Frosted Lemonade Recipe
If you’ve ever craved something that captures both the bright zing of fresh lemons and the indulgent creaminess of ice cream, Frosted Lemonade is truly the answer to your sunny-day dreams. This frozen favorite is equal parts tangy and sweet, with a refreshingly cool texture that begs you to slow down and savor every sip. Whether you’re lounging on the patio or just need a cheerful pick-me-up, this simple treat is guaranteed to bring a burst of sunshine into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Vanilla Ice Cream:
1 1/2 cups
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice:
1/2 cup (about 2–3 lemons)
Granulated Sugar:
1/4 cup (or to taste)
Cold Water:
1/2 cup
Lemon Slices for Garnish (optional):
as needed
How to Make Frosted Lemonade
Step 1: Blend the Lemon Base
Start by pouring the freshly squeezed lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cold water into your blender. This is where the magic begins! Give it a good whirl on medium speed until the sugar is completely dissolved—you want a smooth, lemonade-y base rather than any grainy bits left behind. It’ll smell zesty and taste super fresh at this stage.
Step 2: Add the Ice Cream
Now comes the fun part: add in that generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Blend again, this time until everything looks pillowy and creamy. The ice cream will melt just enough to make the mixture pourable, but keep everything frosty and thick. Dip a spoon in and taste—this is your chance to adjust the sweetness if you love an extra sugar-kissed treat.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
Pour your Frosted Lemonade into chilled glasses—the colder, the better for that frosty, milkshake-like texture. If you’re feeling extra festive, drop a lemon slice right on top or wedge it onto the rim for that perfect, photo-worthy touch. Serve immediately and soak up the satisfying chill and zing in every sip!
How to Serve Frosted Lemonade
Garnishes
The best way to make your Frosted Lemonade pop is with a cheerful garnish. A fresh lemon wheel or spiral gives a burst of color and makes each glass look effortlessly fancy, while a sprig of mint adds an extra layer of refreshment. If you love a bit of whimsy, try topping with lemon zest or even a fun, striped straw.
Side Dishes
This lemonade loves to tag along with light summer favorites. Pair it with grilled chicken, fresh fruit salads, or savory picnic bites like veggie wraps. It also shines alongside crisp tea sandwiches or buttery shortbread cookies for a truly indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pour Frosted Lemonade into small mason jars and top each one with a swirl of whipped cream. You can even freeze the blended mixture in popsicle molds for icy, hand-held lemon treats! Serving in tall vintage milkshake glasses with a sugared rim makes any day feel like a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any extra Frosted Lemonade (though I doubt it!), just pour it into an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. It may lose a bit of its frosty texture, but a quick re-blend with some ice brings it right back to life.
Freezing
To really lock in that frosty goodness, you can freeze unfinished portions in ice cube trays. When you’re ready for round two, just blend the cubes with a splash of extra water or milk and you’re back in business with a perfectly slushy treat.
Reheating
This is one delight that’s meant to stay cold! If your Frosted Lemonade has hardened up in the freezer or fridge, just let it sit out at room temperature for a few minutes. Give it a quick blend and it will be as creamy as when you first made it—no reheating necessary.
FAQs
Can I make Frosted Lemonade without a blender?
It’s true, a blender makes things extra smooth, but you can go old-school and use vigorous whisking for a chunky, milkshake-like texture. Just combine everything in a large mixing bowl and whip until no lumps remain.
Is there a dairy-free version of Frosted Lemonade?
Absolutely! Just swap the vanilla ice cream for your favorite plant-based alternative, like coconut or almond milk ice cream. It will still be rich and luscious, and you might even get a subtle coconut twist.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is what truly makes Frosted Lemonade sing, you can use bottled in a pinch. Just keep in mind the flavor might not be quite as lively or fragrant as fresh-squeezed.
How do I make this even thicker?
If you crave a super-thick, almost spoonable treat, try freezing the lemonade base for about 30 minutes before adding your ice cream. Or, simply add a little more ice cream for an ultra-creamy finish.
Is Frosted Lemonade kid-friendly?
Definitely! This is a big hit with kids and adults alike. For a fun twist, let the kids add their own garnishes and serve with colorful straws or fun toppings—they’ll love building their own summery masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
Bursting with lemony zing and sweet creaminess, Frosted Lemonade is a true crowd pleaser that always surprises and delights. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight treat or a festive summer get-together, give this easy recipe a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first sip!
Print
Frosted Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and refreshing taste of Frosted Lemonade, a delightful frozen beverage perfect for hot summer days. This easy-to-make treat combines the zing of freshly squeezed lemon juice with the sweetness of vanilla ice cream, creating a smooth and tangy drink that will cool you down in no time.
Ingredients
Vanilla Ice Cream:
1 1/2 cups
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice:
1/2 cup (about 2–3 lemons)
Granulated Sugar:
1/4 cup (or to taste)
Cold Water:
1/2 cup
Lemon Slices for Garnish (optional):
as needed
Instructions
- Prepare Lemon Mixture: In a blender, combine lemon juice, sugar, and cold water. Blend until sugar dissolves.
- Add Ice Cream: Add vanilla ice cream to the blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
- Serve: Pour into chilled glasses, garnish with lemon slices, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk ice cream or plant-based vanilla ice cream.
- For a thicker texture, slightly freeze the lemonade mixture before blending.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
