You're here because you love a good lemon drop martini! And now you are going to love it in the Ninja Slushi. I’ve been running this machine since the day it dropped, so trust me when I say this recipe is locked in. No icy chunks, no weird aftertaste, just a smooth, citrusy slush that tastes like sunshine in a glass.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get my FREE Thanksgiving menu, exactly what I'm cooking, plus my tips for making it a stress-free meal seasoned to perfection. Let me do the planning for you!
Be sure to read my How-to Guide and Honest Review of the Ninja Slushi Machine here.
Check out all of my Ninja Slushi Cocktail Recipes like: Ninja Slushi Mojito, Ninja Slushi Rum Punch, Ninja Slushi Pina Colada, Hennessy Ninja Slushi, Ninja Slushi Margarita, Ninja Slushi Daiquiri, and Ninja Slushi Mudslide.
Ninja Slushi Lemon Drop Ingredients
- Lemonade
- Vodka
- Triple Sec or Cointreau Liqueur: The sweetness and citrus notes complement the vodka, but it's optional since the lemonade provides plenty of sweetness.
- Lemon Juice
Can I Make This With a Regular Blender
Yes, but you will need to add a lot of ice to get that thick texture, which may cause you to adjust the ratio of lemonade and/or lemon juice. You will have to adjust to taste and what works for you.
How to Fix Error Messages Related to Alcohol
If you’ve ever tried whipping up a margarita, piña colada, or any frozen cocktail in your Ninja Slushi machine and ended up staring at an error message, or worse, a sad, watery mess. Trust me, I’ve been there. I went through all the trial and error so you don’t have to. Here’s the real reason it happens (and how to fix it).
- Alcohol and Freezing Don’t Mix Well – Alcohol doesn’t freeze like water, so if your drink is too strong, the machine can’t do its job. Too much liquor = no slush. The machine will either skip the shave or refuse to dispense altogether.
- Your Ratios Are Off – The Ninja Slushi needs balance. You’ve got to have the right mix of alcohol and water-based liquid. Too little liquid, and you’ll be scraping ice chunks. Too much, and it’ll pour out like a cocktail instead of a slushie.
- Thick Mixers Can Mess Things Up – Heavy juices, creamy ingredients, or thick syrups can slow the machine down and make your texture clumpy or uneven. Go lighter with those or mix them in after blending.
- Don’t Overfill It – There’s a reason the machine has fill lines, y’all. If you go over that max line, it’s going to struggle to freeze and dispense properly. Keep it in range for the perfect slush every time.
How to Make Cocktails Without Any Errors in the Ninja Slushi Machine
If your drink is too boozy, the Ninja Slushi machine is gonna let you know. You’ll see the temperature lights start flashing one by one from the bottom up, the preset buttons blinking like crazy, and then it’ll start beeping at you every minute for 15 minutes. That’s your cue to cool it on the alcohol and add a splash of something lighter like water or sparkling water to balance things out.
- Keep It at 1–1.5 oz Alcohol per Serving – Anything more, and your drink won’t freeze up right.
- Add a Little Extra Liquid – Water, juice, or mixer helps it blend smooth and thick instead of icy or runny.
- Start with Cold Ingredients – Pre-chilled liquids help the mix freeze faster and stay slushy longer.
- Go Easy on Thick Syrups or Creamy Stuff – If you use them, thin them out with water or juice so the machine doesn’t struggle.
- Respect the Fill Line (64 oz Max) – Overfilling just throws everything off. Stay in that sweet spot for the perfect pour every time.
How to Make Ninja Slushi Lemon Drop
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Add all of the ingredients to the Ninja Slushi Machine. Be sure not to exceed 64oz. Prepare the drink in batches if necessary. Power on the machine and press Spiked Slush.
- Allow the machine to churn and freeze the mixture until the machine beeps to signal the cycle is finished. You can adjust the thickness of the mixture using the side panel. The drink should take 20-45 minutes. Mine took 25 minutes.
- Pull the lever on the spout to dispense the drink. Serve.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use citrus vodka
- Swap vodka for gin
- Add fresh berries (You will need to blend them before adding them to the machine).
- Add lavender syrup
- Use limoncello
- Add sparkling wine after freezing
- Basil
- Mint
- Add basil instead of mint
- Add a splash of pineapple juice
- Add a sugar rim flavored with lemon zest
- Add jalapeño slices for a spicy twist
- Add coconut water
Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
Vodka is classic for a lemon drop, but you can also use citrus vodka for a stronger lemon flavor or swap in gin for a twist.
You don’t have to, but it adds sweetness and a citrusy depth that makes the slushie taste like a real lemon drop cocktail.
Absolutely, just replace the alcohol with extra lemon juice and a splash of simple syrup.
Taste before adding it to the Ninja Slushi. If it’s too tart, add simple syrup or sugar. Remember: slushies taste less sweet when frozen.
Most batches take 20–45 minutes depending on your machine and how cold your ingredients are. Using chilled ingredients speeds it up. It took me 25 minutes.
Yes, but don’t exceed the machine’s 64 oz max fill line. Freeze in batches if needed.
Yes! Mix everything and store it in the fridge up to 24 hours before adding it to the Ninja Slushi machine.
Of course, margarita glasses, martini glasses, or regular cocktail glasses all work. Coupe glasses just give it that classic lemon drop vibe.
More Ninja Slushi Recipes
Ninja Slushi Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade
Ninja Slushi Lemonade
Ninja Slushi Wendy's Frosty
Ninja Slushi Cherry Slush
Ninja Slushi Coffee Frappé (Vanilla Caramel)
Ninja Slushi Strawberry Lemonade Slush
Ninja Slushi Vanilla Protein Shake
Lemon Drop Slush
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get my FREE Thanksgiving menu, exactly what I'm cooking, plus my tips for making it a stress-free meal seasoned to perfection. Let me do the planning for you!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups lemonade
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup vodka
- ¼ cup Triple Sec or Cointreau Liqueur Optional, The sweetness and citrus notes complement the vodka, but the lemonade provides plenty of sweetness.
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to the Ninja Slushi Machine. Be sure not to exceed 64oz. Prepare the drink in batches if necessary. Power on the machine and press Spiked Slush.
- Allow the machine to churn and freeze the mixture until the machine beeps to signal the cycle is finished. You can adjust the thickness of the mixture using the side panel. The drink should take 20-45 minutes. Mine took 25 minutes.
- Pull the lever on the spout to dispense the drink. Serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Leave a Reply