Description
This Fresh Lemon Vodka Slush is a refreshing, icy cocktail perfect for warm days. Combining tart lemon juice, zesty lemon peel, sweet honey and sugar syrup, and crisp vodka, all blended with fresh mint and ice to create a smooth, invigorating slush. Perfect for cooling off and enjoying a vibrant citrus burst with a kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Syrup
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
Slush Mix
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 1 cup vodka
- 2 cups ice
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare sugar syrup: Pour 2 cups of water into a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat on the stovetop.
- Dissolve sugar: Add 1/2 cup of sugar to the water and stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water.
- Add honey: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in 1/4 cup of honey until fully combined with the sugar syrup.
- Cool syrup: Allow the sugar and honey syrup to cool to room temperature before using it further.
- Zest lemons: While the syrup cools, zest 1/2 cup of fresh lemons using a fine grater or zester to capture the fragrant oils and flavor.
- Measure lemon juice: In a separate bowl, measure out 1 cup of fresh lemon juice for the slush mixture.
- Combine syrup and lemon: Once the syrup is cooled, add the lemon juice to it and stir gently to blend the flavors.
- Add lemon zest: Mix the lemon zest into the syrup and lemon juice mixture for added citrus brightness.
- Incorporate vodka: Pour 1 cup of vodka into the combined mixture and stir well to integrate the alcohol evenly.
- Blend ice and mint: Transfer the entire liquid mixture to a large blender, add 2 cups of ice and 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves.
- Blend slush: Blend on high speed until the ice is fully crushed and the slush achieves a smooth and icy consistency.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the slush and if desired, add more honey or sugar to adjust the sweetness, blending again briefly if added.
- Serve: Pour the lemon vodka slush into chilled glasses.
- Garnish and enjoy: Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint or a thin slice of lemon and serve immediately to enjoy a refreshing, citrusy cocktail slush.
Notes
- If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the sugar and honey accordingly.
- For a stronger mint flavor, muddle the mint leaves slightly before blending.
- You can substitute vodka with a flavored vodka like citrus or lemon for an extra twist.
- To make this a non-alcoholic beverage, omit the vodka and increase lemon juice or add sparkling water.
- Ensure the syrup is completely cooled before adding lemon juice to prevent bitterness.
