Okay so when Portland summer hits and I mean really hits you need something icy, fast. This Frozen Strawberry Lemon Drop? It’s basically salvation in a glass, and honestly… I can’t even remember the last time I made something this simple that my whole family actually agreed on (which, if you have kids, you know is basically winning the lottery).
Sweet strawberries meeting that sharp lemon punch, all frozen into this gorgeous pink situation. Sometimes I prep the simple syrup days ahead sometimes I forget and make it while the blender’s already out, whatever works! The kids call it their “pink slushie,” my husband sneaks the boozy version after work… everyone wins.
Why This Frozen Strawberry Lemon Drop Is Different (Trust Me)
Look there’s like, a million frozen drinks out there. But this one? Different energy entirely:
- Sweet Meets Tart Perfection: The balance here is *chef’s kiss* – strawberries doing their sweet thing while lemon brings that brightness. Not too sweet, definitely not mouth-puckering sour.
- Slushy Goodness: That texture though! Like if a slushie grew up and got sophisticated (but stayed fun). Instant cooling when Oregon decides to show off its sun game.
- Your Drink, Your Rules: More sweet? Add syrup. Tarter? Lemon it up. Kids version? Skip the vodka so easy.
- Pretty in Pink: It’s just… gorgeous? That pink color makes everything feel special, especially with the sugar rim catching light.
- Mocktail Magic: Drop the vodka, boom everyone’s included. No awkward “oh I’m not drinking” conversations.
Also that fresh lemon juice? Essential. Like, really essential it’s what makes this sing instead of just… existing. Lemons are powerhouses anyway, Healthline has info if you’re curious about that whole lemon water thing.
The Recipe (Finally, Right?)
Super straightforward. Like embarrassingly simple.
Yields: 1 serving (but multiply away!)
Prep: 5 minutes tops
What You Need
- 1 cup frozen strawberries (Frozen = key for texture!)
- 2 oz vodka (Optional mocktail version is equally amazing)
- 1.5 oz fresh lemon juice (Please use fresh, bottled is just… sad)
- 1 oz simple syrup (Or agave, honey adjust to taste. DIY version: equal parts sugar + hot water, stir, cool)
- 1/2 cup ice
- Lemon wedge + sugar for rim (optional but fancy!)
Tools
- Blender (doesn’t need to be fancy, just functional)
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Glass (any glass that sparks joy, honestly)
How To Make It
- Sugar rim (if you’re feeling it): Rub lemon wedge on rim, dip in sugar. Instant upgrade.
- Dump everything in: Strawberries, vodka (or not), lemon juice, syrup, ice. All in the blender.
- Blend: Lid on tight (learned that one the hard way!) and blend til smooth-slushy. Too thick? Splash of water. Too thin? More ice.
- Pour: Into your glass goes that pink perfection.
- Garnish: Lemon wedge, strawberry, whatever. Make it cute! (My Strawberry Earthquake Cake is another strawberry favorite if you’re on a kick)
- Enjoy: Find sun, sip, repeat.
Pro Tips
- Frozen berries are non-negotiable for that thick texture without dilution
- Taste and adjust strawberries vary wildly in sweetness, so does your personal preference
- Fresh lemon always (Nonna was right about this)
- Don’t overblend creates heat, melts ice, makes sadness
- Garnish matters more than you think
Getting that texture right is the whole game not icy, not watery. Epicurious has excellent tips on frozen cocktail technique if you want to deep-dive.
Mix It Up
Feeling adventurous?
- Strawberry Basil: Add fresh basil leaves herbal magic happens
- Spicy Version: Tiny pinch cayenne or jalapeño slice (no seeds unless you’re brave)
- Raspberry Swap: Use raspberries instead, totally different vibe
- Blueberry Lemon: Frozen blueberries = purple gorgeousness
- Different spirits: Try rum or gin instead
Frozen Strawberry Lemon Drop
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare Glass (Optional): If desired, rim the cocktail glass with a lemon wedge and dip it in sugar.
- Combine Ingredients: In a blender, combine the frozen strawberries, vodka (if using), lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice.
- Blend: Blend until smooth and slushy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water or lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add a little more ice.
- Pour: Pour the “Frozen Strawberry Lemon Drop” into the prepared glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon wedge and a fresh strawberry, if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- Use frozen strawberries for the best slushy texture.
- Adjust the sweetness and tartness by adding more simple syrup or lemon juice to taste.
- Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
- Avoid overblending to prevent a watery drink.
Your Questions Answered
What alcohol is best in a frozen lemon drop?
Vodka’s classic disappears and lets flavors shine. But light rum adds tropical notes, gin brings botanicals. Tequila might push it toward margarita territory but experiment!
Can you make a frozen lemon drop without alcohol?
Absolutely! Skip the vodka entirely. Might need slightly more liquid if too thick, but it’s delicious and refreshing as a mocktail. Kid-friendly and perfect for non-drinkers.
What is a lemon drop made of?
Classic Lemon Drop: vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup (sometimes triple sec). We’re taking that base and adding frozen strawberries + ice for this frosty version.
How do you make a good lemon drop?
Balance is everything! Quality ingredients (FRESH lemon!), perfect sweet-to-tart ratio, don’t overdo vodka. Taste and adjust until it’s just right.
Summer In A Glass
So there it is your new go-to for when the heat hits. This Frozen Strawberry Lemon Drop is sunshine + happiness blended into pink perfection. Easy enough for Tuesday, special enough for weekend porch sitting. My husband raids the freezer for strawberries now, kids request it constantly, and sometimes? This mama just needs five minutes of frozen pink peace. Go blend one, put your feet up somewhere nice, enjoy those fleeting summer moments. Let me know when you try it! Cin cin!
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