For The Best Lemonade, Freeze Your Lemons And Grab A Blender

When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade right away. Freeze the lemons first and let the below-zero temperature take your favorite summer beverage to the next level. A few hours in the freezer and a good spin in the blender, and the most exquisite glass of frozen lemonade will arrive in your hands. It might be a small departure from the simple classic lemonade you know and love, but with a luscious, slushy-like texture and great flavor intensity, that surely can't be a bad thing.

If you've ever made smoothies with frozen fruits, you already know just how well it can improve the drink's texture. Frozen lemons are no different, so expect an icy lusciousness with this lemonade. That smooth flow is a lot more satisfying than the usual ice cubes as it arrives in chilling breezes, melting flavors straight onto the tip of your tongue. 

Let's not forget you're also utilizing every part of the lemon with this twist. The bright, refreshing zing that often comes with the juice is now accompanied by the rind's zesty sparks, slightly more intense and even a little bittersweet. Better still, the lemony taste is further nuanced by bits and pieces of pulp and pith, offering even more sweet-tart complexity than your typical lemonade.

Needless to say, making frozen lemonade requires a bit more than just throwing a few frozen fruits straight into the blender. Consider freezing the lemons in sliced batches instead of whole, both to save storage space and help the fruit blend more easily. Additionally, leave the pieces at room temperature for a few minutes at first, so they soften enough for your blender or food processor to handle. You can also add a bit of water to smooth out the process, along with as much sugar as you need to balance out the lemon's sourness. Blend everything until the consistency is as thick as you'd like, then strain away the seeds and pulp for a completely smooth sip.

A frozen lemonade offers just as many, if not more, opportunities for creativity as the original drink. Inspired by the infamous Brazilian lemonade (which is actually made with lime), you can swirl in a creamy element with sweetened condensed milk or heavy cream. Note that you might need to strain the solids and blend a couple of times until the texture is entirely velvety and curdle-free. For those who want a more diversified taste profile, feel free to throw in other frozen fruits. Perhaps make a whole glass of summer with the addition of berries, pineapples, peaches, oranges, and more. In a simpler twist, try giving your lemonade a big flavor boost with vanilla extract instead of the usual sweeteners. In any case, you can always turn the drink into a cocktail, simply add a splash of liquor and fresh herbs.