Outback’s Strawberry Kiwi Frozen Lemonade: A Taste of Tropical Bliss

There are certain drinks that transport you, that encapsulate a feeling, a memory, a specific moment in time. For me, Outback’s Strawberry Kiwi Frozen Lemonade is precisely that. I can vividly recall a sweltering summer afternoon, the air thick and heavy, stepping into the cool, dim interior of Outback Steakhouse. The promise of a frosty, vibrant concoction was an instant balm. The first sip was pure magic – a perfect harmony of tart lemonade, sweet strawberries, and the subtle, exotic perfume of kiwi. It was so refreshingly unique, I found myself thinking about it long after the meal was over, a perfect antidote to the heat and a delicious reminder of carefree days. Discovering what is rumored to be the restaurant’s original recipe felt like unearthing a culinary treasure, and I’ve been happily recreating this delight ever since.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Yield: 1 drink
• Dietary Type: Alcoholic Beverage

Ingredients

This delightful frozen beverage is surprisingly simple to assemble, relying on just a few key components to achieve its signature flavor profile.

• 3/4 ounce Smirnoff Strawberry Vodka
• 1 1/4 ounces Shakka Kiwi Liqueur
• A splash of lemonade concentrate
• Ice (enough to achieve your desired frozen consistency)
• 2 ounces strawberry puree

Notes on Ingredients:
The choice of Smirnoff Strawberry Vodka provides a smooth base with a pre-infused strawberry essence that complements the fresh puree beautifully. For the Shakka Kiwi Liqueur, its tropical sweetness and distinct kiwi flavor are crucial to the drink’s character. If Shakka is unavailable, a good quality kiwi liqueur or even a very ripe, blended kiwi fruit with a touch of simple syrup could be experimented with, though authenticity will be impacted. The lemonade concentrate is essential for that classic tangy lemonade foundation, and it’s important to use concentrate for its intense flavor without adding excess liquid that could dilute the frozen texture. Finally, strawberry puree is best made from fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant color and natural sweetness.

Equipment Needed

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward preparation, requiring minimal specialized equipment.

• Blender: A good quality blender is essential for achieving the perfect slushy consistency.
• Martini Glass: Chilling this will ensure your drink stays frosty longer.

Instructions

Crafting this frozen delight is a breeze, perfect for a quick indulgence or for entertaining. Follow these simple steps for a taste of Outback’s signature refreshment.

1. Prepare your serving vessel. Begin by placing your martini glass in the freezer. This crucial step ensures your drink will stay refreshingly cold from the first sip to the last. A well-chilled glass makes all the difference in a frozen beverage.
2. Blend the core ingredients. In your blender, combine the 3/4 ounce Smirnoff Strawberry Vodka, the 1 1/4 ounces Shakka Kiwi Liqueur, a splash of lemonade concentrate, and a generous amount of ice.
3. Achieve the perfect slushy texture. Blend all these ingredients vigorously until the mixture reaches a smooth, slushy consistency. You’re aiming for a drink that’s thick enough to hold its shape but still pourable. Add more ice if necessary to achieve this.
4. Assemble the drink. Carefully retrieve your chilled martini glass from the freezer.
5. Layer the strawberry puree. Pour the 2 ounces of strawberry puree into the bottom of the martini glass. This creates a beautiful visual appeal and ensures a burst of strawberry flavor with every sip.
6. Top with the frozen mixture. Gently pour the blended lemonade mixture over the strawberry puree in the glass. Be careful to pour slowly to maintain the distinct layers, creating a visually stunning ombre effect.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Elevating this already delightful drink is all about attention to detail. Here are a few seasoned chef insights to make your Outback Strawberry Kiwi Frozen Lemonade truly exceptional:

• Chilling is Key: Beyond just chilling the glass, ensure your vodka and kiwi liqueur are also cold before blending. This will help you achieve a better frozen texture with less ice, preventing a watered-down flavor.
• The Ice Factor: The type and amount of ice can greatly affect the texture. Use crushed ice if your blender struggles with cubes, as it blends more easily and creates a finer slush. Be mindful of adding too much ice, which can make the drink icy rather than slushy.
• Puree Perfection: For the most vibrant strawberry puree, use ripe, in-season strawberries. If your strawberries are a bit tart, a tiny drizzle of agave nectar or simple syrup can be blended in to sweeten the puree without altering the alcoholic content.
• Layering Artistry: To enhance the visual appeal of the layered effect, you can gently tilt the glass as you pour the blended mixture over the puree. This encourages the two components to mingle slightly rather than creating a stark line, resulting in a more gradient appearance.
• Garnish with Flair: While not in the original recipe, a fresh strawberry slice perched on the rim of the glass, or a thin wheel of kiwi, can add a professional and inviting touch.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This frozen lemonade is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, when its texture is at its peak.

• Serving: Serve your Outback Strawberry Kiwi Frozen Lemonade immediately after assembly. The vibrant layers of strawberry and the frosty lemonade mixture are best appreciated when perfectly chilled and slushy. It’s an ideal beverage for a warm afternoon, a barbecue, or as a special treat to accompany a casual meal. A wide-mouthed glass, like the recommended martini glass, makes it easy to scoop up the delicious frozen mixture.
• Storage: Due to its frozen nature, this drink is not designed for long-term storage. If you happen to have any leftovers, they will melt quite quickly at room temperature. It’s best to prepare only what you intend to consume immediately. If absolutely necessary to store, you could try pouring any remaining liquid into an ice cube tray and freezing it to use in future smoothies or cocktails, but the texture will not be the same as when freshly blended.

Nutritional Information

This nutritional information is an estimate for one serving of the Outback’s Strawberry Kiwi Frozen Lemonade, based on the provided ingredients and quantities. Please note that individual ingredient variations can affect these values.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	280 kcal	14%
Calories from Fat	5 kcal
Total Fat	0.5 g	1%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	5 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	25 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	2 g	8%
Sugars	22 g	44%
Protein	1 g	2%
Vitamin C	30 mg	50%
Alcohol (estimated)	2.5 oz

Note: The “Sugars” content is primarily from the fruit puree and liqueur. The “Calories from Fat” is negligible. The alcohol content is estimated and can vary.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a faithful rendition of the Outback favorite, there’s always room for personal touches and creative adaptations.

• Non-Alcoholic Version: For a delightful mocktail, simply omit the Smirnoff Strawberry Vodka and Shakka Kiwi Liqueur. Increase the lemonade concentrate slightly and add a touch more strawberry puree or a splash of kiwi juice for added flavor. You might also consider adding a splash of non-alcoholic strawberry syrup or kiwi syrup for sweetness and depth.
• Fresh Fruit Focus: If you prefer to avoid liqueurs, blend fresh kiwi slices along with the strawberries, lemonade concentrate, and ice. You may need to add a touch of simple syrup or honey to the blend to achieve the desired sweetness.
• Spicy Kick: For an adventurous twist, add a tiny sliver of fresh jalapeño (seeds removed) to the blender with the main ingredients. It adds a surprising and pleasant warmth that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tart flavors.
• Creamy Dream: For a richer, creamier texture, you could blend in a tablespoon or two of coconut cream or full-fat yogurt (if not dairy-free). This will change the texture and flavor profile but can be a delicious alternative.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this frozen lemonade ahead of time?
A: Due to its frozen nature, it’s best to prepare this drink immediately before serving. It melts quickly and will lose its ideal slushy texture if made in advance.

Q: What kind of ice is best for this recipe?
A: Crushed ice is ideal as it blends more easily and creates a smoother, slushier consistency. If you only have cubed ice, ensure your blender is powerful enough to break it down thoroughly.

Q: My drink isn’t sweet enough. How can I adjust the sweetness?
A: You can add more strawberry puree for natural sweetness, or a small amount of simple syrup, agave nectar, or honey to the blender mixture. Taste and adjust gradually.

Q: I don’t have Shakka Kiwi Liqueur. What can I use instead?
A: A good quality kiwi liqueur is the closest substitute. Alternatively, you could try blending fresh kiwi fruit with a touch of simple syrup, though the flavor intensity may differ.

Q: How do I get the distinct strawberry layer at the bottom?
A: Pour the strawberry puree into the chilled glass first, then carefully pour the blended lemonade mixture over it. The denser puree will naturally settle at the bottom.

Final Thoughts

The Outback’s Strawberry Kiwi Frozen Lemonade is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s the embodiment of vibrant flavors and effortless refreshment, a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly memorable. Whether you’re seeking a taste of sunshine on a gloomy day or aiming to impress guests with a visually stunning and deliciously unique beverage, this recipe delivers. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your blender, and prepare to be transported to a tropical paradise with every sip. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your own experiences and any creative twists you discover. Cheers to delicious discoveries!