If you’re after the ultimate refreshing summer sip, let me introduce you to my current obsession: Mint Lemonade Slush. This icy, tangy, and herbaceous beverage is a twist on classic lemonade—with the coolness of mint and the dramatic flair of a slushie. It’s irresistibly vibrant, unexpectedly elegant, and best of all, it comes together in just a handful of minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Refreshing: There’s nothing quite as revitalizing as a Mint Lemonade Slush on a blazing hot day—the mint and citrus cool you from the inside out!
- Fast & Easy: You only need a blender and five quick minutes to whip this up, making it perfect for surprise guests or spontaneous cravings.
- Fresh, Real Ingredients: The pure flavors of just-squeezed lemon, real mint, and ice shine through—no bottled syrups or artificial mixes required.
- Magically Customizable: From a touch of orange blossom water to extra tang or sweetness, you can make your Mint Lemonade Slush entirely your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mint Lemonade Slush is so much greater than the sum of its parts—and you only need a handful of ordinary ingredients! Each one adds its own burst of fresh, bright flavor, and they all work together to create that classic frosty texture and color.
- Granulated Sugar: Gives the slush its balanced sweetness and helps mellow the tart lemon—blend it thoroughly to dissolve for a silky-smooth sip.
- Water: Used both to dissolve the sugar and to help everything blend—don’t skip, or your slush may be too thick.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Loaded with cooling essential oils, mint transforms this drink from ordinary lemonade into a vibrant, herbal treat—use the freshest leaves you can find!
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Only real, freshly squeezed lemon juice will deliver that zippy citrus flavor; bottle juice can’t compare.
- Orange Blossom Water (optional): Just a drop or two adds lovely floral notes that elevate the whole drink—optional but highly recommended if you want authentic Mediterranean flair.
- Ice Cubes: The soul of any slush, plenty of ice is what gives this recipe its frosty, cloud-like texture.
Variations
Part of the joy of a Mint Lemonade Slush is how easy it is to riff on based on what you have or what you’re craving! Don’t be afraid to get creative—the base recipe is endlessly flexible for flavor swaps or dietary tweaks.
- Honey or Agave Instead of Sugar: Swap in your favorite liquid sweetener for an earthy undertone and a natural twist.
- Lime & Mint Slush: Sub part or all of the lemon juice with lime for an extra tart and tropical variation—think classic mojito vibes, minus the alcohol.
- Cucumber Mint Lemonade Slush: Add a few chunks of peeled cucumber before blending for the ultimate cooling upgrade.
- Sparkling Mint Lemonade Slush: Use half ice and half frozen cubes of sparkling water, then add a splash of bubbly on top for an effervescent fizz.
How to Make Mint Lemonade Slush
Step 1: Dissolve the Sugar
Start by adding the granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons of water to your blender. Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds to a minute—this helps the sugar dissolve quickly and evenly for a perfectly smooth, grain-free consistency in your Mint Lemonade Slush.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Next, add the rest of the water, your fresh mint leaves, lemon juice, orange blossom water (if using), and all of the ice. Don’t hold back on the mint or lemon—their fresh flavors are what make this slush so special!
Step 3: Blend to Slushy Perfection
Secure the lid and blend everything on high until the ice is completely crushed and the mixture is thick, frosty, and vibrant green. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed—then pour into tall glasses and serve immediately for the best icy texture.
Pro Tips for Making Mint Lemonade Slush
- Choose Young, Tender Mint: Younger mint leaves are sweeter and less bitter, giving your slush a smooth, aromatic finish without overpowering “green” flavors.
- Crush Ice Before Blending (Optional): If your blender struggles with ice, pre-crush large cubes or use smaller ones for a silkier, even texture in seconds.
- Blend, Taste, Adjust: Everyone’s sweet/tart preference is different; after blending, take a quick taste and add another splash of lemon or a spoonful of sugar if needed.
- Serve Immediately for Peak Froth: Mint Lemonade Slush is at its best right after blending while it’s ultra-chilly and icy—don’t let it sit or you’ll lose that magical frozen texture.
How to Serve Mint Lemonade Slush
Garnishes
For maximum wow factor, top each Mint Lemonade Slush with a little mound of fresh mint leaves and a thin wheel of lemon. If you have edible flowers or a sprinkle of lemon zest, they really make each glass feel festive and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair your Mint Lemonade Slush with picnic sandwiches, Mediterranean mezze, grilled kebabs, or just a big bowl of salty potato chips. Its icy brightness cuts through heavy or spicy foods, making every bite taste even more vibrant!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in tall glasses with fun, colorful paper straws, or freeze the slush into popsicle molds for a frozen treat. For parties, ladle into a big pitcher and let guests pour their own—don’t forget a minty, lemony garnish bar for everyone to play with!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftover Mint Lemonade Slush (rare, but possible!), transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the freezer. It will lose some of its original fluffy texture, but you’ll still have a fabulous frozen treat for later.
Freezing
Freeze the slush in individual portions or ice cube trays. When you’re craving a Mint Lemonade Slush, let the cubes soften for 10-15 minutes, then re-blend with a splash of water or lemon juice to perk up the texture and flavor.
Reheating
There’s no need to “reheat” a slush, but if you take it out of the freezer, let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes and then give it a brief whirl in the blender to recreate that perfect slushy consistency. Add a bit of fresh mint or lemon juice if you like, for a flavor refresh!
FAQs
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Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is absolutely the best choice for Mint Lemonade Slush. Bottled juice just isn’t as bright or aromatic, but in a pinch, you can use it—add extra mint or a splash more fresh juice if available to boost the flavor.
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Is orange blossom water necessary?
Orange blossom water is optional, but just a drop or two can transport your Mint Lemonade Slush to another level with gorgeous floral notes. Skip it if you don’t have any—the slush is still stunningly refreshing either way.
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What can I do if my blender doesn’t handle ice well?
If your blender isn’t heavy-duty, simply crush the ice ahead of time or use smaller “nugget” ice cubes—this makes it much easier for the blades to create that smooth, perfectly icy texture with less stress on the machine.
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Can I make Mint Lemonade Slush ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare the slush and freeze it in a large container. Just before serving, break it up and blend for a few seconds to restore the texture—or serve it as frosty “granita” scoops in chilled glasses for a festive twist.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll treat yourself and loved ones to this Mint Lemonade Slush—it’s the kind of simple, joyfully refreshing recipe that turns an ordinary afternoon into a small, delicious celebration. Go ahead, blend up a batch and let the cool, zesty magic begin!
Print
Mint Lemonade Slush Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 Drinks 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Refreshing and zesty, this Mint Lemonade Slush is the perfect summer drink to cool you down on a hot day.
Ingredients
Sugar Syrup:
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons water
Slush:
- 1/2 cup water
- 40 fresh mint leaves from about 4 mint stems
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice from about 6 small lemons
- 1 to 2 drops orange blossom water (optional)
- 18 to 20 ice cubes
Instructions
- Sugar Syrup: Add sugar and 6 tablespoons water to a blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until sugar is dissolved.
- Slush: Add remaining 1/2 cup water, mint leaves, lemon juice, orange blossom water (if desired), and ice cubes to the blender. Blend on high until mixture is well blended and slushy.
- Divide the slush among serving glasses and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: Approximately 80 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
