If you’ve been craving a dreamy summer sipper that’s as delightful to look at as it is to drink, Whipped Lemonade is about to make your day! This frosty beverage blends bright lemon with creamy sweetness for a tangy, cloud-like treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Creamy Texture: The blend of sweetened condensed milk with ice creates a luxuriously thick, almost milkshake-like sip—no ice cream required!
- Burst of Real Lemon Flavor: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a vibrant, zesty brightness that tastes like pure sunshine in a glass.
- Ridiculously Easy to Make: Toss the ingredients into a blender and you’re already halfway to dessert-level lemonade bliss.
- Customizable & Fun: Top with whipped cream, fruit, or even a splash of your favorite extract to make Whipped Lemonade your own signature treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one is crucial for nailing that perfect Whipped Lemonade flavor and thick, icy texture. Here’s how each item transforms your drink into something special:
- Ice: Provides the chilly, slushy base that makes this lemonade thick, frosty, and so satisfying to sip on a hot day. For the best results, use the full three cups!
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: The fresh citrus gives this recipe its classic zing—fresh lemons really make a difference in taste, but bottled will do in a pinch.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds luscious creaminess and balances the tartness of the lemon with smooth, mellow sweetness.
- Whipped Cream (for garnish): A swoosh of Reddi-wip or your favorite whipped topping takes each glass over the top, making every sip feel like a treat.
Variations
One of the best things about Whipped Lemonade? It’s endlessly adaptable! You can tweak the flavors and textures to make a drink that suits your mood, what you have on hand, or your dietary needs.
- Vegan Whipped Lemonade: Swap the sweetened condensed milk for a coconut-based or oat milk condensed milk—the drink will still be dreamy and rich!
- Berry Twist: Add a handful of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to the blender for gorgeous color and a pop of fruit flavor.
- Extra Tangy: Mix in a bit of lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract for an even punchier lemon bite.
- Herb-Infused: Muddle some fresh basil or mint before blending for an unexpectedly fresh, aromatic twist.
How to Make Whipped Lemonade
Step 1: Blend the Base
Start by adding the ice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and sweetened condensed milk into your blender. It helps to add the liquids first, so everything swirls together easily and avoids clumping. Blend on high until the ice is completely crushed and the texture turns creamy and smooth—almost like a thick, lemony milkshake.
Step 2: Pour and Top
Pour your Whipped Lemonade into two tall 12-ounce glasses (or four smaller ones if you’re sharing). Crown each glass with a generous cloud of whipped cream and, if you like, a cheerful lemon slice for that final sunshiny touch.
Pro Tips for Making Whipped Lemonade
- Super Thick Results: Don’t skimp on the ice—using the full amount is what gives Whipped Lemonade its signature frosty thickness!
- Real Lemon Matters: Freshly squeezed lemon juice truly brightens the flavor, but if you need to use bottled, choose one that’s pure and not from concentrate for the best taste.
- Blender Power: For the creamiest blend, use a high-speed blender to ensure all the ice turns into a perfectly smooth, airy texture—no pesky chunks allowed.
- Garnish with Gusto: Don’t be shy with that whipped cream or your favorite citrus zest. Garnishes add a final touch of fun and extra flavor.
How to Serve Whipped Lemonade
Garnishes
A generous swirl of whipped cream is classic, but you can get playful with a sprinkle of lemon zest, a maraschino cherry, or even a sprig of mint for a pop of color. For a party-ready vibe, add bright paper straws and cheerful lemon slices!
Side Dishes
Pair Whipped Lemonade with fresh fruit platters, buttery croissants, or light tea sandwiches for a brunch spread that feels extra special. It also plays exceptionally well with picnic favorites like chicken salad, soft cheeses, or biscotti if you’re in dessert mode.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in mason jars for a rustic, summery charm, or use elegant coupe glasses for a high-tea twist. Layer a little strawberry puree at the bottom for a beautiful ombré effect, or freeze decorative lemon slices into ice cubes to float on top for instant wow-factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Whipped Lemonade is best enjoyed right after blending when it’s at its thickest and frostiest. If you do have leftovers, stow them in a covered jar in the fridge and give it a brisk shake before serving—just know it will lose some of its signature thick, whipped texture as the ice melts.
Freezing
Pour any leftovers into popsicle molds for an easy frozen treat or into ice cube trays to use as unique “lemonade cubes” for your next batch. Just thaw briefly or blend again before drinking since the texture will be much firmer and icier from the freezer.
Reheating
You wouldn’t want to reheat Whipped Lemonade, but if your leftovers have firmed up in the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then re-blend or shake vigorously to restore the right consistency.
FAQs
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Can I make Whipped Lemonade ahead of time?
For the very best thick, frosty texture, Whipped Lemonade is best enjoyed right after blending. If you need to make it ahead, blend just before serving, or prepare the lemon and sweetened condensed milk mixture in advance and blend with ice when ready.
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Is there a dairy-free option for sweetened condensed milk?
Absolutely! You can use coconut-based or oat milk sweetened condensed milk. These alternatives work beautifully, delivering creamy results with a delicate flavor twist.
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What can I do if I don’t have a high-powered blender?
Use finely crushed ice instead of big cubes for smoother blending, and pulse in short bursts to get things moving. You might need to stop and stir a few times, but it’s totally doable!
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Can I use bottled lemon juice in Whipped Lemonade?
Fresh lemon juice tastes best, but you can swap in bottled lemon juice if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to use one that’s 100% lemon for the brightest, freshest flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a tangy, creamy, and downright playful drink, there’s nothing quite like a glass of Whipped Lemonade. It’s sunshine in a cup and the perfect pick-me-up for any warm day—so gather your ingredients, fire up your blender, and treat yourself to something bright and beautiful. Cheers to summer sips!
PrintWhipped Lemonade Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whipped Lemonade is a refreshing and creamy twist on classic lemonade. This easy-to-make drink combines the zing of lemon juice with the sweetness of condensed milk, all topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for a hot summer day or any time you need a cool, citrusy treat.
Ingredients
For the Whipped Lemonade:
- 3 cups ice
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
For Garnish (optional):
- 2 cups Reddi-wip, thawed
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the ice, lemon juice, and sweetened condensed milk. Blend until smooth.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into glasses. Top with Reddi-wip and a lemon garnish.
Notes
- Storage: This whipped lemonade is best enjoyed immediately.
- Tips: For convenience, bottled lemon juice can be substituted for fresh. Use 3 cups of ice for a thick consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approx. 8 oz)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg