Beat the heat with this refreshing and easy frozen lemonade recipe! This zingy homemade treat is made three simple ingredients and can be customized to your liking.
When the weather starts to get warmer, we’re all about one thing: summer drinks! Alex and I have realized over the years that we have a major passion for a signature drink, be it cocktails, coffee, tea, or lemonade. Every moment is better with a drink in hand!
Why we love this recipe: This frozen lemonade is the ultimate tangy and refreshing drink! The burst of icy, citrusy flavor will make you melt. Even better, you don’t have to wait hours for anything to freeze: just whip it up with 3 ingredients on demand in a blender! Our kids cannot get enough of these.
Ingredients in frozen lemonade
There are just three ingredients in frozen lemonade: and two if you don’t count ice! Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:
- Fresh lemon juice: Make sure to use real, fresh squeezed citrus juice for this recipe. Bottled juice doesn’t have the freshness in flavor. No substitutions here!
- Sugar: We like granulated sugar here for its ability to balance the acidity of the lemon without watering down the drink. You can substitute an equal amount of agave syrup, honey, or maple syrup if desired.
Tips for juicing lemons
What’s the best way to juice lemons? We like using a press juicer, which helps to easily extract juice while saving out the pulp and seeds. It also helps to save your hands from the effort of squeezing!
You can also use any type of juicer you have on hand (and a little elbow grease). It takes a while to squeeze out the juice especially if you’re doubling the recipe, but it’s worth it!
A note on serving size
The serving size for this frozen lemonade recipe is 2 small servings. The photograph shows two servings in one mug, so we’d recommend serving it in a smaller glass or cup! Double the ingredients as necessary to make more servings!
Make ahead tip
This frozen lemonade is best right after blending it, to keep that frosty, slushie texture (it becomes very hard if frozen overnight). To make frozen lemonade in advance, juice the lemons and stir in the sugar: store it in a refrigerated container for up to 1 day. The day of serving, blend up the lemonade with ice.
Dietary notes
This frozen lemonade recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use store-bought lemonade?
Yes, but for the best flavor, we recommend making your own lemonade base. It’s easy and you can control the sweetness level.
Can I add alcohol to frozen lemonade?
Absolutely! Vodka, rum, or tequila, all pair well. Add your spirit of choice once the lemonade is blended.
How long can I store frozen lemonade?
To make frozen lemonade in advance, juice the lemons and stir in the sugar: store it in a refrigerated container for up to 1 day. The day of serving, blend up the lemonade with ice.
What are some fun ways to serve frozen lemonade?
Get creative! Try garnishing with fresh fruit or herbs (like mint or basil).
Is frozen lemonade a healthy treat?
While it does contain natural fruit juice, it can be high in sugar. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Frozen Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar*
- 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice about 3 medium lemons
- 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the sugar and the fresh lemon juice. Blend on low speed until the sugar is dissolved, about 10 to 15 seconds.
- Add the ice cubes to the blender with the lemon juice and sugar mixture.
- Blend on low to medium speed until the ice is completely crushed and the mixture is smooth, about 30 to 45 seconds. If needed, stop the blender and use a spatula to scrape down the sides, then continue blending until the desired consistency is reached. If necessary, add a few tablespoons cold water to get it to blend.
- Pour the frozen lemonade into a glass and serve immediately, garnished with a lemon slice or mint sprig, if desired.**