If you’ve visited Costco’s food court lately (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a Costco snack stop?), you’ve probably seen the Costco Frozen Strawberry Lemonade stealing the spotlight. Packed with the perfect blend of tart lemonade and sweet, juicy chunks of real strawberries, it’s a drink that screams summer nostalgia and indulgence.
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How to make Costco Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
Costco’s Frozen Strawberry Lemonade is a new seasonal drink added to the warehouse’s food court lineup for summer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: About 4-6 lemons. Fresh juice will give you the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to taste; sub with honey or agave for different sweetness profiles.
- 1 cup cold water: For mixing with the lemon juice and dissolving the sugar.
- 2 cups ice cubes: Essential for that perfect slushy texture.
- 1 cup frozen strawberries: Use fresh strawberries if preferred; simply wash, hull, and freeze them beforehand.
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves: For garnish and a touch of extra freshness.
- Optional: Lemon slices For garnish and additional zest.
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemonade Base: In a pitcher, combine 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup of cold water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Make the Strawberry Puree: In a blender, add 1 cup of frozen strawberries and blend until smooth. You may need to add a small amount of water to help the blending process.
- Combine and Blend: Add the lemonade base, strawberry puree, and ice cubes into the blender. Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth, slushy consistency.
- Serve: If desired, pour the mixture into glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices. Serve immediately to enjoy the drink at its coolest and most refreshing!
Tips for the Perfect Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your homemade lemonade before freezing. Depending on your lemons’ tartness, you might want to tweak the sugar amount to suit your preference.
- Storage: If you have leftover mixture, store it in a sealed container in the freezer. Before serving again, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and re-blend to achieve the slushy texture.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist while keeping the essence of the original drink.
- Kid-Friendly Version: If you’re making this for kids, consider adding a bit of sparkling water or soda for a fizzy, fun twist!
What to serve with
Costco Frozen Strawberry Lemonade is a sweet-and-tangy drink that pairs beautifully with various snacks, appetizers, and meals.
Grilled BBQ Foods
The citrusy Costco Frozen Strawberry Lemonade flavor is perfect for cutting through rich, smoky BBQ dishes like grilled ribs, burgers, hot dogs, or chicken skewers. Try serving it alongside:
- A platter of BBQ sliders
- Smoky, char-grilled kebabs
- BBQ pulled pork sandwiches
Crispy Fried Foods
Sweet frozen lemonade balances wonderfully with salty, fried food. Pair it with:
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Chicken tenders or strips
- Mozzarella sticks or jalapeño poppers
Mexican Foods
Lemonade has a tropical vibe that complements Mexican dishes perfectly. Serve it with:
- Tacos topped with fresh cilantro and lime
- Quesadillas filled with gooey cheese
- Chips and guacamole or fresh salsa
Ingredients Substitutes
If you want to replicate Costco Frozen Strawberry Lemonade at home but need substitutes for certain ingredients, don’t worry! Below are detailed alternatives and adjustments to make this refreshing beverage while maintaining the same delicious taste.
1. Frozen Strawberries Substitute
Frozen strawberries provide the drink with both flavor and a slushy texture. If you don’t have frozen strawberries, try one of the following:
Fresh Strawberries
- Fresh strawberries can work as a substitute. Simply wash and hull them, then freeze them for a few hours to achieve a similar texture.
- If time doesn’t allow for freezing, use fresh strawberries and add extra ice to the recipe to mimic the frozen effect.
Other Frozen Fruits
- Frozen raspberries or frozen mixed berries can replace frozen strawberries if needed. These offer a similar sweet and tart flavor.
- You could also try frozen watermelon chunks for a slightly different vibe but equally refreshing.
2. Lemon Juice or Lemonade Concentrate Substitute
Lemon juice is the base of the lemonade, providing its tangy citrus flavor. If you don’t have it, here are some options:
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice can sub in perfectly, giving the drink a slightly different but equally vibrant citrus taste.
- Orange Juice: Orange juice is sweeter and less tart than lemon, but it can still work as a replacement. For closer flavor to lemonade, mix orange juice with a teaspoon of citric acid.
- Vinegar and Water Mixture: Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar with 1 cup of water and a little sugar. While this may sound unusual, the acidity can mimic the tang of lemon juice.
- Citric Acid + Water: Dissolve citric acid powder in water for a strong lemon-like flavor. Citric acid is often used in lemonade powders and concentrates.
3. Sugar or Sweetener Substitute
Costco’s drink uses sweetener to balance the tartness of strawberries and lemon. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider the following:
- Honey or Agave Syrup: For a natural sweetener, use honey or agave syrup. These add a subtle floral or caramel note to the drink.
- Maple Syrup: If you like a more earthy sweetness, swap sugar for maple syrup. This works well in fruity beverages.
- Low-Calorie Sweeteners: Sugar substitutes like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol can be used for a lower-calorie version. Adjust the quantity based on the intensity of the sweetener.
- Fruit Sweeteners: Blend ripe bananas or add applesauce for natural sweetness without added sugar.
4. Water/Ice Substitute
Water and ice make up the liquid base for the drink, helping to achieve its slushy consistency. If you need alternatives:
- Sparkling Water: Replace regular water with sparkling water for a fizzy, refreshing twist.
- Coconut Water: Coconut water adds a subtle tropical flavor to the lemonade while keeping it hydrating.
- Frozen Fruits Instead of Ice: Need to skip ice altogether? Increase the amount of frozen fruit for texture, reducing the need for water.
5. Strawberry Syrup Substitute (Optional)
Strawberry syrup adds a concentrated sweetness and enhances the strawberry flavor. If you don’t have it or prefer to avoid processed syrups:
- Homemade Strawberry Sauce: Blend fresh or frozen strawberries with sugar and simmer on the stove until thickened. Let it cool before adding to the drink.
- Raspberry or Mixed Berry Syrup: You can use other fruit syrups like raspberry or mixed berry for a similar sweet boost with slight flavor variation.
- Jam or Preserves: Stir in a tablespoon of strawberry jam or preserves as a quick and easy replacement for syrup.
Final Thoughts
These pairing options elevate the Costco Frozen Strawberry Lemonade from a simple summer refreshment to a star of your meal or event.
More Lemonade Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: About 4-6 lemons.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves
- Optional: Lemon slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemonade Base: In a pitcher, combine 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup of cold water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Make the Strawberry Puree: In a blender, add 1 cup of frozen strawberries and blend until smooth. You may need to add a small amount of water to help the blending process.
- Combine and Blend: Add the lemonade base, strawberry puree, and ice cubes into the blender. Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth, slushy consistency.
- Serve: If desired, pour the mixture into glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices. Serve immediately to enjoy the drink at its coolest and most refreshing!
