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This smooth and tangy lemonade hits the spot on crazy hot days. Sharp lemon juice gets extra creamy thanks to condensed milk, with mint to perk things up. At my place, one jug never makes it through the day when this is in the fridge.
I tossed this together during a sunny park day when regular sugar ran out. Everyone went for seconds and wanted to know how I made it.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Cold water: brings everything together for a lighter sip, go for filtered if you can
- Fresh mint leaves: add a real kick of fresh flavor, so pick leaves that look vibrant, not sad
- Ice cubes: drop in a bunch of big ones that stay frozen and cool your drink right away
- Sweetened condensed milk: the secret for a thick, velvety sweetness—look for cans that feel heavy and are a little yellowish
- Lemon slices and more mint: make each glass pop with color and a burst of citrus, pick juicy lemons with bright skin
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: pours in the perfect zingy bite and mixes so well with the milk
Easy Steps
- Serve Over Ice and Garnish:
- Drop a bunch of ice in your glasses. Pour the cold lemonade over. Throw in a mint sprig or lemon round to dress it up.
- Chill:
- Slide the pitcher into your fridge for a half hour or more. This lets all the flavors hang out and get cozier together.
- Test and Adjust Sweetness:
- Take a sip and tweak it—add a splash more condensed milk if you want it sweeter, stir again until smooth.
- Infuse with Mint:
- Toss mint into the pitcher. Use the end of a spoon to smash them lightly, so the oils mix into the lemonade.
- Add Cold Water:
- Pour in cold water slowly while whisking so the drink gets creamy without any clumps or splitting.
- Combine Lemon Juice and Condensed Milk:
- Mix strained lemon juice and condensed milk in a big jug. Whisk so they blend and look totally even.
- Juice the Lemons:
- Press lemons until you get about 240 ml. Strain out seeds and any chunky bits so it's all smooth.
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Condensed milk totally sold me on this one. My grandma would stir it into morning coffee, so I've always loved that creamy vibe. Here, paired with lemon, it's like a sweet little miracle.
How to Store
Keep leftovers in a sealed pitcher in the fridge. It'll stay tasty for two days. Before pouring, give it a quick stir since things can settle at the bottom.
Swaps & Variations
Out of regular condensed milk? Switch to coconut condensed milk for a no-dairy spin. Want it more sour? Splash in some lime, or try basil instead of mint for a fun herb swap.
How to Serve It
Pour into tall, icy glasses with bright straws for a cheerful look. It goes great with grilled meals at cookouts, but honestly, it shines on its own as a pick-me-up.
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Cultural Backstory
This blend is inspired by Brazilian drinks, where condensed milk and citrus get together for summer parties. It brings back good memories and feels super welcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make it even softer and creamier?
Whisk the condensed milk hard into the lemon juice so the mix gets super smooth, making every sip extra silky.
- → Is it possible to swap for a dairy-free version?
Totally! Just use coconut condensed milk instead so it still gets that lush, creamy kick without dairy.
- → What if it taste too sharp for me?
Just try a little, then stir in more condensed milk bit by bit till it’s perfectly tangy for you.
- → Got any tips for a big mint boost?
Give the mint leaves a gentle smash in your pitcher so their fresh oils come out, but don’t go overboard or it might taste bitter.
- → How do I make sure it stays cold without watering it down too much?
Let the drink get cold in the fridge, then pour it over big ice cubes or just a few so your mix stays crisp and frosty.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep, you can put the drink together and stick it in the fridge for a few hours. Toss in the mint and garnishes right before you serve for the best flavor.