This refreshing lemonade slushie combines fresh lemon juice, sugar, and ice to create a cool, icy treat perfect for hot days. The mixture is blended until smooth and scoopable, resulting in a bright yellow, frosty dessert with a tangy-sweet flavor and a satisfyingly icy texture.
Juice the lemons until you have about ¾ cup of fresh lemon juice. Add lemon zest if you want a more intense citrus flavor.
Dissolve the sugar in warm water by stirring until the mixture is clear, with no gritty bits remaining.
In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the sweetened warm water, and cold water. Mix well and taste to adjust sweetness if needed.
Pour the lemon mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and place in the freezer. Freeze for 3-4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals and promote even freezing.
Once the mixture is frozen but still scoopable, transfer it to a blender with the ice cubes and blend until smooth and frosty, about 30 seconds. You want a thick, icy texture with tiny ice shards.
Check the texture—if it feels too icy, add a splash of cold water and pulse briefly to loosen it up. The slush should jiggle gently when lifted and be thick enough to scoop.
Scoop the lemonade slushie into chilled glasses, garnish with a lemon slice or a sprig of mint if desired, and serve immediately for the best icy texture.
Notes
For an extra fizzy twist, top with a splash of club soda just before serving. Adjust sweetness by tasting before freezing—add more sugar or lemon juice as needed. Keep leftovers in the freezer and stir before serving to restore the icy texture.