Close-up of a spoon stirring thick sweetened condensed milk into fresh lemon juice inside a glass pitcher, with creamy swirls visible.

Creamy Condensed Milk Lemonade – A Southern Summer Favorite

Byarlo Jack
Creamy Condensed Milk Lemonade

Nothing says summer in the South quite like a tall, frosty glass of lemonade—but if you want to elevate this classic drink, look no further than Creamy Condensed Milk Lemonade. Rich, sweet, and tangy with a smooth texture, this twist on traditional lemonade is both refreshing and indulgent. It’s a nostalgic favorite that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for backyard BBQs, pool parties, or just sipping on the front porch.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4–6 lemons)
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 cups cold water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slices or mint sprigs (optional, for garnish)

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Approximate per 8 oz serving)

  • Calories: 180
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Sugars: 32g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 3g
  • Calcium: 10% DV
  • Vitamin C: 25% DV

Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on brand and quantity of ingredients used.

TOTAL TIME

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes

HOW TO MAKE

Creamy Condensed Milk Lemonade comes together in minutes using only a few pantry staples. It’s fuss-free and doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just a pitcher, a spoon, and a little stirring.

STEPS

  1. Juice the lemons until you have about 1 cup of fresh juice. Strain to remove seeds.
  2. In a large pitcher, whisk together the lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk until fully blended and smooth.
  3. Add 3 cups of cold water and stir well to combine.
  4. Taste and adjust the tartness or sweetness by adding more lemon juice or water, if desired.
  5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the lemonade over it.
  6. Garnish with lemon slices or mint, and serve immediately.

HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVES

Want to lighten it up? Try these tweaks:

  • Low-fat or fat-free condensed milk to reduce calories and saturated fat.
  • Coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free, tropical twist.
  • Stevia-sweetened condensed milk or homemade versions for reduced sugar.
  • Add sparkling water for a fizzy version with less sugar per serving.

SERVING IDEAS

Macro shot of creamy lemonade being poured into a glass filled with ice, with condensation forming on the outside of the glass.
  • Serve in mason jars with colorful straws for a charming Southern aesthetic.
  • Pair it with grilled food, spicy dishes, or picnic fare.
  • Freeze leftovers in popsicle molds for a creamy lemonade ice pop.
  • Add a splash of vodka or rum for an adults-only treat.

STORING SUGGESTION

Overhead zoomed-in view of creamy lemonade in a glass pitcher, showing the smooth, pale yellow texture and tiny bits of lemon zest.
  • Store in an airtight glass pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Shake or stir before serving, as some settling may occur.
  • For best taste and texture, avoid freezing the drink itself, but frozen versions like popsicles are a hit!

KID-FRIENDLY VERSION

  • This drink is already kid-friendly, but you can add fun touches like:
  • Colorful straws or umbrellas
  • Blended frozen version like a slushy
  • Let kids help stir the ingredients—it’s a fun kitchen activity!

CHEF’S SPECIAL TIPS

Tightly cropped image of creamy lemonade topped with a floating lemon slice and a fresh mint sprig, highlighting the frothy surface.
  • Use Meyer lemons if available—they’re slightly sweeter and less acidic.
  • Chill all ingredients beforehand for an ultra-cold drink without watering it down too much with ice.
  • For extra creaminess, blend the lemonade with ice in a blender until frothy.
  • Zest one lemon into the mixture before blending for a pop of citrus aroma and flavor.

CONCLUSION 

Creamy Condensed Milk Lemonade is more than just a drink—it’s a sweet Southern tradition that brings comfort, joy, and a little indulgence to any warm day. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply unwinding after a long week, this easy recipe is sure to bring smiles all around.

Give it a try today and taste the Southern sunshine in every creamy, zesty sip! Don’t forget to share your lemonade moments on social media and tag your friends—you might just start a new summer tradition. 

FAQs

Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Fresh lemons add brightness and natural oils that bottled juice can’t match.

Absolutely! Substitute traditional sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk or any plant-based version available. Just make sure it’s sweetened to maintain the flavor balance.

Yes! You can prepare this lemonade up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and stir or shake well before serving.

Separation is natural due to the lemon juice and milk mixture. Just give it a good stir or shake before serving.

Definitely! Blend the mixture with ice to create a frosty frozen lemonade. It’s like a lemon milkshake—perfect for hot days!

Yes! For an adult twist, add a shot of vodka, white rum, or tequila to each glass. Stir well and serve over ice.

To tone down the sweetness, add a little more lemon juice or water, or use low-sugar condensed milk alternatives.