Sparkling Lemonade with the Ninja Slushi

Sparkling water in the Ninja Slushi provides a surprisingly light and frothy texture, very different from a classic still lemonade. I have noticed that carbon dioxide really changes the crystallization: you get a much more aerated drink than with plain water. Ready in less than an hour, this very refreshing version reveals a tangy flavor that is easily sipped through a large straw.

Sparkling Lemonade with the Ninja Slushi

Recipe by Camille Roos

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Non-alcoholic drinkCuisine: Difficulty: Easy

Servings

4

people

Prep

10

minutes

Freeze time

45

minutes

Total time

55

minutes

Sparkling water processed in the machine creates a very thirst-quenching lemonade. A fresh and easy-to-sip preparation.

Ingredients

• 250 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 120 g cane sugar (or sugar syrup)

• 650 ml chilled sparkling water

• A few fresh mint leaves (for serving)

Instructions

• Mix the fresh lemon juice with the cane sugar until completely dissolved (use liquid sugar syrup to go faster). Sugar prevents the highly acidic juice from freezing into a hard block.
• Very gently stir the sparkling water into the mixture to maintain maximum effervescence. Water loses bubbles during churning, so add it at the very last moment.
• Pour the mixture into the Ninja Slushi bowl, making sure to follow the min and max markings, then select the Slush program.
• Let it churn for about 45 minutes until you achieve a frozen texture drinkable through a thick straw. Serve immediately with a crushed mint leaf.

Pink Lemonade Version

Pink Lemonade Version : Add 30 ml of grenadine syrup or a small handful of crushed raspberries (seedless) to the mixture before putting it into the machine.

Managing the acid and sugar balance

When I prepare this drink, I am often asked if 120 grams of sugar is not excessive. Behind the counter, I learned that the cold numbs our taste buds: a perfectly balanced preparation at room temperature will always seem a bit bland once frozen. But in our machine, sugar primarily plays an antifreeze role. Pure lemon juice is so acidic that it tends to crystallize abruptly. If you lower the syrup dose too much without compensating, the mixture will harden, and your device’s lights might flash. I prefer to use liquid cane syrup rather than powder for this recipe, as it integrates instantly without leaving grains at the bottom of the bowl. If you want to reduce the sugar, you will have to accept a drink closer to crushed ice than fluid liquid, and perhaps stop the Slush program a few minutes earlier.

The effect of carbon dioxide in the machine

Pouring a sparkling liquid into a device that churns constantly may seem counter-intuitive. It is true, much of the bubbles evaporate during the forty-five minutes of rotation. However, carbon dioxide modifies the crystallization in a very interesting way. The micro-bubbles that remain trapped in the preparation create a honeycomb structure. Instead of the dense granita obtained with still water, you get a kind of ultra-light snow in the mouth. This is a principle I already used with a simple blender, but the slow and regular rotation of the Ninja Slushi multiplies this effect. Just be careful when filling: this foam takes up a bit more volume than a still liquid when freezing. That is why I advise you to stay slightly below the maximum marking of your FS301 or FS605 to prevent it from overflowing onto the lid at the end of the cycle.

Have you tried it with lime or do you prefer the classic lemon?

Frequently asked questions

Why did my lemonade turn out too hard?

It is often a lack of sugar compared to the acidity of the lemon. Add a little syrup next time to lower the freezing point.

Are there really bubbles left after 45 minutes of churning?

Some of the gas escapes, but the remaining CO2 affects the crystallization. You will not have a very fizzy drink, but rather a very soft, snowy texture.

Can bottled concentrated lemon juice be used?

Yes, but be careful with the dosage as these juices are less hydrated. I recommend diluting them with water according to the bottle’s instructions before adding the sugar and starting the cycle.