Creamy Lemonade

Get ready to beat the summer heat with this irresistible creamy lemonade. It’s a refreshing and – yes – creamy twist on a summertime classic. 

It combines the zesty tang of fresh lemons with the smooth richness of sweetened condensed milk. The result is a velvety, indulgent drink perfect for sipping on sunny afternoons. 

It’s bright, tangy, and goes down wonderfully smooth. I guarantee you’ve never had anything quite like it. 

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemonade

Lip-Puckering Lemon Taste: This delightful summer drink has all the flavor of classic lemonade. The condensed milk simply sweetens it and makes it creamier. 

Silky-Smooth Texture: It may seem strange to refer to a drink as “silky,” but that’s really the only word for it. Its incredibly smooth texture totally sets it apart from other lemonade recipes. 

Visual Appeal: Not only does the drink taste and feel great, but it looks that way, too! It’s absolutely Insta-worthy, with its soft white hue and elegant garnish. 

Ingredients

• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Please don’t substitute juice from the little plastic bottle for this one. Freshly squeezed is the only way to go. It’s bright, tart, and so refreshing. 

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: The secret ingredient that makes the drink luscious, creamy, and perfectly sweet. 

• Cold Water: The foundation of any good lemonade. It’s crisp, cool, and refreshing. 

• Ice: To cool things down even more. Because honestly, nothing is worse than lukewarm lemonade on a hot day. 

• Lemon Slices: A pretty garnish that screams “summer” and adds a nice citrusy aroma.

How to Make Creamy Lemonade

I stumbled upon this recipe while scrolling through TikTok, and I knew I had to give it a shot. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint.

This stuff is like a summer dream in a glass!

And luckily, the process for making this drink is similar to making regular lemonade. Just follow these steps: 

1. JUICE 5-6 fresh lemons and strain, if needed. Pour into a large pitcher. 

2. MIX in the sweetened condensed milk, followed by 3-4 cups of cold water. Add as much as you like until it’s the desired consistency and taste. Stir to combine. 

3. CHILL with 2 cups of ice, then taste and adjust, as needed, with more lemon juice or water. 

4. POUR the creamy lemonade into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy! 

Tips for the Best Creamy Lemonade

This recipe stays true to the one that took TikTok by storm. And I used a full can of condensed milk to make things easier.

If you didn’t happen to see it on social media, here’s a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use fresh lemons. I’ve said this already, but freshly squeezed lemon juice is the only way to go. Avoid the bottled stuff. 

• Avoid pulp. Strain the lemon juice to get rid of any pulp or seeds.

• Adjust the sweetness. Remember to taste the lemonade before serving. If it’s not sweet enough, add more condensed milk or some sugar. If it’s too sweet, add a bit more lemon juice or cold water. 

• Chill thoroughly. This lemonade tastes best when it’s ice cold. Be sure to add plenty of ice and stir rapidly to cool it down. 

• Add plenty of garnishes. Lemon slices are great. But you can also add mint leaves, fresh berries, and other finishing touches. 

Variations

Make the recipe as is, and I know this will be your new summer obsession.

Or, try one (or all) of these variations for something a little different: 

• Add other juices. Raspberry and strawberry juice pair perfectly with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. You could even puree a few blueberries and mix that in. 

• Make it bubbly. Add a splash of ice-cold sparkling water when serving. 

• Make limeade instead. Simply juice fresh limes instead of lemons. The result is tarter and tangier but just as tasty. 

• Transform it into a cocktail. Mix a shot of rum or vodka into your glass for an adult-themed creamy lemonade. (Spoiler alert: This is one of my favorite lemonade cocktails.)

• For a creamy lemonade slushie. Add extra ice and blend the drink until it’s thick.

• Add herbs. Fresh herbs like lavender, rosemary, and basil all work well. Mint, of course, is always a good choice. 

• Go coco-nuts! Use condensed coconut milk for a mild, nutty finish.

How to Store

Creamy condensed milk lemonade is refreshing, indulgent, and just what you need to keep cool this summer.

Plus, it’s super easy to make, which is always a win in my book.

I whipped up a batch for a backyard hangout, and it was an instant hit. Everyone was asking for the recipe, and I felt like a total lemonade guru.

Of course, that also means it didn’t last too long. But if you do have leftovers, here’s what to do:

To Store: Refrigerate the drink in an airtight bottle or container for up to 4 days*. Stir before serving, as separation can occur. 

You shouldn’t freeze creamy lemonade. The texture will be all wrong once you thaw it.  

*Note: The drink tastes best if consumed by day two. 

More Summer Drinks You Have to Try

Coffee Milkshake
Blueberry Lemonade
Watermelon Slushie
Starbucks Strawberry Frappuccino