Lemon Vodka Slush - The Best Summer Cocktail Recipe Ever!

Cool, refreshing and loaded with alcohol, this fresh lemon vodka slush is going to be your favourite summer cocktail of all time after you've had just one delicious sip! It's super easy to make and yields a huge batch in one go. So you can spend just a few minutes prepping this drinkable heaven and have an almost never-ending supply of delicious slushy cocktails in your freezer to last you the whole of summer. Sound good? Let's get to it!

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A glass of frosty lemon vodka slush with 2 straws

Summer is the best time of the year, don't you think? With long sunshine-filled days, fun BBQs with yummy eats and beautiful sunsets at the beach that you wish would never end. Such an amazing season deserves to be celebrated with an awesome cocktail, which is exactly where this lemon vodka slush comes in!

It'sĀ my favorite summer cocktail recipe of all-time and it's something I genuinely look forward to every single year. This cocktail is packed with exotic fruit juices, tart citrus flavors and a good kick of vodka. Not to mention the incredibly addictive frosty texture you won't be able to get enough of. Nothing says summer more than a great big frosty glass full of lemon vodka slush. Especially if you're sipping it at the beach or by the pool.

A glass of lemon vodka slush before it's had any lemon soda poured in

Ever since I first came across a recipe for lemon vodka slush years ago, I've been trying my hardest to perfect it and... I've finally done it! One thing you need to know before you make the best cocktail you'll ever have: this lemon vodka slush is really moreish and although it's got a lotĀ of alcohol in, you really can't taste it.

This makes drinking glass after glass of the stuff pretty dangerous! I was lounging by the pool one day enjoying a few glasses then struggled to walk in a straight line when I got up. You have been warned! If you're not a fan of the alcohol kick, you can always use less vodka (but I wouldn't!)

Aside from the amazing flavor, one of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to make. Throw all the ingredients into a big plastic container, freeze, scoop and top withĀ Sprite, 7Up or sparkling water. That's all there is to it.

Lemon soda being poured into a glass of lemon vodka slush

How to make healthy lemon vodka slush

If you use sugar and ordinary Sprite or 7Up to make this recipe, 1 glass will come in at 320 calories. If you want to reduce that down to just 180 calories per glass (that's almost half!) without sacrificing any of the flavor or alcohol, listen up.

  • Swap the sugar for artificial sweetener. I can't give you an exact quantity because different types of sweetener have different levels of sweetness. One of the little sweetener pill-type things I use at home is the equivalent to 1 teaspoon of sugar. There are 48 teaspoons in 1 cup and 3 cups of sugar in this recipe. So that makes 144 individual sweetener pills. All the other flavors in this lemon vodka slush really mask the artificial sweetener taste. So using a zero-calorie sweetener is a great way to massively cut down on calories.
  • Use Sprite Zero, Diet 7Up or sparkling water. Another great way is to swap ordinary Sprite/7Up with the zero-calorie diet versions. This way you get the same taste without the calories. I think the artificial sweetener and natural sweetness from the fruit juices is more than enough for this cocktail, so I'm happy with sparkling water. But if you love really sweet cocktails, try one of the diet sodas instead.
  • Don't use Stevia.Ā Stevia has a really strong taste and it will overpower all the other flavors in this summer cocktail. So unless you're a total Stevia-holic, stick to a mild-flavored artificial sweetener.

A silver metal spoon stirring a glass of lemon vodka slush

Essentials to make lemon vodka slush

You don't need any unusual ingredients to make this summer cocktail. But you will need a seriously big freezer-safe plastic container because this recipe makes a lot of lemon vodka slush. You could make a half batch, but where's the fun in that?

A 29-cup container will just about do the trick. The volume of water hugely reduces during the boiling process, so the container won't be full to the brim. Containers this big are hard to find, but you can easily pick one up online. This is the container I use.Ā It's super sturdy and you'll be able to use it to make lemon vodka slush for years and years!

While you're at it, you'll want to get a solid ice cream scoop to help you scoop out all the slushy goodness, too. This stuff can be quite hard when it freezes and you don't want to end up bending all your spoons.

More frozen vodka slush recipes

If you love frozen summer cocktails like this lemon vodka slush, you've absolutely got to try my strawberry vodka slush! It's a simpler version of this cocktail, made with fewer ingredients and a sweet strawberry hit. Oh, and make sure you save this vodka cranberry slushĀ on Pinterest or in your bookmarks, so you can enjoy festive slushy cocktails when Christmas comes around.

šŸ“– Recipe

A close-up image of a glass of lemon vodka slush with 2 straws

Lemon Vodka Slush

Cool, refreshing and loaded with alcohol, this lemon vodka slush is going to be your favourite summer cocktail of all time after you've had just one delicious sip!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: lemon vodka slush
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Freezing time: 23 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 day
Servings: 20 drinks
Calories: 320kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 cups water / 4 cups water if using sweetener
  • 3 cups granulated sugar you can substitute an artificial sweetener
  • 6 cups pineapple juice
  • 5 cups vodka
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice from 4 large lemons
  • 2 cups fresh grapefruit juice from 2 large grapefruits
  • 4 cups Sprite / 7Up + extra for mixing before serving you can substitute Sprite/7Up Zero or sparkling water

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan over a high heat, stir together the water and granulated sugar or artificial sweetener. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat down to medium-low. Leave to bubble for 10 minutes, until the sugar/sweetener has completely dissolved.
  • Pour the simple syrup into 29-cup plastic freezer-safe container. Leave to cool to room temperature for around 30 minutes.
  • When the simple syrup has cooled, stir in the rest of the ingredients (pineapple juice, vodka, lemon juice, grapefruit juice and 4 cups of Sprite/7Up/sparkling water). Place the container in the freezer for at least 24 hours to set.
  • When you're ready to serve, use an ice cream scoop to scoop out enough of the lemon vodka slush to fill a glass and pour over extra Sprite/7Up until it reaches the rim. Mix the drink with a straw or spoon to make it slushy then serve immediately.

Notes

1 glass is 180 calories if you use zero-calorie artificial sweetener and zero-calorie Sprite/7Up/sparkling water.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal

About Nicola

Iā€™m Nicola, the face behind Happy Healthy Motivated ā€“ your go-to guide to becoming your best you!
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    Recipe Rating




  1. rattlebridge farm

    I've just found my new favorite libation. It looks delicious!

  2. Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel

    Uhmmmmmm YUM!!! This sounds amazing!! All the different fruit flavors sound like they would go deliciously together!

  3. Rosie @ Blueberry Kitchen

    I love the sound of this, can't wait to try it!

  4. Linda

    We're having a lemon party. This would be the star! Hope you will bring it over.

    Linda

  5. Laura @ Finding Home

    You had me at Lemon! Looks delish and addictive! Thanks for sharing at the Monday Funday link party. Take care, Laura

  6. Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling

    Yummmmm!! This just may be my new favorite drink....thanks for sharing! Pinned!

  7. Elisabeth Andree

    That looks very delicious!

  8. Karen

    I will definitely have to try this (with an non-refined sugar option)!

  9. Laurie @ House of 34

    Wow! Looks delicious! I will be trying this one!

  10. Emily L.

    I love having lemonade in the summer, so I think this is going to become a must-have now! Sounds so delicious! <3

  11. KK

    Ooh yum! Can't wait to try! Pinning.

  12. Danni@SiloHillFarm

    Oh yeah!! This looks perfect for my summer deck drink!

    • Dianna

      Is it just me or when do you add the grapefruit juice? Itā€™s not listed in the recipe. How did you make it?

      • Nicola

        Hi Diana. You add the grapefruit just in step 3: "3. When the simple syrup has cooled, stir in the rest of the ingredients, including 4 cups of Sprite/7Up. Place the container in the freezer for at least 24 hours to set."

        You get grapefruit juice just like you'd get lemon or orange juice - by cutting the fruit in half and squeezing. I hope this helps!

  13. Jas@All that's Jas

    You had me at "vodka", lol. Love it! Hopping over from Thursday Favorite Things šŸ™‚

  14. Cari

    wow this sounds so delicious! I will probably be keeping this in my freezer on a constant basis this summer!

    Thanks for the recipe
    Cari @ SewCari

  15. Katie Goldsworthy

    Yumm! Thanks for sharing the recipe at Monday Funday!

  16. Christina @ I Gotta Create!

    Oh my! I'll be featuring this on Facebook today!

    Thanks for linking up at the Wildly Original Party over at I Gotta Create!

    <3 Christina

  17. Lynn@Southern Direction

    Oh my...I caught a glimpse of this recipe as I scrolled down your post on granola bars..I'm definitely pinning this one...come on sunshine, come on "Lemon Vodka Slush!".

    How nice:)

  18. Heather {Woods of Bell Trees}

    This reminds me of the lemon slushes my aunt used to make...of course this one's got a kick! Look delish!

  19. Tiki

    I was just about to say the same thing as Jas. I saw vodka and immediately had to check this post out. LOL Already pinned for later. #wakeupwednesdaylinky

  20. Cheryl

    I found this lovely recipe on the Share Your Stuff Tuesdays link party and thought Iā€™d stop by. I am currently doing a call out for no-bake recipes on my recipe link party, The Yuck Stops Here and would love it if you would bring this recipe and any of your other no-bake favorites to the party! The party starts tonight (Tuesday) at 8pm ET and can be found on my blog, Hot Mommaā€™s Kitchen Chaos. I hope to see you there! HUGS

  21. Sarah @ Sarah's Bake Studio

    This sounds like only the BEST THING EVER!! I am definitely going to be making this. I LOVE lemon and this is perfect for summer parties! Thanks for sharing.

  22. Laura@Baking in Pyjamas

    Sounds fresh and a great way to cool down. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!

  23. Louise Fairweather

    Sounds fantastic especially on a warm day like today!

    • Nicola Quinn

      Thank, Louise. It really is perfect for summer weather!

  24. Elaine @ Entertaining Elliot

    Oh wow, I could do with one of these right now!! Looks amazing, will definitely be giving this a go šŸ™‚ #magicmoments

    • Nicola Quinn

      Thanks, Elaine. I hope you enjoy it!

  25. Jennifer

    Wow, this sounds good and perfect for hot days!

    By the way, I would love to have you post on my new blog hopā€”the Weekend Blog Hop at My Flagstaff Home (www.myflagstaffhome.com). It begins on Thursday evenings and lasts through the weekend, if you're interested.

    Jennifer

    • Nicola Quinn

      Thanks so much, Jennifer! I'll be sure to check your party out.

  26. Tianna

    yum! this sounds delicious! thanks for sharing ā™„

    • Nicola Quinn

      Thanks so much, Tianna. I'm glad you liked it!

  27. Kristin

    Yum. Yum yum yum yum yum. I was just telling my husband I wanted to make another bourbon slush. This sounds even more awesome!!! Can't wait to try it! Thanks for linking up!!

    • Nicola Quinn

      Thanks Kristin! Hope you and your husband enjoy it šŸ™‚

  28. PJ

    I've used recipe similar to this for years only mine is Lime Vodka Slush, minus the grapefruit juice. It's Amazing!

    • Nicola Quinn

      I LOVE lime - even more so than lemon! I think you've just inspired me to make a lime version, PJ - thanks!

  29. Aubie Girl

    This looks DELISH!!! One quick question,it says
    4 cups lemonade (such as Sprite or 7Up) + extra for mixing - which are really two different things. Do you recommend lemonade or lemon/lime soda?
    Can't wait to make this for our upcoming trip to the lake!

    • Nicola

      Hi Aubie. Thanks so much for visiting!
      Sorry for the confusion, I know in the US lemonade is a still drink made with lemon juice, but in Europe, lemonade is lemon/lime soda, i.e. Sprite/7Up - so that's what I recommend. The fizz from the lemon/lime soda really give the cocktail a wonderful flair! Hope you have a great time at the lake šŸ™‚

  30. Simon

    Why didn't I see this before the hot weekend we had šŸ™ I would have loved to eat this for refreshment! Think it would fit a BBQ party perfectly!

    • Nicola

      There's always this weekend instead, Simon! šŸ™‚

  31. chris weber

    I am one who has to watch my sugar, but this sounds amazing!! Any hints or suggestions?

    • Nicola

      Hi Chris! I've just done some research online and found you can make a simple syrup (which is basically what the sugar and water is in this recipe) using artificial sweetener! So if you could get your hands on 3 cups of stevia powder, you could use it to replace the sugar in this recipe.

      • Faye

        Stevia and sugar are not to be equaled, stevia is sweeter than sugar!

  32. Paula

    Can't drink grapefruit juice. Could I substitute orange juice instead or any other juice? Maybe lime juice....Thanks.

    • Nicola

      Hi Paula! Good thinking with the lime juice, but I think it might make it a bit too tart. To substitute the 2 cups of grapefruit juice, try 1/2 cup lime juice and 1 1/2 cups of orange juice. This way you should still have the slightly tart taste that grapefruit gives, but it won't be too much.

    • Catherine

      PAULA!!! I just wanted you to know that if you think you can't have any grapefruit bc of taking statins, it's not entirely the case ...I've been on lipitor for eons and miss grapefruit, so I periodically check online hoping for an update in that info. Just last night I saw that a little ea day is fine, especially an actual grapefruit, which adds up to a slight amt of juice ...same would go with the tiny amt in ea serving of this heavenly slush. I dbl checked w my Dr and he agreed ...I'm ecstatic, as should you be šŸ™‚

  33. Laureen

    This sounds delicious! Thank you!

    It sounds similar to one my mom used to make, I am going to make up a batch for a surprise! A great summer, hot weather drink.

  34. Diane

    The recipe says 4 cups lemonade & then says sprite / seven up. What am I missing?

    • Nicola

      Hi Diane. In Europe, lemonade IS Sprite/7UP. So please use Sprite/7UP when making. šŸ™‚

  35. Kate

    Hi! Quick question. Does the 4 cups of sparkling soda (lemonade/Sprite/etc) go in the freezer with the frozen mix? Or is it just for topping? Never heard of freezing carbonated drinks like that.

    • Nicola

      Hi Kate! The 4 cups of Sprite/7UP go in the freezer with the rest of the ingredients šŸ™‚

  36. Beth List

    I added up all the quantities in the recipe and wonder how it would fit in a 17 cup container ?

  37. Kelsey

    Making the slush right now!! Curious what type of lemonade everyone uses to mix with the slush?? I like simply lemonade but what others are good??

  38. Peggy

    Sounds wonderfully refreshing. Just wondered what was meant by the extra 7up or Sprite for mixing?

  39. Peggy

    Sounds very refreshing. I was just wondering what was meant my adding extra 7up or sprite for mixing?
    I will be making this!

  40. Tammy

    When I saw this recipe it brought back memories from the 80's. My mom's friend always made this in the summertime. It's amazing and I've had it blueberry style! Thank you for posting. I will surely be making this soon!!

    • Nicola

      A blueberry version sounds amazing, Tammy! I'm so going to have to try that.

  41. Shawn

    I found this recipe last summer after moving to Arizona. I am now about to make my third batch, also without grapefruit juice. I just add extra lemon. I didn't think about adding like juice. I keep a supply of simple syrup on hand for cocktails, so do you think 4 cups would be sufficient? Lastly, I tried blindly in fresh strawberries before serving and it was delicious, so now they are just going into the mix!

    • Nicola

      What an amazing idea to blend in fresh strawberries, Shawn! I'm definitely going to give that a try myself! If you're using simple syrup you've already made, I think 4 cups would be the perfect amount. I'm so happy you like my recipe and hope it keeps you cool in the scorching Arizona heat!

  42. Tammy

    Quick question...when making the simle syrup..Iā€™m confused by the ā€œ8 cups water/4cups if using sweetener
    This recipes sounds amazing ????

    • Nicola

      Hi Tammy! If you're using sugar to make the simple syrup, you need 8 cups of water. If you use artificial sweetener to make the syrup, you only need 4 cups of water. Sugar is a lot more voluminous than sweetener, so you need more water to break it down and turn it into a syrup. I hope this helps! šŸ™‚

  43. Molly

    Hi,
    Could gin be used in place of vodka in this recipe?
    Thanks!

    • Nicola

      Hi Molly,
      You could definitely use gin instead of vodka in this recipe.
      Enjoy!

  44. Mary Cerda

    I can't have grapefruit juice, it interacts with my medicine, what would you suggest I use to replace it? I love slushy drinks and vodka is my favorite so I'm really excited to try this but as you mention it makes a LOT so I figured I'd ask what to replace the grapefruit juice with so I don't ruin a huge batch.
    Thank you!!
    Sincerely,
    Mary Cerda
    Lemoore, Cali

    P.S. I love your sense of humor, I think if we ever met we'd get along great!!šŸ˜

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