1-First Step: Gather and chill Before you blend, gather all the ingredients so everything is ready to go. If you have time, place your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes. A chilled glass keeps the drink colder longer and makes the first sip extra refreshing. This is a small step, but it makes a big difference on hot days.

2-Second Step: Add everything to the blender Add 1 1/2 cups ice cubes, 1/4 cup cold heavy cream, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk to your blender. Use cold heavy cream straight from the fridge so the drink stays frosty. If your lemons are firm, roll them on the counter before juicing to get more juice out of them.

3-Third Step: Blend until smooth Blend on high for about 1 minute, or until the mixture looks smooth and slushy. A high-speed blender works best here because it breaks down the ice more evenly. If the blades seem to stall, stop the blender and use the tamper to push the ice down. Blend again until the texture looks creamy and fully combined.

4-Fourth Step: Check the texture Look for a thick, pourable slush. If the drink seems too thin, add a small handful of extra ice and blend again for a few seconds. If it seems too thick, add a tiny splash of cold water or a little more lemon juice. This recipe should feel creamy and cold, not icy or watery.

5-Final Step: Pour and serve Pour the whipped lemonade into your chilled glass. Top with whipped cream and a lemon slice if desired. Serve right away while the texture is still fluffy and cold. Since this recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups and serves 1, it is perfect for a personal treat, but you can easily make more batches for guests.