Description: Cool down with this incredibly refreshing Peach Lemonade Slush! This simple recipe blends sweet peaches, tangy lemonade concentrate, and icy water into a delightful frozen treat. Perfect for hot summer days, backyard barbecues, or anytime you crave a burst of fruity, icy goodness. Customize it with your favorite spirit for an adult twist!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe Peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped (approximately 1 ½ cups)
- 12 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate (1 standard can), thawed slightly
- 24 ounces Water (approximately 3 cups), cold
- Fresh Mint leaves, optional, for garnish
Preparation:
This slush is incredibly easy to make. Minimal prep is needed, letting you focus on enjoying the final result.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches. Ensure your peaches are ripe and juicy for the best flavor. Gently wash the peaches, then peel them using a vegetable peeler or by blanching them in boiling water for a minute before shocking them in ice water. Remove the pit by slicing the peach in half and twisting. Chop the peach halves into smaller pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Blender. In a high-powered blender, combine the chopped peaches, thawed lemonade concentrate, and cold water.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and no chunks of peach remain. Depending on your blender’s power, this may take a minute or two. If needed, stop the blender and scrape down the sides to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
Step 4: Freeze the Slush. Pour the blended mixture into a shallow dish (such as a 9×13 inch baking dish). This larger surface area will help the slush freeze more quickly and evenly.
Step 5: Freeze for 4 Hours. Place the dish in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the mixture is frozen to a slushy consistency. Stirring the mixture with a fork every hour will help break up the ice crystals and create a smoother texture. The timing will depend on your freezer temperature. You’re looking for a consistency that’s easily scoopable but still holds its shape.
Step 6: Scoop and Serve. Once the slush is frozen to your liking, use an ice cream scoop or spoon to scoop the slush into glasses. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Peach Lemonade Slush is a guaranteed hit for several reasons:
- Simplicity: With only three main ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for those times when you want a refreshing treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet, ripe peaches and tangy lemonade creates a bright and balanced flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness and tartness of the slush by adding more or less lemonade concentrate. Experiment with different types of peaches for varying flavors.
- Kid-Friendly and Adult-Friendly: This slush is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. The basic recipe is alcohol-free, making it perfect for kids, but you can easily spike it with your favorite liquor for a grown-up treat.
- Perfect for Summer: The icy, refreshing texture and fruity flavors make this slush the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a dessert, a refreshing snack, or even a palate cleanser between courses.
- Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the taste of homemade treats. This slush is made with fresh ingredients, giving you control over the quality and flavor.
Cooking Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve in chilled glasses or mason jars for a rustic touch.
- Garnish with fresh peach slices, mint sprigs, or a lemon wedge.
- Pair with grilled food, salads, or other summer favorites.
- Serve as a refreshing dessert after a barbecue.
- For an adult twist, add a shot of bourbon, vodka, or rum to each serving.
Tips:
- Use Ripe Peaches: Ripe peaches will provide the best flavor and sweetness for the slush. Look for peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet slush, use a little less lemonade concentrate. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra tanginess.
- Control the Texture: To achieve the perfect slushy texture, stir the mixture with a fork every hour while it’s freezing. This will help break up the ice crystals and create a smoother consistency.
- Prevent Freezer Burn: To prevent freezer burn, make sure the shallow dish is tightly covered with plastic wrap or placed in a freezer-safe container.
- Make Ahead: This slush can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for several days. Just make sure to thaw it slightly before scooping.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding other fruits to the slush, such as strawberries, raspberries, or mangoes. You can also experiment with different types of lemonade concentrate, such as pink lemonade or raspberry lemonade.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (freezing time: 4 hours)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: 167 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 14 mg
- Potassium: 61 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 38 g
- Vitamin C: 11 mg
- Calcium: 11 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Conclusion:
The Peach Lemonade Slush is a fantastic recipe for anyone looking for a simple, refreshing, and flavorful treat. Its easy preparation, customizable flavors, and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re cooling down on a hot summer day or looking for a fun and festive dessert, this slush is sure to hit the spot. So grab some ripe peaches, thaw your lemonade concentrate, and get ready to enjoy a burst of fruity, icy goodness!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh peaches?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen peaches! In fact, using frozen peaches can even enhance the slushy texture of the drink. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before blending to make it easier on your blender. The flavor might be slightly different depending on the quality of the frozen peaches, but it will still be delicious.
Q2: How can I make this recipe less sweet?
A: There are several ways to reduce the sweetness of this slush. First, you can use less lemonade concentrate. Start with half the recommended amount and add more to taste. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance out the sweetness with some tartness. Using slightly less ripe peaches can also help. Another option is to add a splash of plain sparkling water or club soda to dilute the sweetness.
Q3: Can I make this recipe in a food processor instead of a blender?
A: While a blender is ideal for achieving a perfectly smooth consistency, you can use a food processor as an alternative. However, be prepared for the texture to be slightly coarser. You may need to pulse the ingredients several times, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently, to ensure everything is well-combined. Also, make sure your food processor is powerful enough to crush the frozen ingredients.
Q4: How long can I store the Peach Lemonade Slush in the freezer?
A: You can store the Peach Lemonade Slush in the freezer for up to a week. To prevent freezer burn, make sure to store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. When ready to serve, you might need to let it thaw for a few minutes to make it easier to scoop. Give it a good stir before serving to reincorporate any melted liquid.
Q5: What are some other fruits that would pair well with peaches in this slush recipe?
A: Peaches pair well with a variety of fruits! Some great additions to this slush include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, mangoes, and even a touch of ginger. You can experiment with adding a handful of your favorite berries or a few chunks of mango along with the peaches when blending. For a hint of spice, add a small piece of peeled ginger to the mixture. These additions can create exciting new flavor combinations and keep this recipe interesting!
