This refreshing summer beverage combines the lively tang of freshly squeezed lemon juice with a creamy, frothy texture from whipped heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk. Ice cubes create a chilled base, while a gentle garnish of lemon slices offers a burst of citrus aroma. Simply whisk the lemon mixture, whip the cream blend, pour over ice, and gently stir for a balance of tart and sweet flavors in every sip. It’s easy to customize for dairy-free preferences and adjusts easily to suit your ideal sweetness and texture.
This creamy and tangy whipped lemonade is the ultimate treat for scorching days when you crave something sweet and revitalizing. Imagine the classic lemony zing swirled together with frothy clouds of cream that melt right into your iced glass. Whenever my house is buzzing with friends in summer, this is the one drink everyone asks for.
I whipped this up on a whim during a heatwave when plain lemonade felt too basic. It was an instant hit and people begged for the recipe. It has since become our family signature on sunny afternoons.
Ingredients
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: brings tang and freshness to the drink. Choose lemons that are bright yellow with a little give for maximum juiciness.
- Granulated sugar: tames the sharpness of the lemons and gives that classic lemonade sweetness. Pure cane sugar dissolves best.
- Cold water: helps round out the lemon mixture and ensures the drink is thirst-quenching.
- Heavy whipping cream: the secret to the irresistibly creamy, cloud-like topping. Look for cream with a high fat content for best whipping results.
- Sweetened condensed milk: provides extra creaminess and sweetness without needing a lot of sugar. Choose a can with just milk and sugar on the label for clean flavor.
- Ice cubes: chill your lemonade and keep it refreshingly cold from the first sip to the last.
- Lemon slices: make a cheerful garnish that hints at the drink’s zesty heart. Go for thin rounds for a pretty float.
Instructions
- Make the Lemon Mixture:
- In a small bowl, whisk freshly squeezed lemon juice with sugar for about a minute until the sugar completely dissolves into the juice. Pour in the cold water and stir well. This forms your bright lemonade base.
- Whip the Creamy Topping:
- In a separate cold bowl, add heavy cream. Using a hand mixer or sturdy whisk, whip the cream for around one to two minutes until it holds soft peaks. Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue whipping for another thirty seconds or so until thick, smooth, and creamy. It should be just spreadable, not too stiff.
- Assemble the Glasses:
- Fill two large glasses to the brim with ice cubes. Divide your lemon mixture from the first step evenly between the glasses, pouring it over the ice for extra chill.
- Top with Whipped Cream:
- Spoon or gently pipe the thick creamy topping onto each glass, creating a gorgeous, cloud-like float.
- Finish and Serve:
- Right before drinking, give the whole glass a quick stir so the lemon base and whipped topping swirl together. If you like, slide a lemon slice on top for an added burst of citrus.
I cannot resist the creamy topping I will confess I usually sneak a spoonful before it even makes it to the glass. One summer my niece and I ended up giggling over an impromptu whipped cream mustache contest while making these for a family game night.
Storage Tips
You will get the best results if you make whipped lemonade fresh just before serving. If needed, you can mix the lemon base ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to ten hours. The whipped cream topping is at its fluffiest right after whipping but can be stored covered for about an hour before assembling.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want a vegan version substitute cold coconut cream for the dairy cream and swap in plant-based condensed milk or just a touch of maple syrup. Honey or agave can replace sugar if you are avoiding refined sugars. Meyer lemons make a sweet and floral alternative to regular lemons.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this drink at picnics garden parties or any summer gathering where lemonade pitchers are tradition. For a grown-up twist a splash of vodka or elderflower liqueur makes this a playful cocktail. A sugared rim and extra lemon curls make it even more festive.
For the fluffiest topping always whip cream cold and enjoy whipped lemonade well-chilled for the best summer refreshment.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make whipped lemonade dairy-free?
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Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free sweetener for a lactose-free experience.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness?
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Increase or decrease the amount of sugar to suit your personal taste preferences before mixing.
- → What’s the best way to achieve extra frothiness?
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Blend all ingredients with ice except the garnish for an ultra-frothy, creamy texture throughout the drink.
- → Do I need special equipment for whipping the cream?
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A hand mixer or whisk works well. Whip until you see soft peaks for the perfect consistency.
- → Is this beverage gluten-free?
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Yes, it contains no gluten-containing ingredients, making it suitable for gluten-free diets.