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This homemade Christmas Slush Mocktail is an easy recipe that brings festive cheer to any holiday gathering. Combining cranberry juice, orange juice, and lemonade concentrate with fizzy cherry lemon-lime soda creates a refreshing frozen treat that's perfect for parties and suitable for all ages. Each glass sparkles with holiday spirit and delightful fruity flavors.
Why You'll Love This Mocktail
This festive slush combines the perfect balance of tart cranberry, sweet orange, and zesty lemon flavors, all topped with fizzy soda for a delightful drinking experience. It's make-ahead friendly, allowing you to focus on other party preparations. The recipe is easily scalable for crowds and creates a beautiful presentation that rivals any alcoholic punch.
Ingredients for Christmas Slush
- For the Slush Base:
- 4 cups cranberry juice (100% juice preferred)
- 2 cups orange juice
- 2 cans (12 oz each) frozen lemonade concentrate
- For Serving:
- 1-2 liters cherry lemon-lime soda
- Ice cream scoop for serving
- Festive glasses
- For Garnish:
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange slices
- Fresh mint leaves
- Sugared cranberries (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Base
- In large mixing bowl, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, and frozen lemonade concentrate. Stir until concentrate is completely dissolved.
- Freeze the Mixture
- Transfer to freezer-safe container. Freeze overnight or minimum 8 hours, stirring occasionally if possible for best texture.
- Prepare for Serving
- Remove from freezer 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Have chilled soda and garnishes ready.
- Assemble Drinks
- Scoop slush mixture into glasses, filling halfway. Top with cherry lemon-lime soda until fizzy and full.
- Garnish and Serve
- Add fresh cranberries, orange slices, or mint leaves. Serve immediately while fizzy and slushy.
Pro Tips for Success
Use 100% juice for best flavor. Chill soda thoroughly before adding to slush. Keep slush mixture in freezer between servings. For best texture, stir mixture once or twice during freezing process. If too frozen, let stand at room temperature briefly until scoopable.
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Serving Suggestions
Create a festive drink station with the frozen slush, chilled soda, and various garnishes. Offer both regular and sugar-rimmed glasses. Consider coordinating straw colors with your holiday theme. For parties, pre-scoop slush into glasses and store in freezer for quick service. Perfect alongside Christmas cookies or holiday appetizers.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Slush base keeps in freezer up to 1 month. Store in airtight container, stirring occasionally if stored long-term. For best results, add soda only when serving. Can make large batches and store in multiple containers. If texture becomes too solid, let stand briefly at room temperature before scooping.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How far ahead can I make the slush mixture?
- The slush mixture needs to freeze overnight, but can be made several days in advance and kept frozen until needed.
- → Why do I need to dissolve the sugar in hot water?
- Dissolving the sugar in hot water creates a simple syrup that mixes more evenly throughout the drink and prevents graininess.
- → Can I make this non-alcoholic?
- This recipe is already non-alcoholic, making it perfect for all ages at holiday gatherings.
- → How do I serve this?
- Break up the frozen mixture with a fork, add about a cup to each glass, and top with cherry lemon-lime soda. Garnish with cranberries and orange slices.
- → Can I use different juices?
- While the recipe is best with the specified juices for the holiday flavor, you could experiment with other juice combinations while keeping the same proportions.