Lemonade Vodka Slush
A fresh-lemon vodka slush with simple syrup, sized for Margaritaville frozen concoction makers — easy, tart and refreshing.
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Grown-up frozen lemonade. The original version listed 2 oz of sugar and a 151-proof rum float that appears to have been copied from the Rum Runner page — we rebuilt it as a balanced fresh lemonade with vodka, 13 ounces total for a three-drink batch.
It’s endlessly customizable: add berries, herbs or swap the spirit.
Lemonade Vodka Slush recipe
Ingredients (3 drinks)
- 4 oz vodka
- 3 oz fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- 3 oz simple syrup (paid link)
- 3 oz cold water
Plus: a full ice reservoir. Garnish: Lemon wheel, mint sprig. Glass: Highball or mason jar.
Instructions
- Fill the ice reservoir.
- Add vodka, lemon, syrup and water to the jar.
- Run the cycle.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel.
How much to make in your machine
Every Margaritaville frozen concoction maker is designed around a particular volume of liquid — the shaver portions ice for it. The table scales this recipe to the margarita liquid volume printed in each model’s manual (Key West DM1000 / DM1946 3 × 12 oz drinks: 9.75 fl oz; Bahamas DM0500 / Fiji DM2000 3 × 12 oz drinks: 13 fl oz; Tahiti DM3000 per 24 oz jar: 8.67 fl oz; Bali DM3500 half chamber: 11 fl oz; Bali DM3500 full chamber: 22 fl oz). Amounts are rounded to the nearest ¼ or ⅓ oz.
| Ingredient | Key West DM1000 / DM19463 × 12 oz drinks | Bahamas DM0500 / Fiji DM20003 × 12 oz drinks | Tahiti DM3000per 24 oz jar | Bali DM3500half chamber | Bali DM3500full chamber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vodka | 3 oz | 4 oz | 2⅔ oz | 3⅓ oz | 6¾ oz |
| fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons) | 2¼ oz | 3 oz | 2 oz | 2½ oz | 5 oz |
| simple syrup | 2¼ oz | 3 oz | 2 oz | 2½ oz | 5 oz |
| cold water | 2¼ oz | 3 oz | 2 oz | 2½ oz | 5 oz |
Scaling is our calculation, not a manufacturer recipe. Fruit- and ice-cream-heavy drinks vary more; adjust with the Shave Only / Blend Only controls. The Key West DM1900 isn’t listed because we haven’t verified its manual yet.
Machine notes for this drink
- This batch uses about 13 fl oz of liquid for 3 drinks. If your drink comes out watery, the manuals’ first fix is to follow the recipe volumes or manually shave more ice; if it’s too stiff, add liquid and Blend Only.
Why this recipe works
Equal parts lemon and syrup gives classic lemonade balance; water keeps it from being syrupy so the ice freezes smoothly.
About vodka slushes
Vodka is the easiest spirit to freeze-blend because it adds alcohol without flavor. That makes the fruit and citrus the stars — use the best juice you can. Keep vodka near a third of the liquid for a slush that holds its shape.
Tips for the best texture
- Simple syrup dissolves; granulated sugar won’t in cold liquid.
- Roll lemons before juicing.
- Try Meyer lemons for a softer flavor.
- Add a few basil or mint leaves to the jar.
- Never put anything but ice in the ice reservoir, and don’t fill the jar past its maximum line — both are warnings in every manual.
- Too thin? Hold the toggle in Shave Only for a few seconds, then Blend Only to mix it in. Too thick? Add an ounce of liquid and Blend Only.
Serving & make-ahead
Garnish with lemon wheel, mint sprig and serve in a highball or mason jar. Vodka slushes are a natural for pitchers and parties: mix the juice base in advance and keep the vodka in the freezer so it goes in ice-cold. Mason jars and highball glasses suit the casual style, and a citrus wheel on the rim is all the garnish you need.
Variations
- Strawberry lemonade: Add ½ cup frozen strawberries.
- Arnold Palmer: Replace water with strong cold black tea.
- Lavender: Use lavender syrup instead of simple syrup.
Mocktail swap
Skip the vodka and add 4 oz more water or sparkling water — a perfect kids’ frozen lemonade.
Shop the ingredients
- Monin Pure Cane Syrup (simple syrup), 750 ml (paid link)
We link to mixers, syrups and juices only — alcohol isn’t sold through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen lemonade concentrate?
Yes: 6 oz concentrate, 4 oz vodka, 3 oz water.
Why was the recipe changed?
The original had unclear sugar measurements and an accidental rum float.
Citrus vodka?
Great choice here.
How much ice should I put in the machine?
Fill the ice reservoir with ice cubes — the machine shaves the amount it needs for the cycle (dial models size it to the 1, 2 or 3-drink setting). The manuals recommend ice that has been out of the freezer for 10–15 minutes.
Will this work in a regular blender?
Yes — add about 1½–2 cups of ice per 12 oz drink and blend until smooth. The texture will be coarser than shaved ice.
What we changed
Fixed sugar measurement, removed the copied rum float, balanced to 13 oz.
Please drink responsibly. Alcoholic recipes are for adults of legal drinking age (21+ in the US). Never drink and drive.
