Sometimes the best drink ideas come from trying to cool down fast. The first time I made these Blueberry Lemon Drop Slushies was during a hot weekend when regular cocktails just felt too heavy. I tossed a few freezer staples into the blender, added blueberries, and suddenly everyone was hovering around the counter waiting for a refill.
These slushies work for summer cookouts, pool days, or casual get togethers when you want a drink that feels fun without being fussy. I love this recipe because it looks impressive but takes very little effort, which is always a win when hosting. Inspired by www.delish.com.
Why You’ll Love This
Blueberry Lemon Drop Slushies are refreshing, easy to make, and packed with bright fruit flavor. The frozen texture keeps the drink cold longer, while the blueberry swirl adds a pop of sweetness that balances the lemon perfectly.
Here are a few reasons these slushies stand out:
- They come together quickly using freezer friendly ingredients.
- The sugar rim adds a classic lemon drop feel.
- Blueberries add color and flavor without overpowering the drink.
- They are easy to batch for groups.
- They feel playful but still polished enough for adults.
If you enjoy fruity frozen drinks or usually lean toward blueberry mocktails, this cocktail is a great next step. It delivers flavor, texture, and visual appeal all in one glass.
Ingredients
The ingredients for these slushies are simple, but they work best when combined thoughtfully. Each element plays a role in creating the layered flavor and frozen texture that makes this drink memorable.
You’ll need:
- 4 oz vodka
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 10 oz frozen lemonade
- 2 tbsp blueberry preserves
- Granulated sugar for rimming
- Garnish: lemon wheels and fresh blueberries
Frozen lemonade does most of the work here by adding sweetness and icy texture. Blueberry preserves bring a jammy richness that contrasts with the tart lemon. Fresh lemon juice sharpens the flavor and keeps the drink from tasting flat.
Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions
Vodka choice matters more than you might expect, even in a frozen drink. A smooth vodka helps keep the flavors clean and lets the fruit shine.
Here are a few solid options and swaps:
- Vodka: Tito’s, Smirnoff, or Absolut are reliable and smooth.
- Citrus Vodka: Lemon vodka can boost citrus flavor even more.
- Blueberry Preserves: Blueberry jam works if preserves are unavailable.
- Frozen Lemonade: Lemon sorbet blended with ice can work as a substitute.
- Alcohol Free Option: Replace vodka with lemon soda for a mocktail style slushie.
These substitutions make the recipe flexible and easy to adapt based on what you have on hand.
Equipment and Glassware
You do not need a lot of equipment for this recipe, which makes it ideal for casual entertaining. A good blender is the most important tool here.
Helpful tools include:
- Blender
- Jigger
- Small plate (for rimming)
- Rocks Glass
Wide glasses work best since the slushie texture is thick. Chilling the glasses ahead of time helps the drink stay frozen longer.
How to Make It
These slushies come together in a few simple steps, but taking your time with layering makes them look extra special. The blueberry swirl adds visual appeal and bursts of flavor throughout the drink.
- Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip into granulated sugar to coat evenly. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the blueberry preserves with fresh lemon juice until smooth.
- Add frozen lemonade, vodka, and ice to a blender. Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Spoon about one tablespoon of the blueberry mixture into the bottom of each prepared glass.
- Pour the blended lemon slushie into the glasses, then top with the remaining blueberry mixture.
- Garnish with lemon wheels and fresh blueberries note.
Once assembled, serve right away. If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of lemon juice and blend again.
Pro Tips
A few small tips can make a big difference with frozen drinks like this. These suggestions help keep the texture smooth and the flavors balanced.
- Use very cold ingredients so the slushie stays thick.
- Blend in short bursts to avoid over thinning the mixture.
- Taste before serving and adjust lemon or sweetness as needed.
- Swirl the blueberry mixture gently for a layered look.
- Chill glasses ahead of time for best results.
- Serve immediately since frozen drinks melt quickly.
- Add ice slowly if you need extra thickness.
Once you get the base down, feel free to experiment with ratios to match your taste.
Variations
These Blueberry Lemon Drop Slushies are easy to customize, which makes them fun to serve more than once. A few changes can give you a completely new drink.
Here are some ideas to try:
- Non Alcoholic Slushie: Skip vodka and use lemon soda instead.
- Mixed Berry Version: Add strawberry or raspberry preserves.
- Extra Tart Option: Increase fresh lemon juice slightly.
- Creamy Style: Blend in a splash of coconut milk.
These options let you adjust sweetness, texture, or strength without losing the frozen appeal.
When to Serve and Pairings
This drink shines at warm weather events where frozen drinks feel right at home. It is casual enough for daytime but fun enough for evening gatherings.
Great occasions include:
- Summer barbecues
- Pool parties
- Fourth of July celebrations
- Weekend hangouts with friends
For food pairings, try grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, light salads, or fruit trays. The lemon and blueberry flavors pair well with simple, fresh dishes.
Storage and Serving Notes
Frozen drinks like this are best enjoyed right away, but you can prep parts in advance. Mixing the blueberry and lemon base ahead of time saves a few minutes when guests arrive.
Store the blueberry mixture in the fridge for up to two days. Blend the frozen portion just before serving for the best texture. If the slushie melts, re blend briefly with extra ice.
FAQs
If frozen cocktails are new to you, a few questions often come up. These answers should help.
Can I make this in advance?
You can prep ingredients, but blend right before serving.
What if my slushie is too thin?
Add more frozen lemonade or ice and blend again.
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of preserves?
Yes, but blend them with a bit of sugar first.
Is this very sweet?
It is balanced, but you can reduce preserves if preferred.
Can this be made as a mocktail?
Yes, replacing vodka with lemon soda works well.
More Cocktails to Try
If you enjoyed these slushies, there are plenty of other fruity drinks worth exploring. Many of these also appeal to fans of blueberry mocktails and frozen cocktails.
- Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
- Blueberry Lavender Spritzer
- Rosemary Blueberry Vodka Spritzer
- Blueberry Pie Martini
- Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini

Equipment
- Small plate (for rimming)
Ingredients
- 4 oz vodka
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 10 oz frozen lemonade
- 2 tbsp blueberry preserves
- Granulated sugar for rimming
- Garnish: lemon wheels and fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip into granulated sugar to coat. Set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the blueberry preserves with lemon juice.
- In a blender, combine frozen lemonade, ice, and vodka to a blender. Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of the blueberry mixture into the bottom of each prepared glass. Pour the blended lemon drink into the glasses, then top with the remaining blueberry mixture.
- Top with a lemon wheel and a few fresh blueberries.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use chilled vodka and lemonade to help the slushies stay frozen longer.
- Add more lemon juice if you prefer a sharper tartness.
- For extra blueberry flavor, toss in a handful of frozen blueberries before blending.


