This Frozen Lemonade is a refreshing treat perfect for hot days! With just lemons, sugar, and water, you can create a zesty drink that’s ice-cold and oh-so-tasty.
I love making this for summer get-togethers. It’s so refreshing, it might just convince you to skip the ice cream! 🍋☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Lemon Juice: Using fresh lemons is key to a vibrant flavor. If you’re short on lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, but it may lack the freshness. I like to strain the juice to remove seeds for a smoother drink.
Granulated Sugar: This is essential for balancing the tartness of lemons. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, try honey or agave syrup for a natural alternative. Just remember, some substitutes may be sweeter, so adjust as needed.
Cold Water: This helps to dilute the mixture. You can replace it with sparkling water for a fizzy twist. Or, if you want a deeper flavor, use flavored water or lemonade in place of plain water.
Ice: Ice is what gives this drink its slushy consistency. If you can, use larger ice cubes to avoid watering down the lemonade too quickly. You can also freeze some lemonade in ice cube trays for an extra lemony chill.
How Do I Get that Perfect Slushy Texture?
The right texture is all about the blending process. Start by blending the lemon juice, sugar, and water until smooth. This ensures the sugar dissolves completely. Then, add the ice gradually and blend on high.
- Start with about half the ice, then blend. If you want a thicker drink, slowly add more ice while blending until you reach your desired consistency.
- Keep an eye on the blending; you want it smooth and slushy, not soupy. A few pulses can help break up larger ice chunks.
How to Make Frozen Lemonade?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups cold water
- 4 cups ice
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing frozen lemonade takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Just mix, blend, and serve! It’s perfect for a hot day or any gathering with friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
Start by squeezing the juice from your lemons until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. In a blender, combine this lemon juice with the granulated sugar and cold water. Blend everything together until the sugar has completely dissolved, which should just take a minute or two.
2. Blend with Ice:
Next, add the 4 cups of ice to the blender with the lemon base. Blend on high speed until you reach a smooth, slushy consistency. You want it to be nice and frosty!
3. Adjust the Flavor:
Now, taste your frozen lemonade. If it’s too tart for your liking, sprinkle in a bit more sugar and give it another quick blend. If it’s too sweet, you can squeeze in a little more lemon juice. Get it just how you like it!
4. Serve it Up:
Take out some chilled glasses and pour the delightful frozen lemonade into each one. For an extra touch, garnish each glass with a lemon slice on the rim. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprig of fresh mint on top.
5. Enjoy!
Now, grab a straw or sip directly from the glass, and enjoy your refreshing frozen lemonade! It’s easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice Instead of Fresh?
Yes, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice offers a bright flavor that’s hard to replicate. If using bottled juice, opt for 100% lemon juice and start with a little less than the recipe calls for, adjusting to taste since some bottled juices can be more acidic.
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Sugar?
If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can substitute granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just check the packaging for equivalent measurements since their sweetness levels can vary! You can also reduce the sugar amount gradually and taste as you go to maintain the tangy flavor balance.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Frozen lemonade is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer. To enjoy later, let the mixture thaw slightly before blending again to regain its slushy texture. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as it tends to lose its icy consistency quickly.
Can I Add Other Flavors to This Lemonade?
Absolutely! You can customize your frozen lemonade by adding fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or peaches before blending. Just toss in about a cup of your chosen fruit along with the other ingredients. For an adult twist, a splash of vodka can make a refreshing cocktail version!
