I’ll never forget the first time I tried this drink. It was at a friend’s barbecue on one of those sweltering summer afternoons. I was expecting regular, tart lemonade, but what I tasted was something totally different. It was bright and citrusy, yet unbelievably smooth and rich.
It was a true game-changer! This delicious creamy lemonade walks the perfect line between a refreshing beverage and a light, liquid dessert. The secret lies in a simple ingredient that transforms the texture from watery to wonderfully velvety, creating a taste experience that is both familiar and excitingly new.
I immediately asked for the recipe, and I’ve been making it ever since. It has become my signature drink for gatherings because it’s so easy to whip up and always gets rave reviews. I’m thrilled to share this simple creamy lemonade recipe with you. It’s perfect for cookouts, celebrations, or any time you need a sweet, refreshing treat.
Table of Contents
What Exactly is Creamy Lemonade?
So, what’s the secret behind this amazing creamy lemonade? It’s all about one magical ingredient: sweetened condensed milk. This isn’t your average lemonade. This ingredient is what makes a simple lemonade a creamy lemonade, transforming the classic tart drink into something wonderfully rich, frothy, and smooth.
You might have heard this drink called by another name, Brazilian Lemonade or Limonada Suíça. In Brazil, it’s traditionally made with whole limes instead of lemons, but the delicious concept is the same. The sweetened condensed milk perfectly balances the sharp citrus, creating a flavor that’s like sunshine in a glass.
Unlike traditional lemonade that is just lemon juice, sugar, and water, this version is made in a blender. We often use the whole lemon—peel and all! Blending the entire fruit releases all the fragrant oils from the zest, giving the drink an incredibly vibrant and intense lemon flavor you just can’t get from juice alone. This method is what gives this creamy lemonade its signature frothy top and unbelievably delicious taste.
Essential Ingredients for Your Lemonade
One of the best things about this creamy lemonade is how simple the ingredient list is. With just a handful of fresh items, you can create something truly special. The absolute key to the best creamy lemonade is using fresh lemons, not the bottled stuff. Since we’re using the whole fruit, their quality really shines through and gives you that amazing, zesty punch.
Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- Lemons: 2 medium, thin-skinned lemons work best. Give them a good wash!
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: ½ cup (about half of a 14-ounce can). This is our secret to creaminess!
- Cold Water: 4 cups.
- Sugar: ¼ cup of granulated sugar. This is optional, so you can adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Ice: A few cups for blending and lots more for serving.
How to Make Creamy Lemonade: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, here comes the fun part! Making this drink is incredibly fast and satisfying. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite party trick. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be sipping on delicious, frothy creamy lemonade in no time. You’ve got this!
- Wash and Prep the Lemons
First things first, give your lemons a very good scrub under cool running water. Since we’re using the peel, we want to make sure they’re perfectly clean. Once washed, pat them dry, trim off both ends, and cut each lemon into eight small wedges. No need to worry about the seeds; we’ll catch them later. - The First Blend (The Quick Pulse!)
Place your lemon wedges in a blender and pour in the 4 cups of cold water. Now, here is the most important tip: do not over-blend! Secure the lid and pulse the blender just 5 to 7 times. You only want to break up the lemons to release their flavor. Blending too long will release bitterness from the white pith. - Strain for a Smooth Finish
Pour the lemon-water mixture through a fine-mesh strainer set over a pitcher. Use a spoon or spatula to press gently on the pulp in the strainer. This will help you squeeze out every last drop of that amazing lemon flavor. Once you’ve pressed it all through, you can discard the pulp. - Create the Creamy Base
Give your blender jar a quick rinse to remove any lingering bits of lemon pith. Pour the strained lemon water from the pitcher back into the clean blender. Now, add the ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk and the optional ¼ cup of sugar. - The Final, Frothy Blend
Place the lid back on the blender and blend on high for about 30 seconds. You’ll watch as it magically transforms into a pale, frothy, and beautiful creamy lemonade. - Serve Over Lots of Ice
This drink is best served ice-cold. Fill your serving glasses all the way to the top with ice cubes. Pour the freshly made drink over the ice and get ready for pure refreshment. - Garnish and Enjoy Immediately!
If you’re feeling fancy, add a thin slice of lemon to the rim of each glass. This creamy lemonade is best enjoyed right away while it’s still chilled and frothy. Cheers!
My Chef’s Secrets for the Perfect Glass
Over the years, I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and I’ve picked up a few simple tricks that guarantee a perfect glass of creamy lemonade every single time. These little secrets make all the difference!
Don’t Over-Blend!
If you remember one thing, let it be this: be gentle with your blender. When you blend the lemon wedges with water, you only want to pulse it a few times. Blending for too long will break down the white part of the peel, called the pith, which can make your lemonade taste bitter. A few quick pulses are all you need to release that wonderful citrus flavor.
Use Whole Lemons (The Right Way)
Using the entire lemon is what gives this drink its incredible, punchy flavor. The zest is packed with fragrant oils that you just don’t get from juice alone. To do it right, make sure you scrub the lemons well to remove any wax or dirt. Trimming off the very ends also helps get rid of any tougher, less flavorful parts.
Taste and Adjust
Everyone’s preference for sweetness is a little different, so always give your lemonade a taste before you serve it. Think of the recipe as a starting point. Is it a little too tart for you? Add a splash more sweetened condensed milk. Not quite sweet enough? A little extra sugar will do the trick. You are the chef, so make it perfect for you!
Serve Immediately
This creamy lemonade is at its absolute best when it’s fresh, cold, and frothy, right out of the blender. If it sits for too long, the citrus and dairy can start to separate, and the flavor can become slightly bitter over time. For the best experience, pour it over ice and enjoy it right away.
Fun Recipe Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, it’s so much fun to get creative in the kitchen! This creamy lemonade is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists. If you enjoy blended drinks, you might also love this Whipped Lemonade Recipe from a fellow food blogger. Here are a few of my favorite variations to inspire you.
Creamy Limeade
For the most authentic Brazilian Lemonade experience, simply swap the lemons for limes! Use 4 to 5 small, juicy limes in place of the two lemons. The method is exactly the same, and you’ll get a zesty, tangy, and equally delicious creamy limeade that’s incredibly refreshing.
Strawberry Creamy Lemonade
To create a beautiful, blush-pink drink, add about one cup of hulled fresh or frozen strawberries to the blender during the second blend (along with the sweetened condensed milk). This adds a wonderful layer of sweet, fruity flavor to your creamy lemonade that kids and adults go crazy for.
Coconut Creamy Lemonade
Ready for a tropical vacation in a glass? Replace one of the cups of water with a cup of full-fat canned coconut milk. The coconut adds an extra layer of richness and a dreamy tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon.
Adult-Friendly Version
If you’re serving this at an adults-only gathering, it makes a fantastic cocktail base. Simply pour the finished lemonade into a glass filled with ice, then add a shot of your favorite white rum or vodka. Give it a quick stir, and you have the perfect summer party drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of questions about this unique and delicious drink, so I wanted to answer a few of the most common ones here. Hopefully, this helps you feel even more confident about making it!
What is a creamy lemonade?
A creamy lemonade is a wonderfully refreshing drink that gets its rich, smooth texture from sweetened condensed milk. It’s often called Brazilian Lemonade and is made in a blender, which whips everything together into a frothy, delightful beverage that’s a step above traditional lemonade.
What is Brazilian lemonade made of?
The authentic Brazilian version, known as Limonada Suíça, is traditionally made with whole limes, cold water, sugar, and, of course, sweetened condensed milk. Everything is blended together and then strained. This creates its signature bold flavor. The version with lemons is a very popular variation and the foundation for our creamy lemonade.
What is Hillbilly lemonade?
Hillbilly lemonade usually refers to a more rustic, simple lemonade. The recipes can vary, but it’s typically just hand-squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and water. The key difference is that creamy lemonade specifically uses sweetened condensed milk to get that rich texture, which isn’t usually found in Hillbilly lemonade.
Why is Brazilian lemonade so frothy?
That beautiful, frothy top layer is all thanks to the blender! When you blend the ingredients at high speed, you’re whipping a lot of air into the liquid. It’s the same process that makes a milkshake or a smoothie so light and airy. This technique is also the secret behind our popular Whipped Lemonade Recipe, which also has a wonderfully light texture. This quick-blending is what gives this creamy lemonade its fun, frothy foam.
Conclusion
And there you have it—the secret to the most delicious and refreshing creamy lemonade you’ll ever make! It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can blend into something so wonderfully frothy and special. That perfect balance of tart citrus and sweet cream is guaranteed to be a hit.
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Creamy Lemonade Recipe: The Ultimate Refreshing Drink You’ll Love
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
The best creamy lemonade made in a blender in just 5 minutes! This easy recipe uses condensed milk to create a perfectly sweet, tart, and frothy drink.
Ingredients
- 2 medium thin-skinned lemons
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups cold water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (optional)
- A few cups of ice for serving
Instructions
1. Wash lemons well. Trim off the ends and cut each lemon into eight small wedges.
2. Place the lemon wedges and 4 cups of cold water into a blender. Pulse 5 to 7 times just to break up the lemons. Do not over-blend.
3. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing on the pulp to extract all the liquid. Discard the pulp.
4. Rinse the blender, then pour the strained lemon water back into it. Add the sweetened condensed milk and optional sugar.
5. Blend on high for about 30 seconds until the lemonade is pale and frothy.
6. Fill serving glasses with ice and pour the creamy lemonade over top.
7. Garnish with a lemon slice and serve immediately.
Notes
For the best taste, do not over-blend the lemons, as this can release bitterness from the pith. Serve immediately, as the drink can separate if it sits for too long. Variations: Swap lemons for 4-5 limes for a Creamy Limeade, or add 1 cup of strawberries for a Strawberry Creamy Lemonade.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 184 kcal
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 48mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 13mg
Keywords: creamy lemonade, Brazilian lemonade, blender lemonade, condensed milk lemonade, frothy lemonade