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When the heat’s on and I want something more fun than basic lemonade, this condensed milk lemonade always hits the spot. It’s bright, it’s silky sweet, and comes together in a snap. I whipped up a batch on a blazing July day and folks grabbed refills before their first glass was empty. It’s just that good.
Even my doubtful family changed their minds after a taste. Now my kids call it ‘fancy lemonade’ and beg for it all summer.
Luscious Ingredients
- Lemon slices: slice unwaxed lemons for garnish—they look good and add extra zing
- Ice cubes: want your glass frosty cold? Use clear ice if you can for eye-catching drinks
- Fresh mint leaves: pick mint that’s bright and not damaged—puts a herbal spin on things
- Cold water: chills everything and makes it sippable; filtered or bottled water keeps it tasting super clean
- Sweetened condensed milk: grab a can with thick creamy texture—it’s what gives that signature richness
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: go for plump, heavy lemons—they are juicier and pack that lively citrus pop
Simple How-Tos
- Serve it up
- Toss ice in glasses, pour over your lemonade, then top with mint and a lemon wheel—makes it look and taste extra cool.
- Chill it down
- Pop the finished jug in your fridge for half an hour or more—you want the flavors to blend and everything to get good and cold.
- Balance the flavor
- Try a taste. Too tart? Add another spoon of condensed milk and give it a good mix until it’s sweet enough for you.
- Muddle mint
- Add mint into the pitcher. Grab the back of a spoon and gently mash the leaves—this brings out their bright oils.
- Add your water
- Pour cold water in slowly, stirring as you go. This keeps everything smooth and helps all the flavors get friendly.
- Mix the base
- Drop your fresh lemon juice and condensed milk into a big jug. Whisk until you see no streaks and it’s silky all through.
- Squeeze the lemons
- Roll lemons on the table to soften, then cut and squeeze all the juice you can—catch those seeds and bits with a strainer for a smooth result.
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I’m hooked on using mint I grow myself. My kids love helping, so while I squeeze lemons, they pick the leaves. Their giggles really kick off our summer vibes.
Handy Storage Hints
Stick it in the fridge and it’ll stay good for up to three days. Just give it a stir each time since things might settle while it sits. Skip adding ice until you pour, so your drinks stay nice and strong.
Try These Instead
If you’re skipping dairy, swap in coconut condensed milk for a bit of island flavor. Want to shake up the greens? Try fresh basil or thyme instead of mint. Out of lemons? Thawed frozen lemon juice works—taste as you go to adjust the tang.
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Fun Ways to Serve
Make it into a slush by serving over crushed ice, or pour into popsicle molds for frozen treats. Goes perfectly with fresh fruit or anything off the grill. Want an adult version? Add a little gin or vodka to your glass.
Delightful Backstory
This creamy lemonade has Brazilian roots, where folks call it limonada suíça. The blend of sweet milk and juicy lemons is a summertime staple there and now people make it all over when the weather gets hot.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I make it less sweet if it’s too sugary for me?
Go with the recommended amount of condensed milk at first. Taste it. Too sweet? Splash in extra lemon juice or a bit more water until it hits just right.
- → Can I grab bottled lemon juice instead of squeezing fresh ones?
Fresh lemons give you the brightest punch, but bottled stuff works in a bind. Taste as you go and tweak as needed.
- → What’s the easiest way to crush the mint for this?
Lightly squish the mint using a spoon or muddler. You want the oils, not shredded bits, so keep it gentle for a nice mellow hint.
- → If I don’t drink it all right away, how long does it last in the fridge?
You can keep it in the fridge for a couple days. Stir it up before pouring, since things might settle at the bottom.
- → Got any cool twists I can try out?
Try sparkling water for a bubbly feel, toss in some berries, or swap out mint for basil if you’re feeling wild.