Strawberries & Cream Lemonade

Ingredients:

2 cups ice: To chill the lemonade and give it a refreshing, icy texture.
1 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (5-7 lemons): Provides the tart, citrusy base for the lemonade.
1 ½ – 2 cups fresh strawberries: Adds a sweet, fruity flavor and beautiful pink color.
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: Gives the lemonade a creamy texture and adds sweetness.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
5-6 cups cold water: Dilutes the mixture to create the perfect balance of flavor and refreshment.
Optional: Mashed strawberries and lemon slices for garnish.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Juice and Strawberries

Juice the lemons: Squeeze enough lemons to yield 1 1/4 cups of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds and pulp if desired.
Prepare the strawberries: Rinse and hull the strawberries. If you like a smoother texture, blend the strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash them with a fork or potato masher.

Step 2: Mix the Lemonade Base

In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk: Stir until the milk is fully dissolved in the lemon juice.
Add the strawberries: Whether pureed or mashed, stir the strawberries into the lemon-milk mixture until well combined.

Step 3: Add Water and Ice

Pour in the cold water: Start with 5 cups of cold water and stir well. Taste the mixture and add more water if needed to reach your desired strength and sweetness.
Add the ice: Stir in 2 cups of ice to chill the lemonade. If you prefer a slushier consistency, you can blend the ice with the lemonade mixture in a blender.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Prepare the optional garnish: For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, mash a few additional strawberries and slice a lemon into thin rounds.
Serve the lemonade: Pour the lemonade into glasses, adding a spoonful of mashed strawberries and a lemon slice to each glass for garnish. This adds a lovely visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Serve immediately: This lemonade is best served fresh and cold, straight from the pitcher.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator: If you have any leftover lemonade, keep it refrigerated and give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Tips for Success:

Use fresh, ripe strawberries: The riper the strawberries, the sweeter and more flavorful your lemonade will be.
Adjust sweetness to taste: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries and the tartness of your lemons, you may want to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk or water.
Serve over additional ice: If you’re serving the lemonade later, keep it extra cold by pouring it over additional ice cubes in each glass.

Variations:

Strawberry Mint Lemonade: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the pitcher for a refreshing herbal twist.
Sparkling Strawberries & Cream Lemonade: Replace some or all of the water with sparkling water for a fizzy version of this drink.
Berry Lemonade: Mix in other berries such as raspberries or blueberries along with the strawberries for a mixed berry lemonade.

Strawberries & Cream Lemonade is the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and creamy, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. The combination of fresh strawberries, tangy lemon juice, and rich sweetened condensed milk creates a drink that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a picnic, or just enjoying it on your porch, this lemonade is sure to be a hit. The optional garnishes of mashed strawberries and lemon slices add an extra layer of flavor and make this drink as beautiful as it is delicious. Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of summer into your home!