Hello, friends of Paulina Cocina! How are you? We know the heat is already starting to take its toll in countries in the northern hemisphere, so today we're suggesting a flavorful drink to cool off your afternoon: Merengada Milk.
While this simple yet tasty delicacy can be enjoyed at any bar or ice cream shop, the tastiest version is the one made with homemade meringue , as it requires few ingredients and is very easy to make.
That's why, and since we're here to serve our community, we're bringing you all the information about this creamy drink, from its history, to the reasons for making it, to the tips for making it successfully, and, as always, a complete leche merengada recipe to delight everyone.
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About the Milk Merengada
Leche merengada is a traditional Spanish drink made from milk, egg white, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon . The mixture of these ingredients is frozen until it has a texture similar to that of a granita, although some people prefer to enjoy it chilled but not frozen.
This drink gets its name from the combination of its main ingredients: milk and meringue . The latter is obtained by whipping egg whites with sugar until a light, frothy consistency is achieved, which is then mixed with milk flavored with lemon and cinnamon. The result is a refreshing and sweet drink , perfect for beating the heat.
Origin of leche merengada: Spanish tradition
The milk merengada has its roots in the Iberian Peninsula. Although the exact date of its invention is unknown, it is known to have become popular during the 19th century, especially in Madrid, where it became an iconic drink in ice cream shops and cafes .
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, families often prepared this homemade version, especially during the summer months, and it was particularly popular with children. A striking drink, it was served in tall glasses, often accompanied by a straw, and enjoyed either in its liquid form or as a granita .
5 Reasons to Make Homemade Milk Meringue
- Sweet and aromatic flavor : The combination of cinnamon and lemon gives it a distinctive, sweet and slightly citrusy flavor.
- Creamy texture : Thanks to the Italian meringue , this drink has a smooth and creamy texture that makes it irresistible.
- Freshness : Served ice-cold or in a slushy version , it's the perfect way to cool off on hot days. Kids will love it.
- Versatility : Although it is primarily enjoyed as a beverage, it can also be used as a base for desserts and ice cream .
- Tradition and nostalgia : This drink evokes childhood memories, grandmother's recipes and shared moments.
How to make milk meringue: Slush or cold?
Making leche merengada at home is easier than it seems. Basically, you need milk, sugar, egg whites, cinnamon, and lemon . The milk is heated with the sugar and flavorings, then allowed to cool.
Next, add the meringue and fold everything together. The key is to chill the mixture enough to achieve that creamy texture, which can be simply chilled or slushy, depending on your personal taste.
The milk meringue slush is a variation of this drink that has become popular for its refreshing properties, similar to ice cream. To make it, simply place the milk meringue in the freezer and scrape the mixture occasionally to achieve that characteristic crystallized texture.
Milk meringue and its differences with other similar drinks
- Curly milk : While milk meringue contains egg white , curly milk contains the same ingredients, except for the meringue.
- Milkshakes : Milkshakes usually contain a base of ice cream or fruit mixed with milk, unlike milkshakes which only contain lemon peel for flavor.
- Prepared milk : This drink is simply milk with sugar and sometimes spices, without the addition of beaten egg whites.
6 Keys to preparing homemade milk meringue
- Use whole milk : It gives the drink a richer, creamier texture.
- Flavoring the milk : Don't skimp on the cinnamon and lemon. These ingredients are what give it its characteristic flavor and aroma.
- Perfect meringue : It is important that the egg whites are well beaten before adding them to the milk.
- Proper Cooling : To achieve a good texture, it's important to chill the mixture sufficiently. For a slushy version , you'll need to scrape the mixture with a fork every half hour while it freezes.
- Sweeten to taste : You can use regular or brown sugar . However, it's best to taste the mixture before chilling to find the desired sweetness.
- Experiment : Those who do not consume dairy products can try making this drink with oat milk or water , or with almond milk .
5 Accompaniments for the Milk Merengada Granita
- Homemade Churros : With their crispy exterior and soft interior, they are a perfect accompaniment.
- Fartons : These long, fluffy buns typical of the Valencian Community are excellent with granita.
- Ensaimadas : Mallorcan ensaimadas , with their spongy texture and sweet flavor, perfectly complement the meringue granita for a complete snack.
- Cookies: Butter cookies or traditional Maria cookies are a simple but delicious accompaniment.
- Cakes: A piece of orange , lemon , vanilla or chocolate can go wonderfully with the granita, creating an incredible contrast of flavors.
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Milk Merengada Recipe
Yields: 4 portions
Total preparation time: 3 hours (including cooling)
Ingredients
- 1 liter of whole milk
- 200 grams of sugar
- 1 cinnamon branch
- Peel of 1 lemon
- 2 egg whites
- Cinnamon powder for sprinkling
How to make leche merengada step by step
- In a saucepan, heat the milk with the cinnamon stick and lemon peel. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Remove from heat and let cool.
- While the milk is cooling, make the meringue by beating the egg whites with the sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Add the meringue to the cold milk, mixing gently and circularly to prevent the mixture from losing air.
- Pour the mixture into a container and place in the freezer. For a slushy texture , you can scrape the mixture with a fork every half hour until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Serve in tall glasses and sprinkle with ground cinnamon before enjoying.
