Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush Recipe – Easy Refreshing Summer Drink

Okay, let me just say right up front: this Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush is the summer drink you didn’t know you needed. I stumbled upon this gem one hot July afternoon when I was desperately searching for something icy, tangy, and a little bit different to beat the heat. You know those days when plain lemonade just feels… well, plain? That was me. I remembered my grandma used to make this sweet corn drink for us as kids, and, honestly, it was a total nostalgia bomb. So, I decided to mash up the best of both worlds—corn and lemonade—into one mega-refreshing slush. And, wow, you guys, it’s become my go-to for every backyard BBQ and lazy pool day ever since.

If you’re into trying new flavors, especially those that are sweet, creamy, and super thirst-quenching, you’re gonna love this. Plus, it’s a conversation starter—trust me! Every time I serve this, people are skeptical at first (corn in a drink?!), but after one sip, they’re hooked. It’s got that perfect balance of zesty lemon and mellow corn sweetness, all blended into a frosty, slushy treat that’s perfect for Pinterest-worthy summer days. Stick around, and I’ll show you exactly how to whip up this Irresistible Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush at home. You won’t regret it!

What’s the Story Behind Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush?

Alright, so you might be wondering, “How did sweet corn end up in my lemonade?” It’s actually not as weird as it sounds! Sweet corn drinks are a thing in a lot of cultures—think of Mexican atole or those creamy corn drinks you see in Southeast Asia. But blending corn with lemonade? That’s a quirky twist I discovered while browsing summer drink ideas and remembering how much I loved grandma’s homemade corn “milk.”

One summer, I was experimenting with frozen lemonade recipes and wanted to add a little something extra. I spotted some fresh sweet corn at the farmer’s market (because, let’s be real, corn is everywhere in the summer), and a lightbulb just went on. I figured, “Why not try blending corn’s natural sweetness with the zip of lemon?” Turns out, it’s a match made in summer heaven.

This slush is awesome for hot afternoons, family cookouts, or anytime you want to impress guests with something totally unexpected. Seriously, it’s perfect for backyard parties, picnics, or just chilling in the shade with a good book. And it’s so sunshine-y and pretty, you’ll want to snap a photo every time—hello, Pinterest goals! If you love experimenting with flavors or just want a drink that feels like a mini-vacation, this Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush is for you.

What Ingredients Do You Need for Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush?

Let’s break down what goes into this magical slushy goodness. Here’s what makes Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush so darn special:

• Fresh Sweet Corn Kernels: These are the star, obviously! I love using fresh corn cut right off the cob—super sweet and juicy. If you’re in a pinch, canned or frozen corn works too (just make sure it’s the sweet kind, not the starchy stuff).
• Lemons: You’ll need a bunch for that bright, zippy lemonade flavor. Freshly squeezed is 100% worth the extra few minutes—store-bought lemon juice just doesn’t have the same vibe.
• Sugar: Regular white sugar keeps the flavors clean and lets the corn and lemon shine. If you like things less sweet, feel free to pull back a little (I’ve definitely done that when I’m feeling virtuous).
• Ice: Essential for that thick, frosty slush texture. I use a lot of ice—don’t be shy!
• Cold Water: This helps blend everything together and keeps the slush from being too thick to sip.
• Optional: Pinch of Salt: Sounds weird, but a tiny pinch brings out the sweetness in the corn and makes the lemonade pop. I learned this trick from my aunt and now I always do it.
• Optional: Mint Leaves: For an extra-fresh twist, I sometimes toss a few mint leaves into the blender or use them as a garnish. Not necessary, but it looks and tastes amazing.

If you don’t have fresh corn, frozen is totally fine—just thaw it first. And if you want to go even sweeter, you can add a splash of honey or agave syrup. I’ve also tried this with Meyer lemons for an extra floral kick, and it’s honestly so good. Just use what you’ve got and don’t stress about perfection!

Equipment & Tools You’ll Need

This Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush is pretty low-fuss when it comes to equipment. Here’s what you’ll want:

• Blender: Any blender that can crush ice will do the trick. I use my trusty old countertop blender (it’s nothing fancy, but it gets the job done!).
• Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth: You’ll need this to strain out the corn pulp for a smooth slush. If you like a bit of texture, you can skip this step.
• Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping your corn and lemons.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Just to keep things easy and consistent.

If you don’t have a strainer, you can use a clean kitchen towel or even just let the slush settle and pour off the top. No need for any fancy gadgets—keep it simple!

How to Make Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush – Step by Step

Here comes the fun part! Making this Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush is honestly a breeze, and you’ll feel like a total summer drink pro by the end.

1. Prep the Corn: If you’re using fresh corn, shuck the ears and slice the kernels off with a sharp knife. You’ll want about 1 cup of kernels for each batch. If you’re using frozen or canned, just measure out the same amount and make sure it’s thawed/drained.
2. Blend the Base: In your blender, add the corn kernels, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons), 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste), and a pinch of salt if you’re using it. Pour in 1 cup cold water and blend until the corn is totally pulverized and the mixture looks creamy and pale yellow.
3. Strain for Smoothness: Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or pitcher and pour the corn-lemon mixture through it. Use a spoon to press out as much liquid as you can—this is where all the flavor is! The leftover pulp can be composted or tossed.
4. Slush It Up: Pour the strained mixture back into the blender. Add 2-3 cups of ice (depending on how thick you want your slush). If you’re feeling wild, throw in a handful of mint leaves. Blend until smooth and frosty—if it’s too thick, add a splash more water; if it’s too thin, add more ice.
5. Taste & Adjust: Give it a quick taste. Too tart? Add a bit more sugar. Not lemony enough? Squeeze in another half lemon. This is your moment to get it just right!
6. Serve: Pour into tall glasses, garnish with a mint sprig or lemon wheel, and serve right away. You’ll want to drink this while it’s super cold and slushy.

If your blender struggles with ice, just let the slush sit for a minute to soften up—no big deal. And if you accidentally make it too sweet or too tart, a little extra water fixes everything. I’ve definitely messed up the ratios before, and it was still delicious (just a bit more “unique” each time 😅).

Tips & Tricks for the Best Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush

Alright, here are my tried-and-true tips for nailing this slush every single time:

• Use the Sweetest Corn You Can Find: Fresh summer corn is unbeatable, but frozen sweet corn works in a pinch. I once tried field corn—don’t recommend it, way too starchy!
• Don’t Skip the Straining: Unless you really like a chunky texture, straining makes the slush silky smooth. I learned this the hard way—my first try was a little too “chewy.”
• Chill Your Ingredients: Cold corn, cold lemons, and cold water help keep your slush icy longer. If everything’s room temp, your ice will melt faster and you’ll lose that frosty texture.
• Blend in Batches: If your blender is smaller, just do half at a time. No shame in the batch game!
• Adjust to Taste: The best part about this recipe is how forgiving it is. Like it sweeter? Add more sugar or a drizzle of honey. Want it tarter? Squeeze in more lemon juice.
• Serve Immediately: This slush is best enjoyed right away, while it’s still icy and thick.

If you’re making it for a party, you can blend the corn-lemon base ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, then just add ice and blend up slushes as people want them. I did this for a family BBQ and it was a total hit!

Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush Variations & Customizations

This drink is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to play around with flavors!

• Coconut Twist: Swap half the water for coconut milk. It turns the slush creamy and tropical—like a sunshiney piña colada, but with corn.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder or a slice of jalapeño to the blender for a spicy-sweet twist. I tried this once and it’s wild (in a good way)!
• Vegan/Dairy-Free: It’s already dairy-free, but if you want extra richness, use oat milk or almond milk instead of water.
• Lower Sugar: Sweeten with honey, agave, or your favorite sugar substitute. I sometimes use monk fruit sweetener for a lighter option.
• Mocktail to Cocktail: For grown-ups, a splash of vodka, rum, or tequila turns this into a killer frozen cocktail.
• Allergy-Friendly: If you’re allergic to corn, try using frozen peaches or mango instead for a different but still amazing slush.

My personal favorite? The coconut version with a hit of lime juice. It’s like a frozen corn-lime pie in a glass. So good!

How to Serve & Store Your Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush

For peak Pinterest vibes, serve your Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush in tall, clear glasses with lots of frosty bits showing. I love adding a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint—so simple, so pretty!

This drink is best served immediately while it’s icy. If you need to make it ahead, blend and strain the corn-lemon base and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready, just blend with ice. If the slush melts or you have leftovers, you can freeze it and re-blend later, but it’s honestly not quite as perfect as fresh.

For a hot day, keep glasses in the freezer for an extra cold treat. And if you want to make a big batch for a party, just multiply the ingredients and blend in rounds. Easy!

Are There Health Benefits to Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush?

Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush isn’t just delicious—it’s got some perks! Corn is a good source of fiber and vitamins, and lemons bring a vitamin C punch. If you use less sugar or a natural sweetener, it’s a pretty light treat compared to most frozen drinks.

Plus, it’s naturally dairy-free and can be made vegan with the right sweetener. If you’re watching sugar, just cut back or swap it for monk fruit or stevia. And hey, you’re getting a veggie in your drink—how cool is that?

FAQs About Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

Absolutely! Just make sure to drain and rinse the corn well so you don’t get any salty or metallic flavors. Sweet canned corn works best.

How do I make this sweeter or less sweet?

It’s super easy—just add more or less sugar to taste. You can also use honey, agave, or a sugar substitute if you prefer.

Can I make this slush ahead of time?

You can prep the corn-lemon base ahead and chill it, but blend with ice just before serving for the best texture. If you freeze the whole slush, it can get a little icy and hard to blend again.

What if I don’t have a blender?

You really need a blender to get the corn smooth, but in a pinch, you could try using a food processor and then straining very well. It won’t be quite as slushy, but still tasty!

Is this drink kid-friendly?

Totally! Kids love the sweet flavor and the fun slushy texture. Just skip any spicy or boozy add-ins for the little ones.

Honestly, once you try this Sweet Corn Lemonade Slush, you’ll wonder why you never thought to blend corn and lemonade before. Give it a go and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your twists and what your friends think!

Print