Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

You can, but I strongly recommend fresh-squeezed for this recipe. The bright, vibrant flavor of fresh lemons makes a tremendous difference in the final taste. If you must use bottled, look for a high-quality, not-from-concentrate version.

Why is my lemonade separating?

This is completely normal! The combination of citric acid and dairy can cause some separation, especially when left standing. Just give it a quick stir before serving, and it'll return to its creamy consistency right away.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Try substituting the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream mixed with about 1/3 cup of sugar or maple syrup. It creates a different but equally delicious tropical twist on the recipe.

How do I know if my lemonade has the right balance of flavors?

The perfect creamy lemonade should have a noticeable tang from the lemons balanced by creamy sweetness. If it tastes too tart, add a bit more sweetened condensed milk (about a tablespoon at a time). If it's too sweet, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice will bring it back into balance.

Creamy Lemonade Recipe

Description

Creamy Lemonade is a refreshing, tangy beverage with a luscious creamy texture, perfect for hot summer days or as a delightful treat for any time. Combining freshly squeezed lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, and icy water, it offers a balance of sweetness and tartness. You can even customize the creaminess and richness to your liking. This quick and easy recipe brings Chick-fil-A’s frozen lemonade vibes right to your home.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Liquid Ingredients

4 cups water
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice

Additional

4 cups ice

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Instructions

Prepare the Pitcher:
In a large pitcher, pour 4 cups of water as the base for your drink. This will be the liquid component that carries the lemonade’s creamy texture.
Mix the Ingredients:
Add the sweetened condensed milk to the water, followed by the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, achieving a smooth and creamy consistency.
Serve and Garnish:
Add 4 cups of ice to the pitcher to chill the drink instantly. Optionally, add lemon slices as a garnish for a visually appealing and vibrant presentation.
Customize the Creaminess (Optional):
If you prefer a less creamy drink, substitute 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk with either a 1/2 cup of granulated sugar or 1/3 cup of simple syrup. Stir the mixture well to ensure all sweeteners are dissolved.

Notes

This creamy lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving if storing for later.
To make it frozen, blend the prepared lemonade with ice in a blender until you achieve a smooth, slushy consistency.
Ensure you use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice may affect the taste.
For added zest, you can include lemon zest or a dash of vanilla extract to elevate the flavor profile.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 120
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 75mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg