We can’t resist a refreshing frozen lemonade on a hot summer day and our recipe with sweetened condensed milk takes it to the next level. It’s a creamy twist on the classic that blends tangy citrus with rich sweetness for an irresistible treat.
This simple version draws from timeless lemonade traditions yet adds a indulgent flair that’ll keep you coming back. Join us as we share how to make this easy crowd-pleaser right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
In our creamy frozen lemonade recipe with sweetened condensed milk, we start by gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients that blend tart citrus notes with rich, velvety sweetness for a refreshing summer treat. This list is ordered as we’ll use them in the preparation, ensuring smooth blending and optimal flavor.
Fresh Lemons
- 6 medium lemons (yields about 1 cup of freshly squeezed juice; select ripe, juicy ones for their bright, tangy zest that awakens the palate)
Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk (this adds our signature creamy richness, balancing the lemon’s acidity with its smooth, caramel-like sweetness)
Water
- 2 cups cold water (use filtered for purity, as we’ll mix it next to dilute and chill the base)
Ice
- 4 cups ice cubes (crushed or cubed; these will be added last for a frosty, slushy texture that makes the drink irresistibly cool and invigorating)
| Serving Size | Lemons (medium) | Sweetened Condensed Milk (ounces) | Water (cups) | Ice Cubes (cups) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 servings | 6 | 14 | 2 | 4 |
| 6 servings | 9 | 21 | 3 | 6 |
| 8 servings | 12 | 28 | 4 | 8 |
Equipment Needed
To prepare our refreshing Frozen Lemonade Recipe with Sweetened Condensed Milk, we need a few essential tools that ensure smooth and efficient preparation. Building on the ingredients we’ve outlined, having the right equipment helps us blend everything into a creamy, frosty delight.
Here’s a list of the key items we recommend:
- Citrus juicer or hand press: Essential for extracting fresh juice from the 6 medium lemons, yielding about 1 cup without any pulp or seeds.
- Blender or food processor: Crucial for blending the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, water, and ice cubes into a smooth, frozen consistency.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for measuring 2 cups of cold filtered water and other ingredients precisely.
- Knife and cutting board: Needed to halve the lemons before juicing, ensuring we get the most from our fresh produce.
- Pitcher or large mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients before blending, especially if we’re adjusting for 4, 6, or 8 servings.
- Glasses or serving cups: Ideal for serving the final product, with options for immediate chilling if needed.
| Equipment Item | Estimated Prep Time Savings (minutes) | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Citrus juicer | 5 | Speeds up juice extraction compared to hand-squeezing |
| Blender | 10 | Ensures even blending for a creamy texture |
| Measuring cups | 2 | Reduces errors in portioning for multiple servings |
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the simple steps to create our creamy frozen lemonade with sweetened condensed milk, ensuring a refreshing and indulgent treat every time.
Prep Work
Before blending, we prepare our ingredients for optimal flavor and texture. Start by washing 6 medium lemons under cold water to remove any residue, then use a sharp knife on a cutting board to halve them, yielding about 1 cup of freshly squeezed juice for a bright, tangy base.
- Juice the lemons: Place the halved lemons in a citrus juicer and extract the juice, straining out seeds and pulp for a smooth consistency. This step takes about 5 minutes and ensures our lemonade’s vibrant citrus notes shine through.
- Measure and combine liquids: In a measuring cup, combine the 1 cup of fresh lemon juice with 2 cups of cold filtered water, stirring gently to blend the flavors. Set aside 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, which adds a rich, creamy sweetness that transforms this drink into a luxurious delight.
Blending
With our prep complete, we move to blending for that perfect frosty texture. Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor for even mixing.
- Load the blender: Pour in the lemon juice mixture, the full can of sweetened condensed milk, and 4 cups of ice cubes. The ice creates a chilled, velvety consistency that makes our frozen lemonade irresistibly cool and creamy.
- Blend until smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture reaches a thick, slushy texture. Pause midway to scrape down the sides with a spatula if needed, ensuring no lumps remain for a perfectly uniform result.
If adjusting for serving sizes, refer to the table below for ingredient scaling based on 4, 6, or 8 servings:
| Serving Size | Lemons (for juice) | Sweetened Condensed Milk (cans) | Water (cups) | Ice Cubes (cups) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 medium (1 cup) | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 6 | 9 medium (1.5 cups) | 1.5 | 3 | 6 |
| 8 | 12 medium (2 cups) | 2 | 4 | 8 |
Serving
Once blended, we focus on serving to enhance the sensory experience. Immediately pour the frosty mixture into chilled glasses for 4-8 people, depending on your chosen size.
- Portion and garnish: Divide the blend evenly, adding a zesty lemon slice or fresh mint leaves as a garnish to amplify the visual appeal and aromatic citrus notes.
- Enjoy right away: Serve the frozen lemonade straight from the blender to maintain its crisp, creamy chill, perfect for hot days. Stir gently before drinking to mix any settled elements, delivering a harmonious balance of tartness and sweetness in every sip.
Make-Ahead and Storage
As we perfect our frozen lemonade recipe with sweetened condensed milk, we know life gets busy, so planning ahead can enhance your experience without sacrificing that creamy, tangy refreshment. Let’s explore how we can prepare this treat in advance and store it properly to keep its frosty texture and vibrant citrus flavors intact.
Make-Ahead Tips
We recommend prepping certain elements of our frozen lemonade ahead of time to save effort while preserving the drink’s signature slushy consistency. Follow these steps for seamless preparation:
- Juice the lemons: We can squeeze the juice from 6 medium lemons (yielding about 1 cup) up to 24 hours in advance. Store the fresh juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its bright, zesty aroma and prevent oxidation.
- Mix the base: Combine the sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 2 cups of cold filtered water in a pitcher or mixing bowl. We suggest preparing this mixture up to 12 hours ahead and refrigerating it, covered, to let the flavors meld into a smooth, creamy blend that heightens the indulgent sweetness.
- Avoid adding ice early: For optimal texture, we should hold off on adding the 4 cups of ice cubes until just before blending. This prevents the mixture from becoming watery and ensures that icy, frosty sensation we love on hot days.
By following these make-ahead steps, we can cut prep time by up to 10 minutes, allowing us to blend and serve our frozen lemonade quickly when cravings hit.
Storage Guidelines
While our frozen lemonade shines when served immediately for its crisp chill and velvety mouthfeel, leftovers can be stored with care to retain quality. Here’s how we handle storage effectively:
- Refrigerator storage: If we’ve blended the drink but have extras, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. This keeps the mixture cool and refreshing, though the texture may soften slightly, losing some of that delightful slushiness.
- Freezer storage: For longer-term options, we can freeze the blended lemonade in a freezer-safe container. It holds up well for 1 to 3 days, depending on the method, as detailed in the table below. Thaw in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before re-blending to restore its thick, frosty appeal and prevent ice crystals from dulling the lemon’s vibrant tang.
To help us track storage durations and tips, here’s a quick reference table:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 hours | Stir before serving to refresh texture; best for short-term use to preserve the creamy richness from sweetened condensed milk. |
| Freezer | 1–3 days | Use shallow containers for faster thawing; re-blend after partial thaw to recapture the original slushy consistency and sensory chill. |
Always check for any signs of separation or off odors before consuming, ensuring our frozen lemonade remains a safe, delightful treat.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this frozen lemonade recipe with sweetened condensed milk, as it’s a simple way to elevate your summer refreshment. It’s perfect for creating memorable moments with family and friends, blending creamy sweetness with zesty tang for an unbeatable treat.
Give it a try and let us know how yours turns out—we’re confident it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Remember, experimenting with garnishes can add your personal twist, keeping things fresh and exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is creamy frozen lemonade?
Creamy frozen lemonade is a refreshing twist on the classic drink, made with sweetened condensed milk for added richness. It’s perfect for hot summer days and combines fresh lemon juice, water, and ice for a slushy texture. This easy homemade version appeals to anyone seeking a cool, indulgent treat.
What ingredients are needed for creamy frozen lemonade?
You’ll need 6 medium lemons (for about 1 cup juice), 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups of cold filtered water, and 4 cups of ice cubes. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. This recipe serves 4 to 8 people and can be scaled easily.
How do I make frozen lemonade at home?
Start by juicing the lemons and measuring ingredients. Blend the lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, water, and ice until slushy. Serve immediately in chilled glasses, garnished with lemon slices or mint. The whole process takes about 5-10 minutes of prep and blending for a quick, delicious result.
What equipment is required to prepare it?
You’ll need a citrus juicer for lemons, a blender or food processor for mixing, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a knife and cutting board for prep, and a pitcher for combining. These tools save time and ensure a smooth texture, making preparation efficient.
Can I make frozen lemonade ahead of time?
Yes, juice lemons up to 24 hours in advance and mix the base up to 12 hours ahead, but add ice just before blending to keep texture fresh. This helps with planning for events while maintaining quality.
How should I store leftover frozen lemonade?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours or freeze for 1-3 days. To restore the slushy consistency, blend thawed portions briefly. Avoid long-term storage to preserve flavor and texture for the best experience.