This Frozen Lemonade is the perfect drink for a hot day! It’s super refreshing, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet. Plus, you can whip it up in no time!
I love how easy it is to make! Just blend lemons, sugar, and ice, and you’ve got a tasty treat. It’s like summer in a cup! 🌞 Sip it slowly, or you might want to make a second batch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor. You can use bottled juice in a pinch, but fresh lemons really make a difference in taste. Choose ripe lemons for the juiciest yield.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard here, but you can swap it for honey or agave syrup if you want a different sweetness. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly.
Cold Water: The cold water helps balance out the tartness. For a more intense lemon flavor, you can reduce the water slightly or use sparkling water for some fizz!
Ice Cubes: Ice is essential for achieving that slushy texture. If you’re short on ice, try freezing leftover lemonade in ice cube trays and blending those for added flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is optional for a creamier consistency. If you’d rather keep it dairy-free, coconut cream or almond milk can work as a substitute, though the flavor will adjust.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Slushy Consistency?
A key challenge in making frozen lemonade is getting the right slushy texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by blending the lemonade mixture with about half your ice. Blend until smooth.
- Check the consistency; if it’s too liquid, add more ice gradually until you reach your desired slushiness.
- Remember, the ice will melt a little after blending, so aim for a slightly thicker texture than you want.
- If you’ve added sweetened condensed milk, blend it in with the ice to ensure a creamy blend throughout.
How to Make Frozen Lemonade?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups cold water
- 4 cups ice cubes
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Optional: ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (for a creamier texture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful frozen lemonade takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Just mix, blend, and you’re ready to serve! It’s quick and perfect for a hot day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Lemon Juice and Sugar:
Start by squeezing your lemons to get fresh juice. You’ll need about 1 cup of lemon juice. In a large pitcher, combine this freshly squeezed lemon juice with the granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved, and you have a nice, tangy mixture.
2. Add Water:
Now, pour in 2 cups of cold water to your lemonade mixture. Give it a good stir to combine everything together. This blend is the foundation of your refreshing lemonade!
3. Blend with Ice:
Next, it’s time to get your blender ready! Pour the lemonade mixture into the blender and add the 4 cups of ice cubes. If you’re looking for a creamier frozen lemonade, now is the time to add the optional sweetened condensed milk. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and slushy. You can add more ice if you want a thicker texture!
4. Adjust and Serve:
Give your frozen lemonade a taste. If you think it needs a bit more sweetness, feel free to stir in more sugar or lemon juice to suit your taste. Once you’re happy with the flavor, it’s time to pour the frozen lemonade into glasses. Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon for a pretty look!
5. Enjoy!
Serve your frozen lemonade immediately and enjoy the cool, refreshing taste on a warm day. Cheers!
Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice Instead of Fresh?
While fresh lemon juice offers the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just make sure to use 1 cup of bottled juice. Keep in mind that the taste may be slightly less vibrant than fresh-squeezed, so you may want to adjust the sugar or add a splash of fresh lemon zest for extra brightness!
How Can I Make This Lemonade Less Sweet?
If you find it too sweet, simply reduce the amount of sugar to 3/4 cup or even 1/2 cup. You can also add more lemon juice to enhance the tanginess. Just make sure to blend and taste as you go until it reaches your preferred sweetness!
Can I Store Leftover Frozen Lemonade?
Yes! If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, then blend again for a slushy texture.
What If I Want to Add Flavor Variations?
Feel free to experiment! You can add fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or mint leaves before blending for fun twists. Just remember to maintain the base ratios so that it still tastes like lemonade!
