Mermaid Lemonade Recipe

Make simple lemonade

In a pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice, cold water, granulated sugar, and a pinch of fine sea salt. Stir vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 1–2 minutes). Taste and adjust sweetness to preference by adding up to 1 more tablespoon sugar if desired.

Add the blue coloring/flavor: stir in the blue curaçao syrup (non-alcoholic) or if using food coloring, add 2–3 drops of blue food coloring and 1/4 teaspoon orange extract to mimic the curaçao flavor. Mix until the liquid is uniformly blue.

Chill and blend to slush

If you have time, chill the blue lemonade in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to make a colder slush. For immediate slush: in a high-speed blender, combine 4 cups of ice cubes and 2 cups of the prepared blue lemonade. Pulse on medium-high in 10–15 second bursts, scraping down the sides, until the mixture reaches a smooth, slushy consistency. If too thick, add up to 1/2 cup more lemonade; if too thin, add the 1 cup crushed ice and blend briefly.

Taste and adjust: after blending, taste the slush and add a small pinch of salt or a touch more lemon or sugar to balance if needed, then pulse once to incorporate.

Prepare glass rims: if desired, wet the rim of each serving glass with a lemon wedge and dip into sugar or blue sanding sugar to coat.

Serve: divide the mermaid lemonade slush between 4 tall glasses. Garnish each with a lemon wheel and 2 mint leaves. Serve immediately with a straw and long spoon.