Homemade Lemon Ice
A simple recipe for making lemon ice at home, with or without an ice cream machine. It emphasizes the affordability and ease of making this refreshing treat.
Ingredients
- 4 large Lemons (For juice and zest)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Adjust to taste)
- 4 cups Water (For lemonade base)
- 8 cups Ice (Chopped or cubed)
- 4 cups Salt (For freezing process)
Instructions
- 1Zest and juice the lemons. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest. Add the remaining 3 cups of water. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed. Let cool completely.
- 2If using an ice cream machine, pour the cooled lemonade into the machine and follow the manufacturer's instructions for freezing. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
- 3If not using a machine, find a large coffee tin or similar round container and a slightly larger tub. Pour the cooled lemonade into the tin. Place the tin inside the tub. Fill the space between the tin and the tub with alternating layers of chopped ice and salt, using a 2:1 ratio of ice to salt by volume. Cover the top with a blanket or towel for insulation. Place a wooden board (slightly smaller than the diameter of the tin) upright inside the tin, touching the bottom. Have someone hold the board steady while you occasionally stir the lemonade and scrape the sides of the tin with a spoon. Continue this process for about 30-45 minutes, or until the lemonade is frozen to your desired consistency.
- 4Once the ice is frozen, scoop it into glasses or bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with lemon slices or mint sprigs, if desired.