Name: Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup fresh lemon juice about 4 lemons; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 drops yellow food coloring optional; 2 ½ cups ice divided; 1 ½ cups frozen strawberries or use fresh; ¼ cup water if needed

When the summer sun hits hard, I crave something cold, sweet, and just a little tart.

That’s exactly what this Frozen Strawberry Lemonade delivers — a perfect balance of ripe berries and zesty lemon blended into a frosty, feel-good treat.

It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite at our house, especially when we want something refreshing that looks fancy but takes less than 10 minutes to whip up.

Why I Love This Recipe

Naturally fruity and tangy — no artificial taste

Quick and easy — ready in minutes with minimal prep

Versatile — enjoy it non-alcoholic or spike it for adults

Beautifully layered for a fun, eye-catching presentation

Perfect for parties or just a solo afternoon treat

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Frozen strawberries: Provide texture and bold berry flavor

Fresh lemon juice: Adds bright, citrusy zing

Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness

Ice: Blends into that iconic slushy texture

Lemon zest (optional): For even more citrus punch

Food coloring: Totally optional but gives a vibrant pop

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor

Add a splash of water if your blender needs help getting things moving

For a boozy version, add vodka or rum to the lemon layer before blending

Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or lemon wedges for presentation

How to Make Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

Step 1: Blend the Strawberry Base
Add frozen strawberries and ½ cup of ice to your blender.

Pulse until crushed and slushy.

If it’s too thick or dry, add a splash of water to help blend.

Divide the strawberry mixture between serving glasses.

Step 2: Rinse the Blender
Quickly rinse the blender so the lemon layer stays bright.

Step 3: Make the Lemonade Layer
Add lemon juice, sugar, food coloring (if using), and 2 cups of ice to the blender.

Blend until smooth and slushy.

Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

Step 4: Layer and Serve
Pour the lemonade mixture on top of the strawberry layer in each glass.

Garnish with a strawberry or lemon wedge and serve with a straw.

What to Serve It With

Grilled chicken or shrimp skewers

Light summer salads

Finger sandwiches or tea-time snacks

A fruity dessert like lemon bars or berry crumble

Variations / Substitutions

Use fresh strawberries with a few extra ice cubes

Replace sugar with honey or agave syrup

Add sparkling water for a fizzy twist

Blend the layers together for a uniform pink slushie

Storage & Leftovers

Best served immediately for the slushy texture

You can prep the strawberry and lemon mixtures separately, freeze them, and re-blend when ready to serve

Store leftovers in an ice cube tray and blend again later

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice gives a brighter, fresher flavor.

What kind of blender works best?
A high-speed blender is ideal, but any with an ice-crushing setting works.

Can I make it ahead of time?
You can freeze the layers separately and re-blend before serving.

Can I add alcohol?
Definitely! Vodka or white rum work great — add to the lemon layer before blending.

How can I make it sweeter?
Simply add more sugar or a splash of simple syrup.

Is it okay to skip the food coloring?
Of course — it’s totally optional and just for visual effect.

Can I use frozen lemonade concentrate?
Yes, but you’ll want to reduce or skip the sugar since it’s already sweetened.

Final Thoughts

This Frozen Strawberry Lemonade is my go-to drink when the heat kicks in and I need something fruity, icy, and just sweet enough.

It’s the kind of treat that brings instant joy — whether you’re sipping it on the porch or blending up a batch for guests.

Refreshing and simple, with a stunning layered look, it’s a summertime classic you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.