Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

This thirst-quenching Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe delivers a frosty, sweet-tart escape with every sip, perfectly mimicking the beloved fast-food slushie. By blending chilled lemonade with ice and swirling in a ribbon of strawberry preserves, you create a marbled, icy beverage that cools you down instantly on a hot afternoon.

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Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Ingredients

The Slush Base:

• 16 oz Lemonade: Chilled. You can use store-bought (like Minute Maid or Simply Lemonade) or homemade. The stronger the lemonade, the better the final flavor will be once diluted with ice.
• 2 cups Ice Cubes: The structural component that transforms liquid into a frozen treat.

The Fruit Swirl:

• 2 tbsp Strawberry Ice Cream Topping: This is key. Unlike plain syrup, ice cream topping has chunks of real fruit and a thick, jammy consistency that sinks to the bottom and swirls beautifully without dissolving instantly.
• Optional Garnishes: Lemon slices for acidity and a cute umbrella for vibes.

How To Make Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

1. Chill Everything: Ensure your lemonade is fridge-cold before starting. If you use room-temperature liquid, it will melt the ice on contact, resulting in a watery drink rather than a thick slush.
2. Blend the Slush: In a high-powered blender, combine the 16 ounces of chilled lemonade and the 2 cups of ice. Pulse the mixture repeatedly. You are looking for a texture that is thick and icy but still pourable—think “convenience store slushie” rather than “smoothie.”
3. Prep the Glass: Spoon the strawberry ice cream topping directly into the bottom of a tall serving glass. This technique is crucial for achieving that signature layered look found in the restaurant version.
4. Pour and Swirl: Pour the frozen lemonade mixture over the strawberry base. Using a long spoon or a straw, gently drag the strawberry topping up the sides of the glass to create a marbled red-and-yellow swirl.
5. Serve: Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel and serve immediately. This drink waits for no one!

Recipe Tips

• Topping vs. Jam: While you can use strawberry jam, ice cream topping (like Smucker’s) usually has a slightly looser consistency that mixes easier with cold liquids. If using jam, microwave it for 10 seconds to loosen it up first.
• Ice Ratio: If you like a thicker, “spoonable” slush, add an extra ½ cup of ice. If you prefer it drinkable through a thin straw, reduce the ice slightly.
• Sweetness Balance: If your lemonade is very tart, the strawberry topping will balance it out perfectly. If your lemonade is already very sweet, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the blender to keep it refreshing.
• Blender Pulse: Don’t just let the blender run on high, or you might over-process the ice into water. Short pulses help crush the ice evenly while maintaining the slushy texture.

What To Serve With Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

• Cheeseburger: The acidity of the lemonade cuts through the grease of a burger.
• Pretzels: A salty snack pairs wonderfully with the sweet drink.
• Fried Chicken Sandwich: The ultimate fast-food copycat meal combo.
• Fruit Salad: Keep the fresh theme going with melon and berries.

How To Store Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

• Immediate Consumption: Slushies do not store well. If you put it in the fridge, the ice melts. If you put it in the freezer, it turns into a solid block of ice. Drink this one fresh!
• Batching: If making for a crowd, blend the lemonade and ice in batches, but keep the strawberry topping in the glasses ready to go.

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Sugar: 42g
• Protein: 0g

Nutrition information is estimated per 16oz serving.

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