This refreshing frozen lemonade is a perfect treat for hot days! With just lemonade, ice, and a hint of sweetness, it’s super easy to whip up.
Honestly, sipping this chilly drink feels like a mini vacation! I love serving it in big glasses and adding a slice of lemon on top—so cute! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best tangy flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice is okay, but freshly squeezed really brightens the drink!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is typical, but you can use honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute if you prefer a lower-calorie option. Just remember to adjust the quantity based on the sweetness of your substitute.
Cold Water: While water is essential here, you can replace some or all of it with lemon-lime soda for added fizz. It gives a fun twist to the classic lemonade taste!
Ice: I recommend using ice cubes for a smoother blend. If you’re running low, you can freeze some lemonade in advance and use that as your ice—it adds extra lemony flavor!
How Do You Make Sure the Lemonade Is Balanced in Flavor?
Getting the flavor just right is key to a refreshing frozen lemonade. After blending, always taste the mixture before serving. If it’s too tart, add a bit more sugar and blend again. For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of salt—it enhances the flavors beautifully.
- Blend the lemon juice and sugar first, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
- When you add the ice, blend until smooth. If it clumps together, a little more water can help!
- Adjust sweetness after blending for the best flavor—don’t rush this step!
How to Make Frozen Lemonade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- 2 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 blend up all the ingredients, pour it into glasses, and you’re ready to enjoy a cool drink!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Lemon Juice and Sugar:
Start by squeezing your lemons to get about 1 cup of lemon juice. In a blender, combine this freshly squeezed lemon juice with the granulated sugar. Blend on low speed for about 30 seconds, or until you see that the sugar has fully dissolved. It’s like sunshine in a blender!
2. Add the Cold Water:
Next, pour in the 4 cups of cold water to the blender. Blend everything together again until it’s well mixed. This will help create a nice, refreshing lemonade base.
3. Mixing in the Ice:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Slowly add the 2 cups of ice to the blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and frosty. If it seems too thick for your liking, you can add a little more water to make it easier to blend. You want it to be icy, but also drinkable!
4. Taste and Sweeten:
Give your frozen lemonade a little taste. If you want it sweeter, sprinkle in some more sugar and blend again until it’s mixed in. Make it just the way you like it!
5. Serve and Garnish:
Pour your delicious frozen lemonade into glasses. For a pretty touch, garnish each glass with a slice of lemon on the rim and a sprig of fresh mint if you’re using it. It looks as good as it tastes!
6. Enjoy!
Grab a straw, sip on this refreshing treat, and enjoy your homemade frozen lemonade. Perfect for a hot day!
Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice Instead of Fresh?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Use the same amount, but start with slightly less sugar, as bottled juices tend to be more concentrated in flavor.
How Can I Sweeten the Lemonade Without Granulated Sugar?
Absolutely! You can use honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Begin with half the amount of these alternatives and adjust to your desired sweetness, blending it with the lemon juice until fully dissolved.
Can I Make This Frozen Lemonade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemonade mixture in advance and store it in the freezer. When ready to serve, let it thaw for a few minutes and blend again for a smooth texture. Just remember that it may not be as frosty as when freshly made!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftover frozen lemonade, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. When ready to enjoy, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, then blend again for the best texture.
