This refreshing frozen lemonade is a perfect treat for hot days! Just blend up some fresh lemons, sugar, and ice for a cool drink that’s sweet and tangy.
Trust me, nothing says summer like this icy drink. I like to serve it in a tall glass with a straw, which makes it feel extra special. 🍋🥤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice gives the best brightness and flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but the taste won’t be as vibrant.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is key for sweetness. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, try using honey or agave syrup instead. Just note that you may need to adjust the quantity, as they are sweeter than sugar.
Ice: Ice gives this drink its frosty texture. For a creamier version, you can substitute some ice with frozen lemon slices or even frozen yogurt for a fun twist.
Water: This helps blend the mixture smoothly. You can replace it with soda water for a fizzy touch or coconut water for added flavor.
Optional Ingredients: Light corn syrup or sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess. If you prefer a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream instead.
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Slushy Texture?
The texture of your frozen lemonade is crucial for that refreshing slushiness. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by blending the juice and sugar first until the sugar gets fully dissolved. This ensures a smooth mix.
- Add the ice gradually. Start with about half and blend until crushed, then add the rest gradually for a creamy texture.
- Be sure to check the consistency after blending. If it’s too thick, add a little more water—or if it’s too thin, add more ice gradually.
Also, blending on a pulse setting can give you better control over the ice, making it easy to achieve that desired slushy look. Enjoy your refreshing treat!
How to Make Frozen Lemonade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Frozen Lemonade:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups ice
- 1 cup water
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Optional Ingredients:
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing frozen lemonade can be made in about 15-20 minutes. You’ll spend a few minutes juicing the lemons and blending everything together, plus a little time for tasting and adjusting the sweetness to your liking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Juice the Lemons:
Start by juicing your lemons. You’ll need about 4 to 6 lemons to get 1 cup of fresh juice. Once you’ve juiced them, you might want to strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp if you prefer a smoother texture.
2. Blend the Base:
In a blender, add the fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of water. Blend these ingredients until the sugar is fully dissolved. This should only take a minute or two!
3. Add the Ice:
Now it’s time to make it icy! Add the 4 cups of ice to the blender. If you’re using light corn syrup or sweetened condensed milk to make your lemonade creamier, go ahead and add that now too. Blend everything together until you get a smooth, slushy texture.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Give your frozen lemonade a taste. If you think it needs to be sweeter, add a little more sugar and blend again briefly to mix it all up.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Pour the frozen lemonade into glasses. For a nice touch, garnish each glass with a slice of lemon. It’ll look pretty and add extra lemony flavor!
6. Enjoy!
Your refreshing frozen lemonade is ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately, and get ready to sip on something delicious and cool!
Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice Instead of Fresh Lemon Juice?
While fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just make sure to use the same amount, but be aware that some brands may have preservatives or added sugars, which can alter the taste slightly.
What Can I Substitute for Granulated Sugar?
If you’d like to use a sugar alternative, options like honey or agave syrup can work. Start with about 3/4 cup of honey since it’s sweeter than sugar. Blend it well to ensure everything combines nicely and adjust to taste.
How to Store Leftover Frozen Lemonade?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving. You may need to give it a quick blend to restore the slushy texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Without a Blender?
Yes! If you don’t have a blender, you can manually mix the ingredients. Start by mixing the lemon juice and sugar in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Crush the ice separately and then mix it in along with the water and optional ingredients in a large bowl. Stir everything together until well combined!
