Frosted Lemonade (Copycat Recipe!) – A Refreshing Treat from My Baking Addiction
Cold and creamy frosted lemonade is the perfect way to cool off this summer! Part lemonade, part milkshake, this refreshing treat strikes a delightful balance between tart and sweet—no drive-thru required.
It’s that time of year again! The temperature is up, the pool is open, and all I want is to enjoy a frozen treat while my kids play.
Whether it’s strawberry popsicles, a slice of no-bake frozen cheesecake, a scoop of lemon sorbet, or a glass of frosted lemonade, I am ready for anything that keeps me cool in the heat of summer.
This frosted lemonade is a copycat recipe that everyone will love. It’s cold, creamy, and the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
And the best part? You don’t have to leave the house to enjoy it!
What is frosted lemonade?
If you’ve never had a frosted lemonade, you’re in for a treat. This delightful drink gained popularity at Chick-fil-A and is a wonderful blend of lemonade and a milkshake.
You get the cool, creamy texture and flavor of a vanilla milkshake combined with the tartness of lemonade. It’s incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot summer day.
I’ve tried frosted lemonades from Chick-fil-A, and while they were decent, I found them somewhat lacking. So, I decided to create my own version!
My recipe maintains that cold, thick, and creamy texture but has a stronger lemon flavor to balance the sweetness of the vanilla ice cream. Plus, you can skip the drive-thru and still whip up a delicious drink at home!
How to make frosted lemonade
This frosted lemonade copycat recipe yields two servings, but you can easily double it if your blender can accommodate more.
Preparation will take you less than 10 minutes—definitely faster than making a trip to the drive-thru!
Ingredients you’ll need
Some versions of frosted lemonade use lemonade concentrate, while others opt for bottled lemonade. I prefer using fresh lemon juice and zest for a vibrant tart flavor.
To make my version, you will need:
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (divided)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup ice-cold water
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
For the best flavor, ensure the water is super cold—this will help prevent melting the ice cream as you blend!
Making this recipe
In a blender, combine the lemon zest, ½ cup of lemon juice, and sugar. Let it rest for about 5 minutes, then pulse until the sugar has dissolved.
Next, add ¼ cup of the cold water and the ice cream. Blend until combined. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add more water.
At this point, taste your frosted lemonade, and if you’d prefer a more tart flavor, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Serve immediately in chilled glasses, garnished with fresh lemon slices.
More refreshing summer drink recipes
Looking for more refreshing summer drinks to enjoy alongside this frosted lemonade?
If you’re in the mood for a milkshake vibe, try a cookies and cream milkshake, strawberry crème fraîche milkshake, or a homemade orange Julius.
If lemonade is your favorite, consider trying flavored varieties like blueberry lemonade, watermelon lemonade, raspberry lemonade, or strawberry lemonade. Classic options like an Arnold Palmer or cucumber agua fresca are also wonderfully refreshing!
For adults, consider a mezcal paloma or bourbon slush for a spirited twist on summer sips.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| ½ teaspoon lemon zest | In a blender, add the lemon zest, ½ cup of the lemon juice, and sugar. Let rest for about 5 minutes, then pulse until the sugar is dissolved. |
| ½ cup + 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice | Add ¼ cup of cold water and the ice cream. Blend until well combined. If too thick, add more water. |
| ½ cup granulated sugar | Taste and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for more tartness. |
| ½ cup ice-cold water | Serve immediately in chilled glasses. |
| 2 cups vanilla ice cream |
