This Cherry Frosted Lemonade is like a big, cold cup of summer happiness! It’s creamy, icy, sweet, and a little tangy, all blended into the most refreshing drink. It starts with my Homemade Cherry No-Churn Ice Cream and gets blended with frozen lemonade concentrate to make a thick, frosty drink that tastes like a mix between a milkshake and lemonade. If you’ve already made my Cherry Ice Cream or my Frosted Lemonade before, this is the best of both in one glass. I am definitely adding this to my list of summer drink recipes!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Frozen lemonade concentrate: This gives the drink its bright, tangy lemon flavor. Let it soften slightly so it blends easily. You can use pink lemonade concentrate for a sweeter, berry-style flavor.
- Cherry no-churn ice cream: This makes the drink creamy, sweet, and extra thick. Homemade works best, but store-bought cherry ice cream can be used if needed.
- Milk or cherry juice (optional): Add a small splash if the drink is too thick to blend. Cherry juice will boost the cherry flavor, while milk will make it a little creamier.
- Optional garnishes: Fresh cherries, lemon slices, or crushed freeze-dried cherries add a fun finishing touch and extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ice cream?
Yes. Store-bought cherry ice cream works well if you don’t want to make homemade. Just make sure it’s slightly softened so it blends smoothly.
Can I make this cherry frosted lemonade ahead of time?
This drink is best served right after blending. If it sits too long, it will melt and lose its frosty texture.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes. Use a little less lemonade concentrate or add a splash of milk to mellow the sweetness.
What if my blender is struggling?
If it’s too thick, add a small splash of milk or cherry juice and blend again until smooth.
Can I make cherry frosted lemonade without a blender?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Let the ice cream soften and whisk it together with the lemonade concentrate until mostly smooth, or use a hand mixer for a creamier consistency. It won’t be as frosty, but it will still taste delicious.
Can I turn this into a slushie?
Absolutely. Add a handful of ice cubes before blending for a more icy, slushy texture.
Variations
- Different ice cream flavors: Try my no-churn strawberry ice cream, no-churn vanilla, or raspberry ice cream for a fun twist on the cherry version.
- Pink lemonade version: Use pink lemonade concentrate for a sweeter, fruitier flavor and a lighter color.
- Extra cherry flavor: Add a splash of cherry juice or a few extra cherries when blending for a stronger cherry taste.
- Make it a slushie: Add a handful of ice cubes before blending for a frostier, more icy drink.
- Dairy-free option: Use a dairy-free cherry ice cream alternative for a similar creamy texture without dairy.
Cherry Frosted Lemonade
Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate, slightly thawed
- 1 recipe (about 3 cups) Cherry No-Churn Ice Cream*, slightly softened if needed
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cherries
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Let the frozen lemonade concentrate sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds (if in a microwave-safe container) until slightly softened and easy to scoop or pour.
- Add the lemonade concentrate and cherry ice cream to a high-powered blender.
- Blend on high for 30 to 60 seconds, until smooth and thick like a milkshake.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a small splash of milk or cherry juice and blend again. If you want a frostier texture, add a handful of ice cubes and blend until combined.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh cherries or lemon slices if desired.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
