Super Special Lemonade
Creamy Lemonade Made With Sweetened Condensed Milk
Super Special Lemonade is a sweet, creamy, and incredibly refreshing lemonade made with fresh lemons, sugar, water and one ingredient you might not expect: sweetened condensed milk.
Before you decide I have lost my mind, trust me on this one.
The sweetened condensed milk doesn’t make this taste like you’re drinking a glass of milk with lemons in it. It adds just enough sweetness and creaminess to mellow out the tartness of the fresh lemon juice.
If you love lemonade but sometimes find traditional lemonade a little too sour, this may become your new favorite way to make it.
It takes about 10 minutes, makes a whole pitcher, and can easily be adjusted depending on whether you like your lemonade more tart, more sweet, or a little creamier.
And yes, because I am The Tipsy Housewife, I also have some suggestions for turning it into a grown-up lemonade.
Before You Jump To The Recipe
There isn’t anything difficult about making this lemonade, but there are a few things worth knowing before you start.
Why Put Sweetened Condensed Milk In Lemonade?
How To Adjust The Sweetness And Creaminess
Fresh Lemon Juice Makes A Difference
How To Turn It Into An Adult Lemonade
Why Sweetened Condensed Milk?
I know sweetened condensed milk probably isn’t the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think about making lemonade.
That’s exactly why this recipe is so good.
Sweetened condensed milk is milk that has had much of its water removed and sugar added. A small amount adds sweetness and a subtle creamy texture to the lemonade while helping soften some of the sharp acidity of the fresh lemons.
My recipe uses only about 1/4 cup for an entire pitcher, so the lemonade isn’t thick or heavy.
It is still cold, light and refreshing.
The best way I can describe it is that the edges of the lemon flavor become a little softer.
The recipe is at the bottom of this post but first I will share a few fun facts and tips.
Inspired By Brazilian Lemonade
When I first made this recipe years ago, I had been seeing creamy lemonades online and on Pinterest.
After sharing my version, several readers told me about Brazilian lemonade, which is traditionally made with limes rather than lemons and often includes sweetened condensed milk.
My Super Special Lemonade isn’t intended to be an authentic Brazilian lemonade recipe. It is simply my lemon version of the creamy citrus drinks that inspired me.
And once I tried the combination of tart citrus and sweetened condensed milk, I understood why it works.
Use Fresh Lemons
This is one of those recipes where fresh lemon juice really does make a difference.
You’ll need approximately 6 fresh lemons for the recipe.
Two lemons are thinly sliced and added directly to the pitcher. The remaining lemons are squeezed for their juice.
I love having those fresh lemon slices floating around in the pitcher because they continue adding lemon flavor as the lemonade sits, plus it makes a very simple drink look awfully pretty.
Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice?
Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice if you don’t have fresh lemons or simply want to make this easier. For this recipe, use about 1/2 cup of bottled lemon juice in place of the juice from the four lemons. I prefer fresh lemon juice because it has a brighter, fresher flavor, but bottled lemon juice will absolutely work in a pinch. I would still grab one fresh lemon if you can and slice it into the pitcher. It makes the lemonade look pretty and gives it a little bit of that fresh lemon flavor without having to squeeze a bunch of lemons.
An Easy Trick For Juicing Lemons
If your lemons are very firm, roll each one firmly against the countertop with the palm of your hand before cutting it.
This helps break down some of the membranes inside and makes the lemons easier to juice.
You can also let refrigerated lemons sit at room temperature for a little while before juicing.
And use a citrus juicer if you have one. Six lemons isn’t an enormous amount, but squeezing them all by hand will certainly make you question some of your life choices.
Adjust This Lemonade To Your Taste
One of the best things about homemade lemonade is that there is no lemonade police.
Taste it.
My basic recipe uses:
Fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
4 cups water
Ice
If you want it more tart, add additional fresh lemon juice.
If you want it sweeter, add a little more sugar.
If you want it creamier, whisk in another spoonful or two of sweetened condensed milk.
If it tastes too strong, add a little more cold water.
The important part is making these adjustments before serving, because lemons can vary quite a bit in size and tartness.
Dissolve The Sugar Before Adding The Water
Instead of dumping everything into the pitcher and hoping for the best, I like to whisk the fresh lemon juice, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk together first.
Whisk really well until the sugar has dissolved.
Then add that mixture to your pitcher of ice and lemon slices before stirring in the water.
This helps distribute the sugar and condensed milk evenly so you don’t end up with a layer of sweetness sitting at the bottom of your pitcher.
Lots Of Ice Makes It Better
This lemonade should be ICE COLD.
I start with approximately 4 cups of ice right in the pitcher and add additional ice to the individual glasses when serving.
Remember that the ice in the pitcher will eventually melt and dilute the lemonade slightly.
I actually account for this when I’m tasting it. If it tastes just a tiny bit stronger than I want when I first make it, I know it will be perfect after sitting over the ice.
Make Super Special Lemonade For A Crowd
This is such a fun drink for a barbecue, graduation party, baby shower, bridal shower, football team meal, summer party, or basically any situation where you need something besides another cooler filled with cans of pop.
The recipe makes approximately 8 servings, but it is very easy to double.
For a larger gathering, I would make the lemonade base ahead of time but wait to add a huge amount of ice until closer to serving so it doesn’t become watered down.
You can also put fresh lemon slices in the serving dispenser or pitcher right before the party.
A Great Non-Alcoholic Party Drink
Don’t overlook this one when you need a fun drink for kids or people who don’t drink alcohol.
It looks a little more special than regular lemonade but uses very simple ingredients.
Serve it in a clear pitcher or drink dispenser with lots of floating lemon slices and plenty of ice.
You could even set out strawberries, raspberries or fresh mint for people to add to their glasses.
Make It A Grown-Up Lemonade
Obviously we have to discuss this.
Super Special Lemonade also makes a fantastic base for a summer cocktail.
Try adding:
Coconut rum
Vanilla vodka
Citrus vodka
Limoncello
White rum
You can add alcohol directly to an individual glass, which is my preferred method if you’re serving a mixed crowd.
This way you can make one pitcher and let adults add whatever they like while everyone else enjoys the original lemonade.
Start with approximately 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of liquor per glass, add ice, and top with the lemonade.
For a party, put the bottles next to the lemonade pitcher and let the grown-ups doctor their own.
Can I Make This Lemonade Ahead Of Time?
Yes, although I prefer it the day it is made.
You can make the lemon juice, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and water mixture several hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
If you’re making it for a party, I recommend waiting to add most of the ice and fresh lemon slices until closer to serving.
This keeps the lemonade from becoming watered down or developing too much bitterness from lemon peel sitting in it for an extended period.
How To Store Leftover Lemonade
Store leftover Super Special Lemonade covered in the refrigerator.
Because it contains sweetened condensed milk, I would keep it refrigerated rather than leaving the pitcher sitting out for extended periods.
Give it a good stir before pouring another glass because some separation can occur as it sits.
For the best fresh lemon flavor, I prefer drinking it within a couple of days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this lemonade taste like milk?
No. You’re only using 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk in an entire pitcher. It adds a slight creamy quality and sweetness rather than making the lemonade taste milky.
Can I add more sweetened condensed milk?
Absolutely. Start with the 1/4 cup called for in the recipe, taste the lemonade, and add more if you want a sweeter and creamier drink.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give you the best flavor for this particular recipe. Since lemon is the star of the drink, this is one time I recommend buying the actual lemons.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes. Start with less sugar and add more after tasting. Remember that the sweetened condensed milk also contributes sweetness.
Why did my lemonade separate?
A little separation is normal because this recipe contains dairy and fresh citrus juice. Give the pitcher a good stir before serving.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. This recipe is very easy to double or even triple for a party. If you’re making a large batch, add most of the ice shortly before serving rather than letting it melt in the lemonade for hours.
Can I make this alcoholic?
Yes. Coconut rum, citrus or vanilla vodka, limoncello, and white rum all work well. I prefer adding the alcohol to individual glasses so the main pitcher remains non-alcoholic.
Can I make this for kids?
Absolutely. Without the optional alcohol, this is a fun non-alcoholic lemonade that is great for parties, cookouts, and team meals.
What To Serve With Super Special Lemonade
This lemonade is especially good with salty, savory summer foods. Click each image to go to the recipe.
Super Special Lemonade Recipe
Super Special Lemonade is a sweet, tart and slightly creamy homemade lemonade made with fresh lemons, sugar and a splash of sweetened condensed milk. The condensed milk softens the tartness of the fresh lemon juice without making the lemonade heavy. Serve it ice cold for an easy summer drink, party punch or add coconut rum or flavored vodka for a grown-up version.
Ingredients
- 6 fresh lemons
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
- 4 cups cold water
- 4 to 6 cups ice, divided
- Optional fresh lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Wash all 6 lemons well.
- Thinly slice 2 of the lemons. Add most of the slices to a large glass or plastic pitcher, reserving a few for garnishing the glasses.
- Add approximately 4 cups of ice to the pitcher.
- Juice the remaining 4 lemons into a bowl or large measuring cup, removing any seeds.
- Add the sugar and sweetened condensed milk to the fresh lemon juice.
- Whisk very well until the sugar is dissolved and the sweetened condensed milk is completely incorporated.
- Taste the lemon mixture. If you prefer a sweeter lemonade, add a little more sugar. For a creamier lemonade, add another spoonful or two of sweetened condensed milk.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the ice and lemon slices in the pitcher.
- Add 4 cups of cold water and stir very well.
- Taste once more and adjust with additional water, lemon juice, sugar or sweetened condensed milk if needed.
- Let the lemonade chill for a few minutes before serving.
- Fill glasses with fresh ice, pour in the Super Special Lemonade and garnish with fresh lemon slices.
- For a grown-up version, add approximately 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of coconut rum, flavored vodka or another preferred liquor to individual glasses before topping with lemonade.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice gives this simple recipe its best flavor. Because lemons vary in size and tartness, always taste the lemonade before serving and adjust as needed.
- Adjust The Creaminess: The 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk adds a subtle creamy quality rather than making this a heavy drink. Add another spoonful or two if you prefer a sweeter, creamier lemonade.
- Adjust The Sweetness: Start with 1/2 cup sugar and taste before adding more. Remember that the sweetened condensed milk is already sweet.
- Make Ahead: You can combine the lemon juice, sugar, sweetened condensed milk and water several hours ahead and refrigerate. For the best results, add most of the ice and fresh lemon slices shortly before serving.
- For A Party: The recipe doubles easily. Keep the main pitcher non-alcoholic and offer coconut rum, vodka or limoncello on the side so adults can make their own cocktails.
- Adult Version: Add approximately 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of coconut rum, vanilla vodka, citrus vodka, limoncello or white rum to a glass filled with ice. Top with Super Special Lemonade and stir.
- Storage: Keep leftover lemonade covered and refrigerated. Stir well before serving again. For the freshest flavor, enjoy within a couple of days.
- A Note About Separation: Because this drink combines fresh citrus and dairy, a little separation can happen as it sits. This is normal. Simply stir the lemonade well before pouring.