Boozy frozen strawberry lemonade that’s icy, sweet-tart, and ready in minutes from your blender. This is a playful, grown-up twist on a summer classic.
I originally shared this recipe back in August of 2014, and today I’m updating it with new information and new photos!
Idaho summers don’t mess around. By July the heat just sits on you, and by evening a cold blended drink sounds perfect! You know just what I’m talking about, right?
This frozen strawberry lemonade is exactly that. It’s icy, sweet-tart, and spiked with lemon vodka for a grown-up kick. Toss everything in the blender, hit go, and you’ve got a proper cocktail in about five minutes flat. No shaker, no fuss, no bartending skills required.
How to Make This Boozy Frozen Lemonade
This one’s about as simple as cocktails get. Strawberries, lemon vodka, lemon juice, sugar, and ice all go into the blender together and blend until smooth. You’ll be pouring in under five minutes.
Any blender works here, but if yours struggles with ice, an affordable option like the Ninja Blender makes quick work of it and blends this recipe’s full batch of three drinks perfectly smooth. It’s also a good one to have around for smoothies the rest of the week. I used to dream about Blendtec but now that I have a good Ninja I’m a happy girl – no need to spend more!
Pour into tall glasses while it’s still icy — I like a 13oz highball glass for this one. Serve with an elegant smoothie straw if you like. For exact amounts and full directions, jump down to the recipe card below.
What Kind of Lemon Vodka Should You Use?
Not all lemon vodkas have the same flavor profile. Some run bitter or medicinal, which fights the strawberry instead of playing with it.
My pick is 360 Sorrento Lemon Flavored Vodka. It’s smooth and genuinely sweet, so it blends right into the strawberry lemonade instead of sticking out.
Can’t find 360 near you? Smirnoff Citrus is an easy substitute. It’s stocked almost everywhere and gives you that same bright citrus lift without any bitterness.
Tips for Best Texture
Too thick to pour? Add a splash of cold water and blend again. Every blender is a little different, so don’t be afraid to adjust.
Fresh vs. frozen strawberries? Frozen is actually the better choice here. It gives you that thick, icy texture without watering the drink down with extra ice. I freeze my own strawberries at peak ripeness for this recipe, so I know I’m getting fully ripe, high-quality berries instead of whatever’s in the bag at the store. If you want to do the same, just freeze fresh strawberries for few hours or overnight before blending.
Don’t over-blend. Stop as soon as it’s smooth. Blending too long melts the ice and thins everything out.
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Just swap the vodka for an equal amount of water. Taste it and add a little extra sugar if it needs it, since the vodka usually softens some of the tartness too. It’s a great mocktail option for kids or anyone skipping the alcohol.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This one’s best fresh off the blender. Once it sits, the ice starts to melt and separate. If you want a head start, freeze your strawberries and measure everything else ahead of time, then blend right before serving.
How do I make this for a crowd?
Blender capacity varies a lot, so check yours before scaling up. Some blenders can handle a double batch easily, others need to run one recipe at a time. Blend in separate batches rather than overloading your blender, and keep everything chilled until you’re ready to pour.
More Frozen Cocktails To Sip All Summer
Boozy Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen strawberries from about 1 pound of berries
- 3/4 cup Lemon Vodka My fave is 360 Sorrento Lemon Vodka
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice from 3-4 lemons
- 2 cups crushed ice or ice regular ice cubes assuming you have a quality blender
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
- If it's too thick, thin with a little cold water. Different blenders will produce different consistencies.
- For a nice finish, rub the rim of each glass with a lemon wedge and press into coarse sugar. Carefully fill glasses and garnish with a lemon slice if desired. Serve in 13oz highball glasses.
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Nutrition Estimate
A Note on Nutrition
Nutritional info is an imperfect estimate. Please take it with a grain of salt.
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