Beverages > Lemonade > Refreshing Drinks

Minty Lemonade Slushies Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ice
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup vodka (optional)
- Lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Blender
- Ice cream maker (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a blender, combine lemon juice, water, ice, mint leaves, sugar, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. If using vodka, add it to the blender and blend again.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you don't have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to break up any ice crystals.
4. Once the slushie mixture is frozen, scoop it into glasses and garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours (if using the freezer method)
Temperature:
Serve chilled.
Serving size:
This recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 150
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 5mg
Sugar: 36g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice.
- If you don't have fresh mint leaves, you can use 1-2 drops of peppermint extract.
- Instead of granulated sugar, you can use honey or agave nectar.
- If you don't want to use vodka, you can omit it or use a different type of alcohol, such as rum or gin.

Variations:
- Add a handful of fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, to the blender for a fruity twist.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a different flavor.
- Swap out the mint for basil or thyme for a different herbaceous note.

Tips and tricks:
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe by freezing the mixture in a shallow dish and stirring it occasionally to break up any ice crystals.
- For a sweeter slushie, add more sugar or honey to taste.
- To make this recipe kid-friendly, omit the vodka.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover slushie mixture in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.

Reheating instructions:
To serve leftover slushie mixture, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, then blend or stir until smooth.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the slushies in tall glasses with lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish.

Garnishes:
Lemon slices and mint sprigs.

Pairings:
Serve these slushies with grilled meats or seafood for a refreshing summer meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the slushie mixture is too thick, add more water or lemon juice to thin it out.
- If the slushie mixture is too thin, add more ice to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and any utensils or equipment before preparing this recipe.
- Store any leftover slushie mixture in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent bacteria growth.

Food history:
Slushies have been around since the 1950s and were originally made with shaved ice and flavored syrups. Over time, slushies have evolved to include a variety of flavors and ingredients, including fresh fruit and herbs.

Flavor profiles:
This slushie is sweet, tart, and refreshing, with a subtle mint flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Serve these slushies as a dessert or a refreshing drink on a hot summer day.

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Taste: Refreshing, Tart, Minty, Sweet, Citrusy