcher into the fridge for about 30 minutes to get it well-chilled. If you’re a fan of instant gratification, serving it straight away over plenty of ice cubes delivers instant coolness and a gentle dilution that’s just perfect.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Fill tall glasses generously with ice, pour over the frosty Condensed Milk Lemonade, and garnish with a lemon slice plus a few fresh mint leaves. Stir gently with a straw and watch the magic as the creamy, citrusy goodness brightens your day!

How to Serve Condensed Milk Lemonade

Garnishes

A good garnish not only looks lovely but can elevate the entire sensory experience of Condensed Milk Lemonade. Lemon slices add a gorgeous yellow accent, while mint leaves contribute a burst of herbal freshness and a pop of green. For a festive touch, try a rim dusted with superfine sugar or even a twist of lemon peel.

Side Dishes

Pair your Condensed Milk Lemonade with light picnic fare or afternoon snacks, like buttery shortbread cookies, mini tea sandwiches, or a fruit platter. Its creamy tang makes it a delightful contrast to rich or spicy foods, so consider serving it alongside a spicy cheese plate or zesty grilled shrimp skewers at your next gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Condensed Milk Lemonade in mason jars for a rustic, retro vibe, or opt for delicate stemmed glasses for a more elegant touch. For parties, create a lemonade station with assorted garnishes so everyone can craft their perfect glass. Add vibrant paper straws or edible flowers to make each serving feel like a celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Condensed Milk Lemonade (which is rare!), simply cover the pitcher and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to three days, though some separation may occur; just stir well before serving again.

Freezing

Turn your lemonade into creamy ice pops or freeze in ice cube trays for fun, flavorful cubes that can be dropped into sparkling water or iced tea. While freezing the entire drink isn’t recommended for its silky texture, these ice pops are a summertime hit!

Reheating

This drink is at its best when served icy cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s been sitting in the fridge for a while, simply give it a good stir and pour over fresh ice for that just-made taste.

FAQs

Is Condensed Milk Lemonade too sweet?

Not at all! The sweetened condensed milk blends with the bright acidity of lemon to create a harmonious balance. You can always adjust the sweetness by adding more lemon juice if you like it tart, or a touch of simple syrup if you have a sweet tooth.

Can I use bottled lemon juice in Condensed Milk Lemonade?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor and aroma, but in a pinch, high-quality bottled juice will do. Just note that the taste may be a bit more subdued compared to using fresh lemons.

Can I make Condensed Milk Lemonade without simple syrup?

Absolutely! Simple syrup is entirely optional and is there only if you want to customize the sweetness. Many people enjoy it perfectly as-is, thanks to the richness of condensed milk.

What if I want a dairy-free version?

For a dairy-free twist, try using a plant-based sweetened condensed milk (coconut is lovely) in place of regular condensed milk. The result will be just as creamy and delightful!

Can I turn this into a cocktail?

Definitely! A splash of vodka, rum, or even sparkling wine mixes beautifully with Condensed Milk Lemonade for a creamy, festive adult drink. Just remember to sip responsibly!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Condensed Milk Lemonade, now is the perfect time to treat yourself. This creamy, citrus-packed drink is easy to whip up and guaranteed to brighten your mood. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and savor every delicious, chilly sip!

Condensed Milk Lemonade Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 19 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy and refreshing taste of Condensed Milk Lemonade. This unique twist on classic lemonade combines the richness of sweetened condensed milk with the tangy kick of fresh lemon juice for a delightful beverage that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Lemon Juice:

1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)

Sweetened Condensed Milk:

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

Cold Water:

2 cups cold water

Simple Syrup (optional):

1/4 cup simple syrup

Additional:

Ice cubes
Lemon slices for garnish
Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Lemons: Roll the lemons on a countertop to maximize juice extraction. Cut them in half and juice them until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
Mix the Base: In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk. Stir well to mix them together, ensuring there are no lumps from the condensed milk.
Add Water: Gradually add the cold water to the pitcher of lemon mixture. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Taste the lemonade. If you prefer a sweeter drink, mix in the additional simple syrup to your liking.

Chill: Refrigerate the lemonade for about 30 minutes to cool completely. Alternatively, you can serve it immediately with ice cubes for a refreshing experience.
Serve: Fill tall glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled lemonade over the ice, and garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and a few mint leaves.
Enjoy: Stir the drink with a straw if desired, and savor the creamy, tart flavor of your unique condensed milk lemonade!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage

Method: Mixing
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass

Calories: 180
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 70mg

Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g

Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Condensed Milk Lemonade, Lemonade Recipe, Refreshing Drink, Summer Beverage