Frozen Lemonade
on Mar 14, 2024
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A refreshing drink that will instantly cool you down on a hot day. Ready in 2 minutes using 5 ingredients, this frozen lemonade will be your new summer favorite.
Frozen Lemonade
Sweet and tart, this frozen lemonade is the perfect thirst-quenching drink on a hot day. What makes this frozen drink not like other frozen lemonade recipes is that it’s made with xanthan gum, which gives the drink a Frappuccino-like texture.
Note from Jee
I used to make frozen lemonades with just lemonade and ice and I would spend so much time poking the straw around the cup, trying to drink the icy beverage.
Once I figured out how to make homemade Frappuccinos just like at Starbucks, I realized I could add the key ingredient in all Frappuccinos, xanthan gum, to all frozen beverages to make it smooth and so easy to drink.
And ta da! This frozen lemonade has the same texture as a Frappuccino. I hope you enjoy my discovery as much as I do!
Recipe Summary
- This super simple and delicious frozen drink is made in a blender with 5 ingredients.
- The secret to making this frozen drink smooth and frothy is xanthan gum, an ingredient that’s in Frappuccinos.
- The recipe makes a 16 ounce (2 cup) drink.
RELATED: Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
What is Xanthan Gum?
Xanthan gum is a natural ingredient made of fermented corn starch. In food and drinks, it acts as a thickening and stabilizer. This means it prevents ingredients from separating. It’s commonly used in gluten-free baking, but it’s also useful in drink recipes.
In this frozen lemonade, xanthan gum is essential for a keeping the lemonade and ice together, making the drink creamy and smooth. Starbucks makes all their Frappuccino drinks with a Frappuccino base syrup, which is made with xanthan gum.
RELATED: Frozen Hibiscus Lemonade
Ingredient Notes
- Lemon juice: I used store-bought lemon juice from Trader Joe’s but you can squeeze 2-3 lemons to get the amount needed for the recipe.
- Xanthan gum: Always use fresh xanthan gum. If it’s expired, its thickening effects won’t work as well. You can take xanthan gum out of the recipe, but the drink will separate and lose its creamy consistency.
- Sugar: I used cane sugar so it’ll be easier to blend.
- Water: I always recommend using filtered water.
- Ice: For less powerful blenders, use smaller ice cubes. If possible, use ice made with filtered water for a better, cleaner taste.
For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Put water, lemon juice, sugar, and xanthan gum into the blender. To prevent clumping, always add liquids into the blender first.
Step 2: Add ice. The heaviest and hardest ingredient should always go into the blender last.
Step 3: Close the lid and blend on low speed, then quickly increase to high. Use a blender tamper for an even blend.
Step 4: Pour frozen lemonade into a cup. Serve immediately. Optional: Garnish by lining the cup with lemon slices.
Expert Tips
- Add extra lemon juice for a more tart drink.
- Add a flavored syrup like strawberry syrup or peach syrup instead of sugar to make flavored frozen lemonades.
- Use a blender tamper to help crush the ice easier. The tamper will help to move the ingredients around the blender container to get an even blend.
Related
- 17 Thirst-Quenching Lemonade Recipes
- Strawberry Green Tea Lemonade
- Hibiscus Lemonade
- Mint Lemonade
- Lavender Lemonade
If you tried this Frozen Lemonade recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Frozen Lemonade
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Put water, lemon juice, sugar, xanthan gum, and ice into a blender. Secure lid.Always add liquids into the blender first.
- Blend until smooth. Start the blender on LOW speed for 5 seconds. Increase speed to HIGH for 45 seconds to a minute.
- Pour frozen lemonade into a cup. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Always use fresh xanthan gum. If it’s expired, its thickening effects won’t work as well.
- The xanthan gum is what gives the frozen lemonade the perfect Frappucino-like texture. You can take it out, but the drink will separate and be too icy to drink easily.
- For less powerful blenders, use smaller ice cubes.
- Use a blender tamper to help crush the ice easier. The tamper will help to move the ingredients around the blender container to get an even blend.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
