Alcoholic slushies, sometimes referred to as “adult slushies” or “boozy slushies”, are frozen mixed drinks made with liquor and fruit juice or other flavored syrups. They have a slushy, semi-frozen texture similar to a normal slushie, but with the addition of alcohol. Alcoholic slushies first became popular at bars and nightclubs but are now commonly made and enjoyed at home as well. They provide a fun and refreshing way to consume liquor.
Different Names for Alcoholic Slushies
There are many creative and catchy names used to refer to alcoholic slushies, depending on the specific ingredients and recipe. Some common names include:
Boozy Slushie
This is probably the most universal and common term used to refer to any type of alcoholic slushie. “Boozy” indicates the presence of alcohol.
Tipsy Slush
This is another very popular umbrella term for alcoholic slushies, with “tipsy” alluding to the effect of drinking the cocktail.
Adult Slushie
“Adult slushie” makes it clear these drinks are the grown-up, alcoholic version of a normal fruit slushie. This is a very direct and descriptive name.
Spiked Slushie
“Spiked” suggests the slushie base has been altered by the addition of liquor. This is a fun and playful name for boozy frozen cocktails.
Frozen Cocktail
Simply describing the drink as a “frozen cocktail” is another common choice, making it clear alcohol is involved while maintaining the icy, slushy angle.
Specific Ingredient Names
Some alcoholic slushie names refer directly to their main alcoholic ingredient, such as:
– Vodka Slushie
– Rum Runner Slushie
– Margarita Slushie
– Pina Colada Slushie
– Daiquiri Ice
This helps give guests a clear idea of what to expect in terms of flavors. It works best when there is a predominantly featured spirit.
Descriptive Names
Imaginative names that describe the experience of drinking a boozy slushie are also popular, like:
– Brain Freeze
– Frostbite
– Frozen Buzz
These paint a vivid picture of the sensation of sipping a well-chilled alcoholic slurry.
Location or Event Names
Bars sometimes theme their alcoholic slushie names around the venue location or a specific event, like:
– Santa Monica Slush
– Coachella Freeze
– Carnival Chiller
This can help make drinks feel special for certain occasions.
Popular Flavors and Combinations
The possibilities for alcoholic slushie flavors are endless, but there are some tried-and-true recipes that have become classics:
Margarita Slushies
These are made with tequila, orange liqueur like triple sec, lime juice, and margarita mix. They replicate the flavors of a frozen margarita.
Pina Colada Slushies
These tropical slushies are made with rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and often coconut rum as well. They mimic a pina colada.
Mojito Slushies
For these minty slushies, rum and lime juice are combined with mint, simple syrup, and soda water. Just like a mojito!
Frosé
Frosé combines rosé wine with flavors like strawberry or peach puree for a deliciously fruity slushie.
Mudslide Slushies
These rich, dessert-like slushies are made with vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and milk or cream.
Blue Lagoon
Vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade or lemon-lime soda create these tropical blue frozen drinks.
Bellini Slushies
For a bubbly brunch option, combine Prosecco and peach puree or peach nectar.
Mai Tai Slushies
These tiki-inspired slushies are made with rum, orange juice, orgeat syrup, lime juice and simple syrup. Garnish with fruit.
Jungle Juice
Almost any combination of liquors, juices, and fruit purees can be whirled into “jungle juice” for a wild party drink.
How to Make Alcoholic Slushies
While you can sometimes find ready-made alcoholic slushies at bars and restaurants, it’s also easy and fun to make them at home. Here is a simple step-by-step method:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fruit juice or other flavored liquid base
– 1/2 cup liquor of choice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup or other sweetener
– 1 cup ice
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients except ice in a blender.
- Blend until fully incorporated and smooth.
- With blender still running, slowly add ice and blend until drink achieves a frozen, slushy consistency.
- Pour into glasses to serve and garnish if desired.
- Drink immediately before it melts!
The key is adding ice slowly to reach the perfect frozen blend. You can also use frozen fruit instead of ice. Get creative with combinations of juices, fruits, herbs, liqueurs, etc.
Cocktail Glassware for Serving Slushies
While alcoholic slushies can be served in regular glasses, using specific cocktail glassware can enhance the experience:
Pint glasses or beer mugs
These are tall, insulating glasses that help keep slushies chilled for longer. The wide mouth allows for additions like straws or spoons.
Margarita/rocks glasses
The short, wide shape helps contain slushy overflow and provides a nice presentation.
Mason jars
Mason jars add a cute, rustic feel and keep drinks cold. You can even make individual servings in small mason jars.
Plastic cups
For pool parties or casual gatherings, colorful plastic cups are economical and low maintenance.
Straws and spoons
Having straws lets guests slurp up slushies easily. Long spoons make it easy to scrape and scoop slushie consistencies.
Cocktail umbrellas, berries, citrus wheels
These types of festive garnishes add a playful tropical vibe to any boozy frozen drink.
Tips for Making Alcoholic Slushies
Here are some handy tips to help make stellar boozy slushies at home:
Use good quality liquor
Splurge on top-shelf spirits and liqueurs whenever possible, as lower quality alcohol can taste harsh when frozen.
Make a simple syrup
Simple syrup helps ingredients blend smoothly. Make your own by boiling equal parts sugar and water. Let cool before using.
Use fresh juices
Freshly squeezed citrus juices lead to better flavor. You can also use fresh fruit purees.
Consider texture
Test different ice cube sizes and thawed vs frozen fruit to achieve the ideal slushy consistency.
Give it a stir
Before serving, give slushies a stir with a spoon to evenly blend any separation.
Work quickly
Have ingredients chilled and measured ahead of time. Work speedily while blending and serving slushies to keep them as cold as possible.
Add boozy extras
For an extra kick, you can optionally rim glasses with sugar, salt or citrus juice and dip in sprinkles, candy or crushed cookies before pouring slushies.
Equipment for Making Slushies
While a regular blender can make slushies, having the right equipment makes the process easier:
Blenders designed for frozen drinks
Look for high-power blenders specifically made for smoothies and slushies, which pulverize ice easily. Popular options include Vitamix, Blendtec, and Ninja blenders.
Margarita Machines
Margarita machines have built-in blenders and reservoirs to continually churn out slushy cocktails. Great for parties!
Snow cone/slushie machines
These shave ice into ultra-fine snow-like texture perfect for absorbing liquid and making slushies without a blender required.
Ice shaver machines
Manual or electric ice shavers quickly crush regular ice into fine bits to achieve frozen drink consistency without diluting it.
Frozen drink mugs
Insulated mugs with built-in blenders allow you to blend individual slushie servings by the glass.
Cold bottles and glasses
Chilling glasses ahead of time helps alcoholic slushies retain their icy texture longer.
Where to Find Alcoholic Slushies
While homemade slushies are delicious, you can also find ready-made boozy frozen cocktails at:
Bars and lounges
Many local bars will have slushies on their cocktail menus, especially in the summer. Margarita and mojito slushies are most common.
Restaurants
Some family-friendly chain restaurants offer virgin slushies that you can discreetly spike with a flask.
Concerts and festivals
Outdoor events will frequently have boozy slushie stands to help concert-goers cool off.
Cruise lines
On cruise ship pool decks, slushie bars often provide adult and virgin options. They’re great on a hot day at sea.
Hotels and resorts
Many pool bars and lobby lounges at hotels and tropical resorts serve cocktails in slushie form.
Gas stations/convenience stores
You can find ready-to-drink canned or bottled alcoholic slushies for sale at some gas stations and convenience stores.
Specialty slushie shops
A growing number of businesses focus specifically on unique and elevated alcoholic slushies. They offer huge flavor varieties.
Slushie Cocktail Recipes
Here are full recipes for some classic crowd-pleasing alcoholic slushies:
Frosé Slushie
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rosé wine
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- Lemon wheels and strawberries for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Blend rosé, frozen strawberries, lemon juice and simple syrup until smooth.
- With blender running, slowly add 3 cups ice until thick and frozen.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with lemon wheels and strawberries if desired.
Mojito Slushie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white rum
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- Club soda
- Mint sprigs for garnish
Directions:
- Blend rum, lime juice, mint leaves and simple syrup until smooth.
- With blender running, slowly add 3 cups ice until frozen consistency is reached.
- Pour slushie base equally into glasses. Top with club soda.
- Garnish with fresh mint. Serve with straws.
Blue Lagoon Slushie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup blue curaçao
- 1 cup lemonade
- Sliced lemons or limes for garnish
Directions:
- Blend vodka, blue curaçao and lemonade until thoroughly combined.
- With blender running, slowly add 2 cups ice until drink is slushy.
- Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with lemon/lime slices.
Safety Tips for Alcoholic Slushies
Boozy slushies go down very smoothly, which can lead to inadvertent over-intoxication. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use a measured shot when adding liquor – don’t eyeball it.
- Space out drinking over time rather than consuming quickly.
- Alternate with glasses of water to stay hydrated.
- Be aware that brain freeze sensations may hide feeling intoxicated.
- Don’t drive or operate machinery after consuming.
- Keep track of how many you’ve had. It’s easy to lose count with slushies.
Pace yourself and opt for lower alcohol options if drinking multiple slushies at once. Never pressure others to drink more than they wish.
Mocktail Slushie Alternatives
To enjoy fun fruity slushies without alcohol, try these refreshing mocktail recipes:
Virgin Mojito Slushie
- Mint leaves
- Lime juice
- Simple syrup
- Club soda
- Mint sprig garnish
Strawberry Daiquiri Slushie
- Strawberries
- Lime juice
- Simple syrup
- Strawberry garnish
Pina Colada Slushie
- Pineapple juice
- Coconut cream
- Pineapple wedge garnish
Mango Margarita Slushie
- Mango puree
- Lime juice
- Orange juice
- Tajin or chili powder rim
Kids and non-drinkers can enjoy the fun of slushies too with endless alcohol-free combinations!
Conclusion
Alcoholic slushies provide the perfect blend of refreshment and indulgence for summertime fun. Their sweet, icy base masks the flavor of liquor, allowing you to creatively mix, match and customize. While ready-made options are convenient, learning how to DIY boozy slushies at home opens up endless possibilities for experimenting with flavors and custom strengths. Just be sure to keep proportions and safety in mind, plan ahead with measured ingredients, and blend with care. Sip thoughtfully and enjoy responsibly – alcoholic slushies go down very easily! With the right recipes and techniques, you can beat the heat in style with these flavorful frozen drinks.