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The frozen drink of the summer is going out with a bang: Whipped lemonade

The frothy, boozy drink everyone’s talking about

lemonade with condensed milk and lime. Two glasses with a drink, served with citrus slices and mint
Nick Alias / Shutterstock

Move over frozen espresso martinis — there’s a new end-of-summer obsession sweeping social media and back patios alike. Tart, creamy, frosty, with just the right amount of indulgence, whipped lemonade is basically sunshine in a glass and the perfect summertime treat. Think lemonade meets whipped cream meets frozen cocktail, but with less fuss.

If you’ve spent any time at all on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen a few versions of whipped lemonade in all its deliciously silky glory. The non-alcoholic version has been trending for weeks, but when you spike it with a splash (or two) of vodka, that’s when the magic really happens. It’s like a frozen lemon meringue pie got tipsy at a Labor Day pool party, and everyone’s invited to share in the good time.

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Whipped lemonade is not only delicious, it’s also ridiculously simple to make. All you need is fresh lemon juice (not the bottled stuff — never the bottled stuff), sweetened condensed milk, ice, vodka, and a blender. Then, simply blend these humble ingredients into a thick, frothy slush that practically begs to be sipped during golden hour on the deck. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable. You can keep it tart and citrusy, amp up the sweetness, or even swap in limoncello or coconut rum for a different variety of flavor flair. Whether you’re hosting a farewell summer gathering or just craving something cold and fun on a hot day, this is the drink that delivers instant summer vibes.

@kroger

3 ingredients. 1 creamy lemonade hack you need to try this summer. 🍋 #kroger #lemonade #whippedlemonade #summerdrink #drinktok #easyrecipe @Brittnee Alexus

♬ original sound – Kroger

Whipped Lemonade recipe

If you want to enjoy all the frosty, creamy goodness of whipped lemonade without the alcohol, it’s super easy to make a mocktail version that still hits the spot. Just skip the booze and blend together fresh lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, ice, and a splash of water or lemon soda to thin it out to your preferred texture. The result is a tangy-sweet frozen lemonade that’s smooth, indulgent, and totally family-friendly. You still get the rich creaminess and refreshing citrus zing, just without the buzz. Perfect for kids, daytime sipping, or anyone skipping alcohol but still craving a fun end-of-summer treat.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)

  • 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

  • 2 cups of ice

  • 3 ounces vodka (optional)

  • Lemon zest, whipped cream, and/or fresh mint for garnish (optional)

Method:

  1. In a high-powered blender, combine the lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, ice, and vodka. Blend on high until thick and smooth.

  2. Pour into chilled glasses, top with whipped cream, lemon zest, and a sprig of mint.

  3. Enjoy immediately with a straw or spoon. It won’t last long.

Why it works

Whipped lemonade hits all the right notes. It’s cold, tangy, sweet, and rich without being too heavy — ideal for those late summer afternoons when you’re trying to savor every last ray of sun. Blending lemon juice with sweetened condensed milk is a trick borrowed from Brazilian lemonade (which is usually made with limes), but in this case, it’s all about lemons and booze. Add ice and blend until you’ve got a dreamy, thick slush that rivals any frozen drink at your favorite tiki bar.

It’s wildly customizable, too. Want it more tart? Add extra lemon juice. Prefer it creamier? Use more condensed milk. Like things boozier? You know what to do. It also takes less than five minutes to throw together, which means you can go from craving to sipping in record time.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard hangout, lounging poolside, or just need a pick-me-up that feels like a cheers to summer’s last hurrah, this is the drink to make.

Lindsay Parrill
Lindsay is a graduate of California Culinary Academy, Le Cordon Bleu, San Francisco, from where she holds a degree in…
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