Frosted Lemonade (Copycat Chick-fil-A Recipe)
Craving a Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade? This quick and easy copycat recipe brings the creamy, tangy treat home with just a few simple ingredients—perfect for cooling off anytime! The blend of creamy frozen lemonade and just the right balance of tart lemons makes it feel like a special treat you can easily recreate at home – no drive-thru necessary.
Frosted Lemonade
If you’ve ever found yourself craving that sweet, tangy, and refreshingly cold drink at Chick-Fil-A, you’re not alone.
Frosted Lemonade has this magical way of hitting the spot on a warm day or whenever you need a cheerful pick-me-up. And now you can make this delightful copycat recipe in your own kitchen.
If you’ve ever sipped a Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade, you know it’s the perfect blend of creamy and tart – a dreamy mix of lemonade and vanilla soft serve.
The good news? You can make this refreshing treat at home with just a few simple ingredients! This easy copycat recipe delivers that same sweet, tangy flavor with a creamy element in minutes—no drive-thru required.
Whether you’re cooling off on a hot summer day or just craving something light and frosty, this homemade Frosted Lemonade hits the spot every time.
Chick-Fil-A Frosted Lemonade
About 3 years ago a Chick-fil-A restaurant opened within driving distance of my home and my family could not have been more excited. Mostly because it’s “God’s chicken”… we were all thrilled to be able to pop in for their amazing sandwiches and nuggets.
But then one day last year I ordered a Frosted Lemonade and suddenly, I had a whole new reason to love Chick-fil-A. I love lemonade and I love vanilla ice cream so this combo in a refreshing drink was just heavenly!
Anywho – when I say that the Chick-fil-A was within driving distance, it was still almost 40 miles away. This is not a huge distance because we live in very rural Mississippi, but it’s not convenient unless we’re already heading to town.
Our homeschool group is based out of the same city, so we do go weekly during our “school year” but then when summer comes around, I miss my CFA Frosted Lemonade.
That is – until I came up with this copycat Chick-Fil-A Frosted Lemonade Recipe.
What is a Frosted Lemonade?
Frosted Lemonade is a creamy, frozen drink that blends tart lemonade with rich vanilla ice cream or soft serve. It’s like a cross between a milkshake and a slushie—sweet, tangy, and ultra refreshing.
Popularized by Chick-fil-A, this frosty treat is perfect for hot days or when you want something light and citrusy with a creamy twist.
What Makes This Recipe Great
Sweet and tangy perfection. The combination of tart lemons and sweet, creamy lemonade creates a flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a little dance of flavors that’s not too sour or too sugary.
Simple ingredients, big impact. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a drink that tastes like it came from a fancy diner or milkshake shop!
Versatile and fun to customize. Want it a little more tangy? Or to take it to the next level? Add extra lemon juice. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some fresh mint or a splash of soda for a fizzy twist. It’s a recipe that welcomes your personal touch.
What kind of lemonade is best to use for Frosted Lemonade?
I much prefer homemade lemonade so I can adjust the sweetness and tartness of my drink. However, there are lots of options… You can use:
- Store-bought Lemonade
- Frozen Lemonade Concentrate
- Lemonade made from Lemonade Powder or Koolaid Lemonade
- Homemade Lemonade (Concentrated):
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 – 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness)
- 2 cups ice cold water
- Mix until sugar is dissolved.
Tools Needed
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Pitcher
- Blender – I prefer my Blendtec
- Glasses for serving
Chick-Fil-A Frosted Lemonade Ingredients
You can find these simple ingredients at your local grocery store, dollar store (if they have a grocery section) or even a gas station!
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Breyers Natural Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is my fave!!
- Lemonade – homemade fresh lemonade or high-quality store-bought
Find the complete recipe with ingredient measurements in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make a Frosted Lemonade
- In a blender, combine 2 cups of ice cream, and 1 cup of lemonade.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips
Blend until smooth, then let it rest. Blending the mixture until super smooth helps achieve that velvety frozen texture. Let the blended lemonade sit in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving to give it an even frostier feel.
Customize sweetness gradually. Some suspect that Chick-fil-A lemonade is concentrated for their Frosted Lemonade drink, so when making lemonade, taste your lemonade after blending and adjust the sweetness bit by bit until it’s just right for you. It’s easier to add more sugar or sweetener than to take it out once mixed.
Use ice cubes or frozen lemonade cubes. Make your Frosted Lemonade extra icy by adding ice cubes or freezing some lemonade concentrate into cubes beforehand. This keeps the texture chilled without watering down the flavor.
Serve immediately. Frosted Lemonade is best enjoyed fresh to savor its creamy, frosty texture before it melts. If you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer, but expect some loss of that perfect consistency.
Serving Suggestions
You can add a few ice cubes to thicken the consistency if you prefer!
You can top with fresh lemon slices and whipped cream.
Recipe Variations
Swap Ice Cream for Frozen Yogurt – For a tangier, less rich option, use vanilla frozen yogurt instead of ice cream. This creates a lighter frosted lemonade with a delightful tart finish.
Create a Fizzy Version – After blending, top your drink with sparkling water or club soda. It adds a bubbly texture that’s fun and extra refreshing.
Try a Berry Twist – Blend in some fresh or frozen strawberries, raspberries or blueberries for a colorful, fruity version. Berries complement the lemon flavor beautifully.
Make It Boozy – Add a splash of vodka or rum for an adult-friendly Frosted Lemonade cocktail. Just be sure to enjoy responsibly.
Add a Pinch of Sea Salt – A tiny pinch of sea salt enhances the lemonade’s flavors by balancing the sweetness and accentuating the tartness without making it taste salty.
Use Lemon Zest – Add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest into the blender for an extra pop of citrus aroma and flavor that deepens the lemon experience.
Top with Whipped Cream – Sweeten and whip up some heavy whipping cream to add a dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy, indulgent touch that makes the drink feel even more like a treat.
Want Extra Lemon Flavor? Use lemon ice cream instead of vanilla ice cream for an extra tart treat.
Chick-Fil-A Diet Frosted Lemonade
To make a copycat of the Chick-Fil-A Diet Frosted Lemonade, use sugar-free lemonade (storebought) or make lemonade at home using Splenda or a similar zero-calorie sweetener.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with this Recipe
- Lemonade is Too Tart. If your Frosted Lemonade tastes too sour, gradually add more sugar or simple syrup, blending in between additions until it balances. Another fix is to add a bit more vanilla ice cream to mellow the tartness.
- Drink is Too Runny. If the lemonade isn’t thick or frosty enough, try freezing the lemonade concentrate into ice cubes beforehand to blend. Using slightly softened ice cream instead of very soft or melted also helps keep the texture creamy yet firm.
- Lemonade Ice Cream Separation. Blending too long or using ice cream that’s too melted can cause separation. Blend just until smooth and avoid over-blending to maintain a creamy, consistent texture.
- Drink Melts Too Quickly. Serve immediately and keep glasses chilled beforehand to extend the frosty texture. If necessary, blend more ice cubes just before serving to chill it further without diluting flavor.
Freezing & Storing Leftovers
Freezing: You can freeze leftover Frosted Lemonade in an airtight container or ice cube trays for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw slightly in the fridge, then blend again briefly to restore smoothness.
Storing: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but note that the texture may become more liquid and less creamy. Stir well or blend again before serving chilled for best taste.
FAQ
Yes, simply substitute the vanilla ice cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond milk ice cream. The lemonade and lemon juice portions remain the same for bright flavor.
While fresh lemon lemonade is best, frozen lemonade will work. Thaw completely and taste before blending, as frozen will be more concentrated and may need diluting.
You can prep the blended lemonade a few hours ahead and keep it in the freezer. Give it a good stir or blend for a few seconds before serving to restore texture.
You can whisk the ingredients vigorously by hand and freeze the mixture, stirring every 20 minutes to break up ice crystals until smooth. It takes more time but can still be delicious. You can also do this is a food processor, use a stick blender, or a hand mixer in a bowl.
This recipe generally serves about 5-6 people, depending on glass size. Feel free to double or triple the ingredients for larger groups.
Frosted Lemonade is one of those magical recipes that feels special without demanding a lot of effort. Its balance of tart lemon and creamy sweetness offers a satisfying, cool refreshment that’s easy to customize for your taste.
Whether you’re lounging on a sunny afternoon or looking to brighten a quick snack, this copycat Chick-Fil-A favorite brings a little homemade happiness to your glass.
With a few simple ingredients and thoughtful touches, you’re just steps away from a delightful treat that’s sure to become a new classic in your kitchen.
More Delicious Recipes
Frosted Lemonade (Copycat Chick-fil-A Recipe)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Craving a Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade? This quick and easy copycat recipe brings the creamy, tangy treat home with just a few simple ingredients—perfect for cooling off anytime! The blend of creamy frozen lemonade and just the right balance of tart lemons makes it feel like a special treat you can easily recreate at home – no drive-thru necessary.
Ingredients
- 6 cups vanilla ice cream
- 3 cups high-quality strong lemonade or homemade
Instructions
- In a blender, combine 2 cups of ice cream, and 1 cup of lemonade.
- Blend until smooth.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add a few ice cubes to thicken the consistency if you prefer!
- You can top with fresh lemon slices and whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Dessert
This is one of my favorite treats! It was so easy to make, too.
This reminds me of coke with ice cream we enjoyed as kids.
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