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If the heat's got you beat, this frosty coconut lemonade is the fix. It's super creamy, tart, and packed with a cool, sunny vibe. You’ll have a batch ready in no time, and honestly, folks always want another glass.
I first threw this together during a muggy July afternoon. We wanted something cold and zippy. It ended up being our top pick for pool hangs and lazy Sundays when we wanted a treat.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Ice cubes: make it super slushy. Smaller cubes give you great texture if you can find them.
- Granulated sugar or any sweetener: keeps the perfect sweet-tart balance. Taste and add more to fit what your people like. I go with superfine since it blends fast.
- Full-fat coconut milk: brings not just creaminess but a hint of the tropics. Grab the canned stuff, give it a good shake while cold.
- Lemon zest: steps up both tang and scent. Organic is great here if you can swing it.
- Fresh-squeezed lemon juice: packs the brightest punch. Choose shiny, firm lemons for lots of juice and zest.
Easy-To-Follow Steps
- Make It Boozy If You Want:
- Want the grown-up version? Splash in vodka or rum before blending and spin it for a sec to mix.
- Finish and Pour:
- Right after blending, pour the mix into cold glasses. It’s best frosty fresh. Add lemon zest or a lemon wedge to make it pop visually.
- Taste and Tweak:
- Have a sip before serving. Add another squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of sugar if you think it needs it. More ice can thicken it right up.
- Slush It Up:
- Crank your blender on high for about 60 seconds. Stop to scrape the sides if you need it. Blend until there aren’t any icy chunks left—just smooth slush.
- Blend Everything:
- Dump lemon juice, zest, coconut milk, sweetener, and ice right in the blender. If your blender comes with a tamper, use it to push things down as you go.
- Get Lemons Ready:
- First, use a Microplane or small grater to get just the yellow lemon skin (leave out the white part—it’s bitter). Then, squeeze your lemons until you have enough juice.
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Honestly, the coconut milk gives it old-school beach vibes. My kids think it’s magic when the blender turns plain ice into fluffy snow, and turning lemons into something sweet is pure fun for all of us.
Storage Advice
Best enjoyed as soon as it’s blended up. Leftovers? Pour into popsicle molds for a super chill treat. Or stash in the freezer, then blend up with extra ice the next time you want something frosty. Kept in the fridge, it’ll melt out but still tastes awesome.
Switch-Ups
Limes or pink grapefruits are cool swaps for lemons if you want to mix it up. Want a lighter drink? Grab light coconut milk—it just won’t be as rich. Out of sugar? Use honey, agave, or whatever sweetener you have, just make sure it dissolves in the blender.
How To Serve
Pour into tall, icy glasses and enjoy that perfect chill. I like adding a twist of lemon zest or tossing in a bit of mint up top. Goes great with spicy foods, grilled veggies, or big backyard parties if you make a big batch.
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Fun Facts and Backstory
You’ll find frosty lemonades all over the globe. Swirling in coconut milk is a hat tip to tropical eats. It’s a cool mashup of Mediterranean and Caribbean favorites—proof tasty ideas jump borders and end up as family staples.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it fine to swap in bottled lemon juice instead of squeezing fresh ones?
Go for it—fresh lemons pop the most, but bottle juice works too. Just adjust to make sure it’s as tangy as you want.
- → How do I cut down on the sweetness?
Cut back on the sweetener you use, or add a squirt more lemon to dial up the tart flavors.
- → Do I really need to use coconut milk, or can I pour in another plant milk?
You’ll get that thick, rich taste from coconut milk, but if you like, swap it for any other plant milk—the end result will taste a little different and might not be as creamy.
- → What’s the trick to making it frosty for longer?
Stick your glasses in the freezer first, and toss in lots of ice when blending. That way, it stays nice and slushy when pouring.
- → Could I turn this into a boozy drink?
Sure thing! Blend in a splash of vodka or rum at the end, just enough to mix, for an easy adult sipper.
- → Is it okay for folks with allergies?
There’s no dairy, it’s vegan, gluten-free too, but it does use coconut. Always check the label if you’re worried about other stuff.