There’s something magical about that first sip of Chick-fil-A’s Frosted Lemonade on a hot summer day – the perfect balance of tangy lemonade and creamy vanilla ice cream that cools you down instantly. But what if I told you that you can recreate this refreshing treat right in your own kitchen?
This copycat Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade recipe captures all the delicious flavors of the original but gives you the freedom to customize it exactly to your taste preferences. Whether you’re miles from the nearest Chick-fil-A or simply want to enjoy this treat on a Sunday, this homemade version will satisfy your cravings in just minutes.
Why You’ll Love This
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
- Takes less than 10 minutes to prepare (despite the recipe time)
- Easily customizable to be more or less tart based on your preference
- Perfect for cooling down on hot summer days
- More economical than buying them at the restaurant
Ingredients
- 1⅓ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 large lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup VERY cold water
- 6 cups vanilla bean ice cream
- 4-5 drops of yellow food coloring (optional)
- 4 sliced lemons (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Add the lemon juice and sugar to a 7-8 cup blender. Blend at low speed on either the milkshake or smoothie setting for 30-45 seconds. This is a quick and easy way to dissolve and blend the lemon juice and sugar.
- Keep the mixer at low speed on the milkshake or smoothie setting, and slowly drizzle in the cold water. Blend for 10-15 seconds until well combined.
- Add the 6 cups of vanilla bean ice cream to the lemonade mixture in the blender. Secure the lid and pulse on low speed until the ice cream and lemonade are well blended. Add yellow food coloring if desired and blend briefly to incorporate.
- Pour the frosted lemonade into glasses. Garnish with lemon slices if desired and serve immediately with straws.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute vanilla frozen yogurt or low-fat ice cream
- Add a handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries to the blender for a fruity twist
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought lemonade instead of making it from scratch
- For an adult version, add a splash of vodka or limoncello
- Make sure your ice cream is slightly softened for easier blending
- Store leftover lemonade base (without ice cream) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade Frosted Lemonade in tall glasses with colorful straws and a lemon wedge garnish for that perfect Instagram-worthy presentation. These pair wonderfully with savory snacks like Chick-fil-A style chicken sandwiches or waffle fries for the complete experience.
For a delightful dessert option, serve smaller portions in cute dessert cups alongside butter cookies or shortbread for dipping.
Notes
- The frosted lemonade will separate if left sitting too long, so enjoy immediately after blending
- For the most authentic flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled
- The perfect consistency should be similar to a thick milkshake that can be sipped through a straw
FAQs
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the vanilla ice cream with your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream alternative for an equally delicious treat.
How do I store leftovers?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftover blended mixture in the freezer for up to 24 hours. Let it thaw slightly and re-blend before serving.
Can I use Meyer lemons instead of regular lemons?
Absolutely! Meyer lemons will give a slightly sweeter, less acidic flavor which many people enjoy.
Is this recipe kid-friendly to make?
Kids can definitely help with this recipe! They can assist with measuring ingredients and pushing the blender buttons (with adult supervision).
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