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Lemon Shake Up

A refreshing, creamy lemon beverage that's naturally sweetened and takes just minutes to make. Perfect for hot summer days, this drink delivers bright lemon flavor with a smooth, slushie-like texture that tastes like pure sunshine in liquid form.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 6 to 8 medium lemons
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 cups water cold or room temperature
  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • Lemon slices optional, for garnish
  • Pinch of sea salt optional, enhances brightness

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Citrus juicer or reamer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Strainer or fine-mesh sieve
  • Tall drinking glasses
  • Spoon for stirring

Method
 

  1. Cut your lemons in half and use a citrus juicer or reamer to extract as much juice as possible. You need about one cup of fresh juice, which typically comes from six to eight medium lemons.
  2. Pour the fresh lemon juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove any seeds or pulp that might affect the smoothness of your drink.
  3. Pour three cups of cold water into your blender and add the half cup of granulated sugar.
  4. Pour your strained fresh lemon juice into the blender with the water and sugar. Stir briefly with a spoon to combine the ingredients before blending so the sugar starts to dissolve.
  5. Add two cups of ice cubes to your blender.
  6. Blend on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes until the ice is completely broken down and the drink reaches a smooth, slushie-like consistency with no visible ice chunks.
  7. Pour a small amount into a glass and taste it before serving. Add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter, more water if it's too tart, or a pinch of sea salt if you want to enhance the lemon flavor.
  8. Divide the shake up among tall glasses and serve right away while it's perfectly cold and thick.

Notes

Chill your glasses in the freezer for five minutes before serving to keep your lemon shake up perfectly cold for longer. Use the freshest lemons you can find for the best flavor. Don't over-blend or you'll incorporate too much air and end up with a foamy drink. Make fresh batches rather than storing the blended drink because the ice melts and the texture becomes thin and watery within fifteen minutes.