Made with real lemon juice, lemonade and creamy vanilla ice cream, this Chick-fil-A copycat frosted lemonade is the ultimate drink to cool down with on a hot summer day!
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Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade
If you’re a fan of Chick-fil-A, you already know the hype is real, and it’s not just about the Chick-fil-A nuggets and sauce. Their frosted lemonade is so refreshing. We tested this recipe multiple ways and I have to say I like our recipe even better!
Similar yet better than a lemonade milkshake, it’s the summer answer to their famous peppermint milkshake. This easy copycat version blends up in minutes and tastes just like a scoop of lemonade ice cream, but no drive-thru is needed.
Ingredients Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Vanilla ice cream: Use a creamy, full-fat vanilla ice cream for the best flavor and texture. You can even try it with homemade vanilla ice cream for an extra-rich treat.
- Lemonade: Fresh or store-bought both work! If you have time, homemade lemonade gives the brightest, most refreshing flavor.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, tangy citrus kick and helps balance the sweetness from the ice cream and lemonade.
- Sugar: Just a small amount enhances the lemon flavor, especially if your lemonade isn’t too sweet.
- Ice: Crushed ice works best for a smooth, frosty texture and helps thicken the drink. It also blends faster than whole ice cubes.
How to Make Frosted Lemonade
Start with the vanilla ice cream and lemonade as your base, then add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, a bit of sugar for balance, and crushed ice for signature frosty texture.
Blend until everything is silky and smooth. It should be thick and creamy, like a milkshake, but still drinkable through a straw. Pour into glasses, serve right away, and enjoy immediately while it’s icy cold!
I tested it side-by-side with the real Chick-fil-A version (pictured above), and the homemade one is just as creamy and refreshing. My kids gave it a 10/10!
Tips for the Best Copycat Frosted Lemonade
- Adjust the consistency. If your frosted lemonade turns out too thick, add a splash more lemonade. Too thin? Thicken with an extra scoop of ice cream or a bit more crushed ice.
- Pulse, then blend. To achieve that perfectly creamy, slushy texture, start by pulsing the blender a few times before blending on high. It helps break up the ice.
- Sweeten to taste. The sugar is optional. If your lemonade is already sweet enough or you prefer a more tart drink, feel free to make this with no added sugar.
- Serve it right. This drink is best enjoyed immediately while icy cold. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a lemon slice or a sprig of fresh mint for a fun, refreshing touch.
More lemon desserts to try include lemon cake mix cookies, lemon brownies and lemon coke Cake.
More Refreshing Summer Drink Recipes
Frosted Lemonade
Video
Ingredients
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup lemonade
- 1 lemon , juiced
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup ice
Instructions
- Add ingredients to blender: Add 4 cups vanilla ice cream, 1 cup lemonade, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 Tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 cup ice to blender.
- Blend: Blend until smooth.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Substitutions and Variations
Try other citrus. Swap the lemon juice for lime or even orange juice for a fun twist. It won’t be a Chick-fil-A copycat anymore, but it’ll still be delicious and refreshing.
Fruity twists. Blend in fresh or frozen fruit to make it your own! Try a frosted blueberry lemonade or even a frozen strawberry lemonade for a fun summer spin.
Switch up the lemonade. I used Simply Lemonade, but any of your favorite brands will work. Try it with raspberry lemonade or a pink lemonade for a fun twist in color and flavor.
Shortcut option: Skip the sugar, fresh lemon juice, and even the lemonade. Just use frozen lemonade concentrate and water as your base, the lemon flavor will be even more intense.
Recipe FAQs
That’s the base of it, but what makes this recipe stand out is the addition of crushed ice, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of sugar. It’s what gives this frosted lemonade a slushy, creamy texture—different from a traditional lemonade milkshake and closer to the Chick-fil-A version.
Frosted lemonade is best enjoyed right after blending while it’s cold and frosty. Leftovers can be frozen and re-blended later, but the texture won’t be quite as smooth.
