Methods of making a cement composition include combining a liquid additive comprising lightweight beads and fluid with a cement, wherein the liquid additive is substantially absent of a water absorbing material. The liquid additive may further comprise a dispersant. A mass ratio of the fluid to the lightweight beads in the liquid additive may be less than or equal to about 1:1. The liquid additive may be introduced to a delivery pump that supplies water to a cement mixing head for producing a cement slurry. Alternatively, the liquid additive may be introduced to a cement slurry as the slurry is being pumped into a wellbore. Systems for transporting the liquid additive include a recirculating pump for moving the liquid additive from the bottom of a vessel to the top of the vessel, thereby causing floating beads to be mixed down in the liquid additive.