Picture this: a hot summer day, the sun shining bright, and you’re craving something cold, sweet, and refreshing. Enter the easy frozen strawberry lemonade, your new go-to drink for beating the heat. With just a handful of ingredients and a blender, you can whip up this icy treat in minutes. Trust me—it’s like summer in a glass, bursting with the perfect balance of tangy lemons and sweet strawberries.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for backyard barbecues, poolside lounging, or even just a midday pick-me-up. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, which means you’ll have more time to soak up the sunshine. Let’s dive into what makes this icy lemonade so special and why you’re going to want to make it again and again.
The Story Behind Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
Frozen lemonade isn’t exactly a new concept, but adding strawberries takes it to a whole new level. This recipe is inspired by classic lemonade stands, where fresh-squeezed lemonade was the ultimate summer indulgence. As a kid, I remember eagerly handing over quarters for an ice-cold cup of lemonade that felt like pure magic on sweltering afternoons.
Adding strawberries to lemonade isn’t just about flavor—it’s about creating a little extra joy. Strawberries bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the drink, transforming plain lemonade into something truly special. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different ratios and frozen fruit combinations, and this easy frozen strawberry lemonade recipe has become my gold standard.
While this drink is perfect for summer, it also works well year-round. You can use frozen strawberries to capture that sunny flavor even when fresh berries aren’t in season. It’s the perfect reminder of warm days and happy memories, no matter the weather.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this frozen strawberry lemonade irresistibly delicious:
- Fresh Lemons: For that classic lemonade tang, fresh lemons are a must. Look for lemons that are heavy for their size and have a bright yellow color. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work, but fresh is always best.
- Frozen Strawberries: These are the secret to the drink’s frosty texture and vibrant flavor. You can use store-bought frozen strawberries or freeze your own when they’re in season. Fresh strawberries can be used, but you’ll need to add ice to achieve the same chill.
- Granulated Sugar: This balances out the acidity of the lemons and enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries. You can substitute honey or agave syrup for a more natural sweetener option.
- Cold Water: Helps blend everything smoothly while keeping the drink light and refreshing.
- Ice Cubes: Essential for that frozen, slushy texture. Crushed ice blends faster, but regular ice cubes work just as well.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors or toss in a few mint leaves for extra freshness. Don’t forget to taste as you go and adjust the sweetness or tartness to suit your preferences!
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you don’t need fancy equipment—just a few basic kitchen tools:
- Blender: A high-speed blender works best for achieving that smooth, icy texture. If you don’t have one, a food processor can be used, but you may need to blend in batches.
- Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect flavor balance.
- Citrus Juicer: While not mandatory, a juicer makes squeezing lemons a breeze. You can use a fork or your hands if needed.
- Spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides of the blender.
If your blender struggles with ice, try pulsing the ingredients in shorter bursts or use slightly smaller ice cubes to avoid overworking the motor.
How to Make Easy Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
- Prepare the lemons: Cut 4-5 fresh lemons in half and juice them. You’ll need about 1 cup (240 ml) of fresh lemon juice. Strain out any seeds if necessary.
- Add ingredients to the blender: Combine 1 cup (240 ml) of lemon juice, 2 cups (300 g) of frozen strawberries, ½ cup (100 g) of granulated sugar, 2 cups (480 ml) of cold water, and 2 cups (about 300 g) of ice cubes in your blender.
- Blend until smooth: Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and frosty. Stop to scrape down the sides if needed.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or honey if desired. If it’s too thick, add a splash of cold water and blend again.
- Serve immediately: Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh strawberry slices, lemon wedges, or a sprig of mint for a little flair.
Pro tip: If you’re making a large batch, keep it chilled in the freezer and give it a quick blend right before serving to restore the slushy texture.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Here are a few insider tips to ensure your frozen strawberry lemonade turns out perfectly every time:
- Balance the flavors: If your strawberries are very sweet, reduce the sugar slightly. Conversely, if they’re tart, you may need a touch more sweetness.
- Consistency matters: For a thicker slush, use less water. For a lighter, drinkable texture, add a bit more water or ice.
- Use chilled ingredients: Starting with cold water and frozen fruit helps the drink stay icy longer.
- Experiment with add-ins: Try blending in fresh basil, mint, or even a splash of sparkling water for some extra pizzazz.
Don’t rush the blending process, as proper blending ensures a smooth, icy texture without chunks of ice or fruit.
Variations & Adaptations
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Low-sugar version: Swap the granulated sugar for a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. You can also use less sugar if your strawberries are naturally sweet.
- Berry blend: Mix frozen strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a new flavor profile.
- Cocktail twist: Add a splash of vodka, rum, or tequila to turn this into a refreshing adult beverage.
I’ve also tried adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy dessert-like treat, and let me tell you—it’s divine!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
For the best experience, serve this frozen strawberry lemonade immediately after blending. Here’s how to make it extra special:
- Serving temperature: Ice-cold is the way to go! Serve in chilled glasses to keep it frosty longer.
- Presentation tips: Garnish with fresh strawberries, lemon slices, or mint leaves for a picture-perfect drink.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 days. Before serving, blend again to restore the slushy texture.
- Reheating: Okay, not reheating—but if the lemonade starts to melt, just pop it back in the blender with a few ice cubes to refresh it.
Honestly, it’s rare to have leftovers because this drink disappears quickly!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
This frozen strawberry lemonade isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with natural goodness:
- Calories: Approximately 120 calories per serving (depends on sugar adjustments).
- Vitamin C: Lemons and strawberries are both excellent sources of vitamin C, which supports your immune system.
- Low-fat: This recipe is naturally fat-free and perfect for light summer sipping.
- Dietary notes: Gluten-free and easily customizable for low-sugar or vegan diets.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, just swap out the sweetener for a low-calorie alternative!
Conclusion
I can’t say enough good things about this easy frozen strawberry lemonade. It’s refreshing, simple, and the perfect way to celebrate sunny days. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
I’d love to hear how you customize your strawberry lemonade—drop a comment below and share your tips or variations. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Cheers to summer!
FAQs; Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can! Just add ice cubes to mimic the frosty texture of frozen strawberries.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan, but if you’re using honey as a sweetener, swap it out for agave syrup or sugar.
Can I store leftover lemonade?
Absolutely! Store it in the freezer and blend again before serving to restore the slushiness.
What’s the best way to juice lemons without a juicer?
Use a fork or your hands to squeeze the juice out. Roll the lemons on the counter beforehand to soften them for easier juicing.
Can I use sparkling water instead of still water?
Yes, sparkling water adds a fun fizz to the drink! Just blend the other ingredients first and stir in the sparkling water at the end.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Easy Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe – Refreshing Summer Treat
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Beat the summer heat with this refreshing frozen strawberry lemonade – the perfect balance of tangy lemons and sweet strawberries in a frosty treat that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 4–5 fresh lemons (about 1 cup juice)
- 2 cups (300g) frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (480ml) cold water
- 2 cups (about 300g) ice cubes
- Optional: fresh mint, salt pinch, or sparkling water
Instructions
- Squeeze lemons to get 1 cup fresh juice.
- Combine lemon juice, frozen strawberries, sugar, water, and ice in blender.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as desired.
- Serve immediately in chilled glasses with garnishes.
Notes
For best results, use frozen strawberries and chilled ingredients. Store leftovers in freezer up to 2 days and re-blend before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: frozen strawberry lemonade, summer drink, easy lemonade, blended drink, frozen cocktail