Ninja Slushi Strawberry Lemonade Slush

There’s nothing more refreshing than a sweet and tangy strawberry lemonade slush, and with the Ninja SLUSHi machine, you can make it smooth, icy, and perfectly frozen—without any ice or blending! This recipe combines the bright citrusy kick of fresh lemon juice, the natural sweetness of strawberries, and a touch of simple syrup to create a deliciously cool drink that's perfect for summer days, backyard gatherings, or just when you need a frozen treat.

Plus, it’s easy to customize! Want it sweeter? Add more syrup. Prefer a tart kick? Squeeze in extra lemon juice. Be sure to read my How-to Guide and Honest Review of the Ninja Slushi Machine here.

Key Ingredients

Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and consistency. Here’s why each one is necessary:

• Strawberry Lemonade Drink Mix Packets – Here's where the flavor comes from. This provides instant flavor and sweetness, ensuring the slushie has a bold, fruity taste without needing to blend multiple juices.
• Chilled Water – Keeping the water cold before mixing speeds up the freezing process in the machine, reducing the overall slush-making time. Room-temperature water would take longer to reach the ideal slushy consistency.
• Frozen or Fresh Strawberries – Frozen strawberries help thicken the slush and add natural fruit flavor without watering it down. Fresh strawberries also work, but they won’t contribute as much thickness unless you pre-freeze them.
• Lemon Juice – Here's how to really get the lemonade flavor. The acidity in lemon juice balances the sweetness and enhances the overall refreshing, tart flavor of the slush. Without it, the drink might taste overly sweet or flat.
• Simple Syrup or Sugar – This is crucial because the Ninja SLUSHi machine requires at least 4% sugar content for proper freezing. If the mixture doesn’t contain enough sugar, the machine may trigger a low-sugar alert and won’t form the right slush consistency. Simple syrup blends more easily, but granulated sugar works too if stirred well.

How to Make Ninja Slushi Strawberry Lemonade Slushies

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. In a blender combine strawberry lemonade drink mix, chilled water, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Lift the bail handle and remove the vessel.
4. Pour the prepared mixture into the vessel, staying between the MIN (16oz) and MAX (64oz) fill lines.
5. Reattach the vessel and secure it by lowering the bail handle.
6. Turn on the machine and select the “Slush” mode for a classic frozen texture. Adjust the temperature setting based on how thick you want your slush.
7. The freezing process takes 15–45 minutes, depending on the sugar content and temperature of the liquid. It took mine 25 minutes.
8. The machine will mix and chill your slush automatically.
9. Once ready, place a cup under the self-serve spout and pull the handle to dispense your homemade strawberry lemonade slush.

Frequently Asked Questions/FAQs

How to Store Leftover Slush

The Ninja SLUSHi keeps drinks frozen for up to 12 hours inside the machine. If storing separately, freeze leftovers in an airtight container and let them thaw slightly before serving. You must keep the machine running for it to maintain the frozen consistency for up to 12 hours. The machine continuously agitates and chills the mixture to prevent it from turning into a solid block of ice. If you turn it off, the drink will gradually melt.

For longer storage, transfer leftovers to a sealed container and freeze—though you may need to let it thaw slightly and stir before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Keep in mind when adding sweeteners, you should add 1-2 tablespoons for the machine to work properly.

• Basil
• Pineapple Juice
• Honey
• Agave Syrup
• Maple Syrup
• Lime Juice
• Flavored/Sparkling Water
• Coconut Water
• Cucumber
• Kiwi
• Blueberries
• Bananas